The Apple vs. Google war begins

“It was long overdue: Eric Schmidt (Google’s CEO) finally resigned from Apple’s Board of Directors. Usually, these resignations are handled in the smoothest of ways: Thanks for the distinguished service and the like. This time, Steve Jobs issued a pointed statement: ‘Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest,'” Jean-Louis Gassée and Frederic Filloux report for CBSNews.com.

“The first thing to notice is ‘more.’ Indeed, the reason we all think Eric Schmidt’s resignation was overdue is two years old, almost: it’s called Android, Google’s smartphone OS, directly competing with Apple’s iPhone OS. In 2007, it isn’t clear yet that smartphones are the next PC, only bigger, the iPhone just starts shipping. But, a year later, in 2008, the competitive picture is now sharply drawn. Android is the most dangerous competitor for the most important component of Apple’s present and future profit streams, the iPhone ecosystem,” Gassée and Filloux write. “So, what is the ‘more’ that broke the cross-directorship? Without a doubt: Google’s Chrome OS, with a strong dash of Google Apps.”

Gassée and Filloux write, “A new Microsoft attacking both iPhones and Macs. And, unlike Microsoft, with free software. That’s what Apple sees in Google.”

Much more in the full article – recommended – here.