VentureBeat received word from a mystery-ninja source that Apple asked Google not to incorporate Apple's now patented multi-touch in to the Android operating system. According to the source, Google was more than happy to play along with Apple's requests.
The G1 is a decent phone, with nifty little features, such as being open source, and not being on AT&T. But the phone has received its fair share of criticism due in part to its lackluster touch based user interface. Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal put it lightly when he said it was, "inferior to the iPhone's."
Other reviews, such as this one from CNET, have also been disappointed by the G1's lack of multi-touch capabilities, "Admittedly, we really missed this feature, since it makes viewing Web pages and pictures easy, but it's not necessary."
In the VentureBeat article, their source reported that the Android team was happy to have complied with Apple's wishes since it has been able to avoid a lawsuit with Apple. there is speculation that Palm's Pre could be be in Apple's lawyer-lovin' sights. Both Apple and Palm have promised to attack anyone that rips off their multi-touch capabilities, Apple was just granted the multi-touch patent award.
Google has developed a strong relationship with Apple. Their services have been integrated into OS X and the iPhone. They've also recently collaborated with Apple for some iLife '09 desktop action.
We all know sharing is caring, and while that's great, it's not clear if Google actually decided to remove a feature from the Android OS update, or if the super-secret source is taking the Internet for a ride on the super-scam scooter of lies.
