On Aug. 3, Google CEO Eric Schmidt did what many think he should have done long before: resign from Apple's board. Google's Chrome Web browser competes with Apple's Safari. Google also aims for its Android software to power a range of gadgets to vie with the iPhone, and for PC-like devices based on its not-yet-completed Chrome OS to rival Macs. These aren't minor board matters that could be resolved with Schmidt slipping out to get a cup of coffee. In fact, his exit came just three days after Apple spurned a Google app for the iPhone, a move that concerned the FCC. Meanwhile, the FTC praised Schmidt's resignation but says it's still probing whether Genentech Chairman Arthur Levinson's membership on the Apple and Google boards violates competition rules.
See PAGE 024 "Apple and Google: Another Step Apart" and PAGE 011 "Eric Schmidt on Where Google Is Headed"