Eric Schmidt resigns from Apple's Board.

[Claire Littleton]

Google CEO Eric Schmidt stepped down today from Apple’s Board of Directors, a role that many said created conflicts of interest as Apple and Google (Google) rival each other in multiple market sectors.

In particular, Google Android is a direct competitor to Apple’s iPhone ecosystem, while the upcoming Chrome OS will create some conflict in the operating system market. And just last week the FCC began looking into Apple’s rejection of the Google Voice app from the App Store. Schmidt was under increasing pressure to deal with the conflict, and it seems he’s made his move today.

“Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android (Android) and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our important meetings due to potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, we have mutually decided that now is the right time for Eric to resign his position on Apple’s Board.”

With Google starting to go into stuff like Office Applications, Operating Systems, and Mobile Phones, definitely was a wise move. I'm surprised he actually didn't resign earlier, especially since development of these products have been ongoing for the past 3-4 years.

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... on a digital cleanse. be back january 8th.