Lengthy-time Android Engineering VP Dave Burke mentioned at present that he’s stepping down from the position. Burke, who spent 14 years constructing Android, isn’t leaving Alphabet and is exploring “AI/bio” tasks inside the firm.
Burke was concerned in pivotal tasks, together with constructing Nexus/Pixel telephones, growing Chrome for cellphones, beginning Android TV, and spearheading efforts to construct and ship developer instruments.
His transfer comes as Google has been reshuffling executives amid layoffs this 12 months. In January, the corporate laid off greater than 1,000 workers, together with most of its AR {hardware} workforce. Together with this, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman additionally left the corporate.
In April, Google mixed {hardware} and Android groups to give attention to bringing AI to all units. The choice noticed Hiroshi Lockheimer, who headed Android, Chrome, and ChromeOS, exploring different roles within the firm with SVP of Units and Providers Rick Osterloh overseeing the brand new division. Sameer Samat, who labored underneath Lockheimer, grew to become the president of Android Ecosystem.
In a submit on X, Burke mentioned that he would proceed as an advisor as he appears to be like for an additional mission.
“So… after 14 yrs main Android engineering, I’ve determined it’s time for a change. An awe-inspiring journey serving to construct the most important OS on the planet (+ many Nexus/Pixel). I’m endlessly grateful for the opp. Persevering with as an advisor whereas determining what’s subsequent in AI/bio,” he mentioned.
Burke additionally despatched a letter to his colleagues, which was printed on LinkedIn, and mentioned he needed to discover the position of AI in boosting drug discovery.
“AI has the potential to play a pivotal position in accelerating drug discovery, with vast applicability, together with in hard-to-treat pediatric cancers, a subject near my coronary heart. I’m working with Sundar to discover related roles at Alphabet,” he mentioned.
