Andy Rubin, called the father of the widely-used Android operating system, has left Google on Thursday after working in the company for nine years.
In a statement, Google CEO Larry Page said, "I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next. With Android he created something truly remarkable with a billion plus happy users. Thank you."
Rubin co-founded Android, Inc. in 2003, which, in only a few years, took on the likes of Apple iOS and Microsoft Windows Mobile. He joined Google in 2005 when the tech giant bought the then-startup company, and headed the Android division until 2013 when Sundar Pichai took over the position.
Rubin then headed the robotics group of Google, which will now be led by Google research scientist, James Kuffner.
According to the Wall Street Journal, as reported by The Inquirer, Rubin will put up a hardware technology incubator, which would benefit startups in the robotics field.
Meanwhile, Google has reportedly further expanded Pichai's role in the company. He was already the head of Chrome when he became head of Android last year, and now has the additional assignment of being Head of Product.
A report by Re/Code published on Oct. 24 states that Pichai will not only oversee the company's desktop and mobile OS groups as well as Google Apps, he will also be on top of ad products and infrastructure, commerce, Google+, maps, research, and search.
While those responsibilities will be transferred from Page, the CEO is said to continue managing the areas of business and operations, which includes finance and business, legal, and corporate development, along with Calico, Google X, Nest, and access and energy.
YouTube will also not be overseen by Pichai as it will continue to be helmed by Google veteran, Susan Wojcicki.
