Skyhook Sues Google | eWeek

> Skyhook’s software enables cell towers, GPS technologies > and WiFi location databases to talk to each other to help pinpoint the location > of a mobile device, such as a smartphone. > > Google makes similar technology for its location-based > services such as Google Maps and Google Latitude. > > The search engine also makes the > technology available to makers of phones based on Google’s Android operating > system. Google believes location-based technologies will fortify its mobile online > advertising opportunities. > > In the interference suit, filed in Massachusetts Superior > Court, Skyhook claimed Google costs it tens of millions of dollars by trying to > cut in on its contract with Motorola, which makes smartphones that leverage > location services. > > Motorola, which makes and sells smartphones based on > Google’s Android operating system, agreed to use Skyhook’s XPS location > technology in April. > > When Google Vice President of Engineering Andy Rubin learned > of this, according to the suit, he called Motorola Co-CEO Sanjay Jha to impose > a “stop ship” order, preventing Motorola from shipping Android > wireless devices featuring Skyhook’s XPS software. > > Rubin claimed that using XPS in Android phones would make > them incompatible. Motorola ended up shipping its Motorola Droid X smartphone > in mid-July using Google’s location software instead of the Skyhook XPS technology. How’s that “Don’t be Evil” thing going, Google?