Google developing tablet to rival iPad

Eric Schmidt reportedly let slip plans for an iPad rival that will run Android and allow Flash.

Bits is reporting that Google may soon be coming out with its own slate computer to rival the iPad.

Eric E. Schmidt, chief executive of Google, told friends at a recent party in Los Angeles about the new device, which would exclusively run the Android operating system. People with direct knowledge of the project — who did not want to be named because they said they were unauthorized to speak publicly about the device — said the company had been experimenting in “stealth mode” with a few publishers to explore delivery of books, magazines and other content on a tablet.

Whether this is a controlled leak or idle hearsay, a tablet that runs Google's mobile operating system Android is a logical next step. Making Android exclusive to one device would be a significant departure from Google’s approach with cell phones, but a departure that makes a lot of sense. The Nexus One, tauted as the Google Phone that had been rumored for over a year, was a complete flop, mostly because it was NOT the Google Phone; it was one of many that ran Android, and the Motorola Droid stole much of the Android pr mojo before the Nexus One could capitalize on it. If Google wants to create the Google Table, it needs to give Android exclusively to one device, at least for a few months.

The coming device will also reinforce Google’s position as the looser, more open alternative to Apple, since it will almost certainly allow for Flash. It doesn’t take a secret source to figure that one, but here’s another quote from Bits anyway:

According to a guest at the party, Mr. Schmidt offered one other piece of information: the Google device will run Adobe Flash content and games.

Steve Jobs has declared war on Adobe Flash calling it a buggy CPU hog that would drain iPad’s battery life. The exclusion of Flash from the iPad has irked many developers, and, of course Adobe itself. Google would be only too happy to play the part of Adobe’s night in shining armor.

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