Android engineer jumps ship

Steve Horowitz was a leading developer on Android

One of the key engineers responsible for Google's Android operating system has left the company.

Steve Horowitz is moving to online coupons marketing agency Coupons Inc as chief technology officer.

"Our business is experiencing unprecedented growth and, as we extend our digital promotions platform to in-store, in-appliance and mobile phones, this is the ideal time for Steve to bring his deep experience to our team," said Steven R Boal, founder of Coupons Inc.

"Steve is a business-minded, consumer-focused and battle-tested technology leader, and I couldn't be more thrilled that he is joining our team."

Horowitz was one of the leading lights on Android, developing the Linux-based operating system from the ground up. Speculation is rife that, with the operating system largely finished, he was looking for a new position.

"Coupons.com has fast become one of the world's leading online brands, so this is a very exciting opportunity," said Horowitz.

"The company is at a pivotal point in its business, and I am eager to help further advance its development and deployment of new platforms and services for digital promotions."

Horowitz was headhunted in February 2006 by Andy Rubin, head of the Android team.