Amidst investigations from the FTC and FCC and with DOJ’s antitrust head Christine Varney talking about how she wants to go after Google, Eric Schmidt has resigned from Apple’s board of directors.
This has been inevitable. For awhile, the two companies didn’t really compete. But now, with Google’s Android mobile platform and plans for Chrome OS, Schmidt’s place on the board was becoming questionable. (Schmidt did leave the room during the board’s iPhone discussions, but with Chrome OS, he would barely be in attendance.)
Late last week, the FCC opened an inquiry as to why the Google Voice application was rejected for Apple’s iPhone. And earlier this may, the FTC launched an antitrust investigation into the ties between the two companies.
Government investigation or not, it’s wise for Schmidt to step down. There’s very little left for him to contribute to as Google expands its business.