Apple, which of course makes the signature multi-touch mobile device the iPhone, apparently asked Google not to implement it, and Google agreed, according to an Android team member.
The multi-touch capability of the iPhone gives it a key advantage over competing phones such as the G1 and the BlackBerry Storm, and it raises the question of why Google, which has devoted a lot of resources towards the development and subsequent release of Android, decided to comply with Apple’s request.
Further, the Android team member went on to say that they were relieved that Google didn’t go against Apple’s wishes, given the legal storm that appears to be brewing between Apple and Palm, which is using multi-touch technology in its new Pre phone. Even if Apple ultimately decides not to pursue legal action against Palm, the situation has likely soured the relationship between the two companies. Google, it seems, wants no part in ruining its relationship with Apple.
Tags: android, g1, google, multi touch