Google's Eric Chu steps down as Android Market head

Little over a week after Google announced the unification of ts mobile digital services under the Google Play banner, reports claim Eric Chu has stepped down from his position overseeing Android Market.

Chu, who had been involved with Google's OS for more than four years, is said to be 'exploring other options' within the company, with director of digital content Jamie Rosenberg set to pick up the slack.

Playing the game

Rosenberg, who is to retain his current title, will take charge of Google's games platform as it integrates with the firm's music and eBooks service.

As billed, Google Play is designed to "eliminate the hassle" of moving files and syncing devices using different methods, bringing together Google's stores in an iTunes-like service.

Its launch comes as Android Market trails Apple's App Store both in terms of the number of apps available and download totals, despite Android activation rates putting Google's userbase comfortably ahead of iOS on the global scene.

At last count, Google's SVP of mobile and digital content Andy Rubin pegged Android daily activations at 850,000, with more than 300 million devices having been sold since launch.

[source: TechCrunch]