Fuelled by a desire to take on their respective rivals, the US press is reporting Google and #1 carrier Verizon are working together on a new Android-based tablet.
The venture was mentioned almost in passing by Verizon chief executive Lowell McAdam during an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Cited as part of a wave of big opportunities, McAdam said Verizon and Google are "working on tablets together".
He added, "We're looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience."
Supersized droid
Both firms may see this as a shrewd move, with Verizon's closest competitor AT&T selling the iPad and Amazon's Kindle, while Google would naturally be keen to produce any device that took the sting out of Apple's new tablet.
Google is remaining tight-lipped on any such co-operation however, suggesting McAdam may have broken ranks in revealing the project.
"Anyone can take the Android platform and add code or download it to create a mobile device without restrictions," Google said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg.
"We look forward to seeing what contributions are made and how an open platform spurs innovation."
Android on the march
Of course, though the press' automatic conclusion has been to brand any forthcoming tablet as an 'iPad killer' - much as Verizon's Android powered Droid was - that's closer to the truth than Google would perhaps like to admit.
Adoption of Android outside its mobile base has always been part of its design, with the internet giant keen to get its software on as many devices as possible.
With Verizon confirming more details will be released soon, it won't be long before we see the latest fruits of this burgeoning relationship.
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With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
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