Android engineer jumps ship

One of the key engineers responsible for Google’s Android operating system has decided to leave the company.

Steve Horowitz has left Google and is moving to online coupons marketing agency Coupons Inc as chief technology officer.

"Our business is experiencing unprecedented growth, and as we extend our digital promotions platform to in-store, in-appliance and mobile phones, this is the ideal time for Steve to bring his deep experience to our team," said Steven R. Boal, founder of Coupons, Inc.

"Steve is a business-minded, consumer-focused and battle-tested technology leader, and I couldn't be more thrilled that he is joining our team."

Horowitz was one of the leading lights on Android, developing the Linux-based operating system from the ground up. However, speculation is rife that with the operating system largely finished he was looking for a new position.

"Coupons.com has fast become one of the world's leading online brands, so this is a very exciting opportunity," said Horowitz.

"The company is at a pivotal point in its business, and I am eager to help further advance its development and deployment of new platforms and services for digital promotions."

He was headhunted to Google in February 2006 by Andy Rubin, head of the Android team.

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