Does Google actually compete with Apple? Well, according to Google's chief executive Eric Schmidt, it doesn't 'at the moment', despite both companies offering rival browsers and indeed, rival mobile operating systems. But the Google Chrome OS could be the product that finally brings the two into direct competition. Which is bad news for Eric Schmidt.
You might not know this, but Mr Schmidt actually sits on the board of both companies and has done since 2006, despite both companies operating in a similar sphere. Critics have voiced concerns about the dual role, especially in the wake of the Chrome OS announcement. However, Google's chief is fairly laid back about it: 'I'll talk to the Apple people,' he told reporters on Thursday. 'At the moment, there's no issue.'
It's a tough one to call. The Chrome OS is almost certainly going to go head-to-head with Microsoft, but it will also impact on Apple's business, especially if the much-rumoured Apple netbook finally breaks cover. According to reports, Schmidt avoids involving himself in discussions about possible 'overlapping' products like the iPhone to avoid any conflicts. But with the number of rival products on the rise, you do wonder if there will be anything left for the Google chief to discuss at Apple in 12 months time.
However, his hand may be forced in advance of that. The US Federal Trade Commission is already looking into whether the ties between the boards violate anti-trust laws, which state that a person is not allowed to sit on the board of two companies if it may decrease competition between them. Does it? We'll leave that thorny issue to the US authorities to decide.
Link: Google (via The Guardian)
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