Andy Rubin, one of the founding fathers of Android, is leaving Google. According to The Wall Street Journal, Rubin is leaving to start an incubator for startups. “I want to wish Andy all the best with what’s next,” Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement received by the publication. “With Android he created something truly remarkable—with a billion plus happy users. Thank you.”
Rubin joined Google in 2005 when the company acquired Android Inc, a company he co-founded with three partners back in 2003. Under his watch, Android established itself as the world’s most popular mobile operating system. In March 2013, he stepped down from his role as Senior Vice President, Mobile and Digital Content with Sundar Pichai replacing him. Rubin quickly resurfaced with a new role focused on leading Google’s nascent robotics efforts.
Rubin will be replaced by James Kuffner, a research scientist at Google and a member of the robotics group.
As for Rubin’s new incubator, it will focus on startups interested in building technology-hardware products.
Source : The Wall Street Journal