Today in Tech: Android & Chrome, Andy Rubin & Sundar Pichai and more

What Sundar Pichai's new role says about Google Sundar Pichai becoming the head of both Android and Chrome is a clear indicator that the two operating system under Google will one day converge. It might not happen soon. But, that's the direction.

Google's rivals also have more than one operating system. Apple has iOS for mobile and Mac OS for computers. Microsoft has two, even if they go by the same name. Recently Ubuntu has launched an OS for mobile. But Google's case is different, in the sense that Chrome and Android took two different approaches. Chrome is designed to run applications that sit in a cloud, while for Android they need to be installed in the devices.

Android has seen huge success. Chrome OS, not so much. That Google was investing in both says something about its culture - an ability to embrace completely different approaches might be a key to innovation. It also says something about Google's desire to hold on to its best talent. (A couple of years ago, when Twitter tried to lure Sundar Pichai, Google reportedly paid $50 m in stock to retain him.)

Now, the focus appears to have turned towards building products and platforms that will offer seamless experience across devices.

Andy Rubin
Several news reports suggest that Andy Rubin will now oversee Google's projects such as Google Glass and Driverless Car.

This is what Larry Page had to tell about the move: Having exceeded even the crazy ambitious goals we dreamed of for Android—and with a really strong leadership team in place—Andy’s decided it’s time to hand over the reins and start a new chapter at Google. Andy, more moonshots please!
And this is from a letter Rubin wrote to Android partners: As for me, I am an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google. I am amazed by what we have accomplished from those early days (not so long ago!), and remain passionate about the power of a simple idea and a shared goal — an open source platform freely available to everyone — to transform computing for people everywhere.

Google Reader: some alternatives
It's a sad day for Google Reader fans. It will go as a part of Google's latest spring cleaning.

We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So, on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google Takeout over the course of the next four months.

Or may be not. Even with Google Reader around, I often find myself checking stuff on one of these apps on my tablet.

• Flipboard: One of the first apps I installed on my tablet, and which made me feel buying it worthwhile.
• Pulse: I mostly use this to track technology news. Initially, I accessed it only on iPad. And later found its website equally convenient.
• Google Currents: Its a bit like Flipboard. I go to it only once in a while, mainly to access RSS feeds.

For web, I made a quick survey among my friends. Here are the top three: Feedly (Chrome app), NewsBlur and Taptu

Also of interest

• Apple Jumps To Second In Revenue In India’s Smartphone Market Says IDC, Thanks To Shifts In Distribution Model | TechCrunch
• Steve Jobs to be featured in upcoming manga comic series | Verge
• Evolv, Using Big Data to Make Hourly Workers More Profitable, Lands $15 Million | AllThingsD
• Wearable Computers Could Help Build A Better You | Popular Science
• How One Person Captured 10,000 Photos at SXSW | AllThingsD

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.