Google executive reshuffle may affect relationship with handset brands, say sources

Google's Android chief, Andy Rubin, has stepped down from his current post. If Rubin is assigned to strengthen in-house handset products, it may affect Google's relationship with other handset brands, according to industry observers.

Sundar Pichai, the newly appointed head of Android at Google, is believed to have been shouldered with responsibilities to seek possible ways to merge Chrome and Android, potentially bringing a new OS for notebooks, tablets and smartphones.

While a possible merger between Chrome and Android would benefit hardware makers who are developing notebooks, tablets and smartphones simultaneously, some observers pointed out that there is no urgent need for Google to replace Android with Chrome due to the high popularity of Android.

So the future role of Andy Rubin at Google is crucial, said the observers, adding that relationships between Google and Android smartphone makers will intensify if Rubin is assigned for product development at Motorola Mobility.