Google’s Android lead steps down

Android lead Andy Rubin will step down from his position, handing over the reins of Google’s mobile operating system to Chrome lead Sundar Pichai.

Google chief executive Larry Page broke the news in a post on the company’s official blog, saying that Rubin felt the time had come to move on — albeit within the company. Page did not specify what new position Rubin, who founded the Android company that Google backed and eventually bought to become its own smartphone platform, will take at Google. He did, however, indicate that he will be working on projects focused on innovation. Rubin said on his personal Twitter account that he has “no plans to leave Google.” Pichai will be adding Android to his existing work portfolio, which includes Chrome and Apps. He has overseen Chrome’s growth to become one of the top three Internet browsers in the world. Page said that under Pichai’s leadership Chrome has become a browser that can sell itself on three traits: speed, simplicity and security.