It could also prompt Google to redesign Android and use their own technology, not somebody else’s.

+

Hmnn…think Apple will go after this smartphone, too?

http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/beyond-e-tech-duet/4505-6454_7-33980313.html?tag=smallCarouselArea.1

They didn’t even try to look different!

In all this IP lawsuit business many have been quick to criticise Apple.  What about Eric Schmidt?  He was on Apple’s Board discussing Apple’s strategic plans while simultaneously planning Android phones!  I would have that that kind of behaviour was illegal!  In hindsight Steve should have given him the boot much earlier.  But presumably Schmidt reassured Steve: “Oh no.  Google has no plans for a smart phone - or any other computer hardware..”  I’m sorry but I’m with Steve on this Google does no evil thing.  Schmidt is duplicitous.

If Schmidt is duplicitous (quite possible), then Steve is an idiot (also likely). Everyone knew that Google purchased Android, Inc. They knew the employees that came over and their backgrounds. They knew about the Open Handset Alliance. There was as much speculation in December, 2006 about a Google phone as there was about an iPhone.

The real cost of this for Apple is not in terms of dollars, and the real comparison is not in terms of patents. It’s reputation. Apple could “win” this at very low obvious cost, and “lose” to the point of getting drubbed out of the phone market. I know of a few families that have a Google employee and an Apple employee. How do you think Thanksgiving dinner works in the Valley if those companies are engaged in covert war, let alone open bloodshed?

So yeah, this will be interesting. Apple may find out the meaning of the phrase “dead right”.

Schmidt is duplicitous.

I am shocked — SHOCKED, I say!