Google savages Apple for lack of openness

Google has taunted Apple for its lack of openness

Google's vice president of engineering has launched a scathing attack on Apple, accusing the company of not being open, having major hardware and software limitations and attempting to monopolise the mobile market.

Vic Gundotra laid into Apple during his keynote at the Google I/O 2010 event, criticising the lack of openness in its platform and lack of support for other features within the Safari browser.

Gundotra pointed out that the new Android 2.2 operating system, for example, supports Adobe's Flash and Air with no problems.

"We are not only committed to the fastest mobile browser, but the most comprehensive," he said. "It turns out that, on the internet, people use Flash. Part of being open means you are not exclusive with information. You are open to all."

Gundotra mocked Apple's operating system for its limitations when it comes to the use of the internet while demonstrating the Android Intent feature, which allows web pages and application functions to be sent directly to the mobile phone.

"We are doing proper cloud-to-device messaging, not just a basic push notification designed to cover up an inability to handle multi-tasking," he said, to strong audience applause.

Gundotra also attacked Apple on the performance and limitations of the iPad, using a computing speed test between the iPad and an Android handset, and demonstrating the ability to turn mobile phones into Wi-Fi access points, when an iPad was used to pick up the signal.

This openness is also reflected in the advertising model for Android, according to Gundotra. Any advertiser can use the platform, and non-Google code can be built onto web pages, putting publishers and developers in charge, he said.

The attacks continued as Gundotra moved on to the launch of GoogleTV, with constant references to the platform's openness and support for Flash.

While not mentioning Apple chief executive Steve Jobs by name, Gundotra did say that one of the motivating factors in developing Android is to avoid "one man" controlling the mobile ecosystem.

V3.co.uk asked Gundotra at the post-keynote press conference what he would tell Jobs if he had the chance. He claimed that many of the remarks were not just directed at Apple, but at a range of companies.

"What we said was not necessarily said to Apple only. Google stands for openness and choice. That's where we stand," he said.