Rumors but somewhat logical suggest that Google consulted Apple before going ahead with the launch of Android. Apple’s recent comments / increasing tension between Apple and Palm could have easily been Apple vs Google had the G1 featured multitouch. An Android team insider reveals that Apple adviced Google to keep away from Multitoouch and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Apparently Apple holds several patents relating to multitouch, headphone jack being controlled by software etc.
While the Palm PRE has boldly incorporated multitouch several others have restricted themselves to just that flick gestures. While future releases of Android would make it clear as to how true these claims are, looking at the warmness that Google and Apple share we are somewhat convinced.
While Google and Apple are known to be friends with a common rival (yes the BIG M); Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt is also on Apple’s Board. Thus the report suggests that Google avoided souring its ties with Apple by challenging its patents as openly as Palm did with the PRE.
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