The Co-Creator Of Android Has Left Google

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Andy Rubin has left Google. Rubin oversaw Android before shifting to oversee robotics at Google.

Bobby Yip / Reuters / Reuters

Andy Rubin, the co-founder of Android before it was acquired by Google in 2005, has left Google, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal .

Rubin joined Google as part of the company's acquisition. But the move is not particularly surprising, as Rubin took a step back from Android to work in Google's robotics division, leading Google's quick-rising star Sundar Pichai to take over the division.

Pichai, well-liked at Google's Mountain View headquarters, took over the division in March last year. It was the first sign of the consolidation of Google's products under Pichai, who previously ran Google's Chrome projects. Most-recently, the company elevated Pichai to be head of the company's entire product division.

Rubin is leaving to start an incubator for startups focused on hardware, according to the Journal.

"I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next," Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement. "With Android he created something truly remarkable—with a billion plus happy users. Thank you."

A representative from Google had not responded to request for comment at the time of publication.

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