Google's Eric Schmidt Discusses Apple

Eric Schmidt said that Google is being run like a country and that although it may have disputes, it's still able to trade with other countries -- or at least Apple.

"I think both Tim [Cook] and Larry [Page,] the sort of successors to Steven Jobs and me if you will, have an understanding of this state model, " Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal. "When they and their teams meet, they have just a long list of things to talk about."

Schmidt said that Apple and Google's relationship has always been "on and off" and that Google wished Apple would have kept Google Maps and YouTube on the iOS. But he remained pragmatic when questioned about patent litigation. "It'll continue for a while, " he said. "Google is doing fine. Apple is doing fine."

 But Schmidt said the patent wars hurt new entrepreneurs, including Google engineer and Android cofounder Andy Rubin, who is trying to create a new version of smartphone company Danger. "How is he or she going to be able to get the patent coverage necessary to offer version one of their product? That's the real consequence of this," Schmidt said.
 
Schmidt also strengthened the term "Gang of Four'" for the four biggest tech companies in consumer technology: Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook, and pooh-poohed rumors that he would leave Google for a government post.
 
Schmidt has spent the last few years being the voice of Google, especially since neither founders Sergey Brin or Page seem to want to do the interviews and public relations that Schmidt seems to enjoy. While he may speak for Google, we also have to realize that often Schmidt is espousing his views and not always those of the company itself.
 
 
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