Google quiet on iPad rival deal

Google remained tight-lipped today on rumours that it's working with Verizon on an iPad-style tablet device which will place the web giant in further competition with Apple.

Verizon chief executive Lowell McAdam said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that the "next big wave of opportunities" will be found in the tablet market, and hinted at a deal with Google to develop this strategy.

"We are working on tablets together. We are looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience," McAdam is reported as saying.

A report on Bloomberg also confirms that Verizon will develop an Android-based tablet this year, and that more information will be released later this week.

Google refused to be drawn on the speculation, however, saying that it had "nothing to announce at this time". But the company did point out that its mobile platform is open to any developers.

"Android is a free, open-source mobile platform. It was designed to scale downward to feature phones and upward to netbook-style devices. This means anyone can take the platform and add code or download it to create a mobile device," Google said.

If Google does partner with Verizon it will strengthen the search firm's assault on Apple as it continues to encroach on the iPhone manufacturer's markets with its Nexus One smartphone and mobile advertising. Android handsets already outsell iPhones in the US.

Verizon, meanwhile, will hope that the move allows it to take on AT&T which has exclusive rights to carry the iPad in the US.