Google reaffirms commitment to Android post-Chrome OS

Google said its new Chrome operating system is not a substitute for its existing Android mobile OS, insisting the two platforms can peacefully co-exist by tackling different technological problems. At a media event Friday morning, Google vice president of engineering Andy Rubin said Android will address challenges unique to mobile devices, like managing battery life and preventing dropped calls. "Chrome has a very web-centric view of the world," Rubin said. "There are different problems to be solved in different categories of consumer products. You need different technology for different solutions."

Rubin said a series of Android updates is currently in the works, each with a dessert-themed codename--"Donut," "Éclair" and "Flan," respectively--to follow in the tradition of the "Cupcake" update issued this spring. He noted that social networking will be a major focus of future Android enhancements. In addition, Rubin said Google is working to expand Android Market developer billing options to support multiple billing options--T-Mobile USA said subscribers will soon be able to charge Android Market app downloads directly to their bill as well.

For more on Android's future:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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