Steve Jobs: 'Not A Chance' Google Has 'Leapfrogged' Apple

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has allegedly accused Google of "[wanting] to kill us," but according to a new email from Jobs, he believes Google hasn't yet taken the lead.

In reaction to Google's product announcements at the Google I/O conference, Gizmodo wrote that Google had "leapfrogged Apple spectacularly."

"Google is done playing catch-up. Today they're setting the agenda: With Android Froyo, Google TV, mobile ads and streaming media, Google isn't just matching Apple--they're taking the lead," Gizmodo argued.

Brian, a Gizmodo reader emailed Steve Jobs asking for the CEO's take on Google's new technologies and the Gizmodo analysis. "Do you believe Google is surpassing you guys or do you believe something different?" he asked. "What do you plan on doing if Google is surpassing Apple?"

Jobs replied with characteristic brevity: "Not a chance."

Relations between the two companies have become increasingly strained as the firms expand into new sectors. (For example, Google is working on its own tablet PC to rival the iPad.)

Google took numerous jabs at Apple during the Google I/O keynote, likening "draconian" Apple to "Big Brother" with references to 1984.

Steve Jobs is, of course, biased--as many have noted, Google's new TV platform may pose a considerable threat to Apple's mediocre "hobby," Apple TV. Tell us which company you think is "taking the lead" and "setting the agenda"--and why.

Read Steve Jobs' best, snappiest email replies here. Create your own reply using the Steve Jobs email generator.

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Comments

[PCFree]

05:13 PM on 05/26/2010

My son just got is Nexus One to replace his iPhone, last night. He loves it! He is giving me his old iPhone after he installs the Android OS on it (apparently his old iPhone is the model that this can be done on). Android OS on an iPhone! How perfect!

[Maneesh Pangasa]

04:02 PM on 05/26/2010

Apple seems to finally be beating Micro$oft at least in mobile devices etc -- Apple's market capitalization has just exceeded Microsoft's. Read the Windows era is over http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/The-Windows-era-is-over/1274899297

Or simply Google App market capitalization and you'll find some new articles announcing Apple has surpassed Micro$oft in market cap. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?&entry_id=64427

[mindvalue]

08:20 AM on 05/26/2010

I own neither a droid nor an iphone... So, I'm probably completely unqualified to discuss this. However, I have demoed both, I've demoed the ipad, I've worked on macbooks in the past. Apple makes the best computers in the world. They also have really good software. However, Google, unlike Apple, seems to have limitless potential. Here's my theory as to why...
The two business models are almost incomparable. Google monetizes use value; while Apple still monetizes ownership value. In other words, Google only needs you on one of their products and they make money on each use. Apple does make some money on uses (like iTunes, iPod/iPhone apps, etc.). However, the bulk of its profit comes from directing users to more apple products. The consequences of this are that the iphone is provided on cellular network while droid is on all of them. As mentioned on one of the other posts, google's products get integrated into apple products but rarely the other way around. Now, what's confusing is that Apple has a history of providing uniformity that guides the next wave of computer technology. If it still has the lead on both software and hardware technology, the difference in business model probably won't matter much. However, if Google is close now or will be close soon, the differing business models favor Google in my opinion. That said, I think Google is already close and therefore will eventually become king of the Silicon Valley/techie community.

[AhnessofThings]

08:11 AM on 05/26/2010

Did anyone notice how bad is the google search on the Ipad safari?
I absolutely hate the suggestions that show up with the x to cancel.
Typing with finger is already complicated without having the search bar autoselect option. I alway have to delete retypen

[AhnessofThings]

08:09 AM on 05/26/2010

When I read the news of Google TV I had the same thought google is diversifying
I can see them doing it

[liucc910]

06:39 AM on 05/26/2010

Google Good!

[LittleMittens]

05:22 AM on 05/26/2010

Google?! Taking the lead?! I don't think so...

[J04NNY8]

03:18 AM on 05/26/2010

It is indicative of Apple's insecurity that Steve-O bothered to reply. Funny thing is, I really don't think The Goog thinks about competition nearly as much as innovation for it's own sake. OTOH if it can pi ss off Mr. Apple then that's probably OK, too.

[TOOO]

01:37 AM on 05/26/2010

The irony here is that right now, I'm using my Safari browser (yes, made by Apple) on my MacIntel... and it's got a BUILT-IN Google search engine.

[Morgantheaxe]

10:30 PM on 05/25/2010

Love the Droid. Love the Ipad. Haven't purchased either yet. I've demo'd all, but the hang ups with each have kept me from pulling the trigger. Droid I like, but Im not breaking the $1000 a year cost ceiling ive set for my phone service. Verizon needs to find a way to make those packages a lil cheaper. Having said that I do love the phone. Ipad was just mind blowing. If nobody comes out with something better I am buying one. Ill wait for the next generation....maybe pull the trigger at Christmas this year, but until then Im still waiting. My TV I get on my TV.

So, for me and ev1 I have talked to about this subject its pretty much the same. Both Google and Apple have made some great stuff. Good enough to get some of my family and friends to buy, however nobody I know of is going all in for one or the other. Ev1 I know is waiting and watching to see what develops. Google and Apple are both kicking @ss, but both need to take it to the next level.

P.S. Haters....yeh I mentioned the droid (smartphone) and the Ipad. Didnt mention the Iphone for one simple reason. AT&T. Verizon works where I live. At&t doesnt. Verizon is just a tad to expensive yet.

[Aerows]

09:43 PM on 05/25/2010

I got an HTC Tilt 2 when I got my upgrade. I wouldn't touch an Iphone with a ten foot pole because it's too closed. I decide what apps go on my phone, not some company I got it from.

[JaxReader]

06:07 PM on 05/25/2010

IMO, Google has far surpassed Apple. 5 of my friends to date have switched from the Iphone to an android phone as soon as there contracts came up. I don't hate Apple like some people do, I think they were very innovated, and I thank them for revolutionizing the phone, but I think googles approach is far superior, not to mention conveniently integrated with all of Google's other services seamlessly, and most of them free to the end user.

[kunzler]

05:47 PM on 05/25/2010

Big Brother Job's isn't happy with Google.

[AmandaBC]

05:18 PM on 05/25/2010

This guy sounds more and more like an Evangelical preacher...

[ThatsTheTheWayItIs]

03:48 PM on 05/25/2010

"Standard is better than better"
A standard multi-vendor product beats a superior single-source product.

VHS beat Beta.
Windows beat Mac.

Google's offerings are based on open standards, like Linux.
Apple's are closed, proprietary.

It's just a matter of time. Google beats Apple, just like MS did.

[thereisonlyoneparty]

06:30 PM on 05/25/2010

Open standards and architecture are not necessarily better. It is more that we are used to them.

The bigger problem for Apple is that people are used to doing whatever they want when they want it.

I watch pornography on my phone all the time. With Apple I cannot get a porn app, because they do not allow it. Ok, well, what about an old timey computer emulator? Oh, Apple does not want it running BASIC. Maybe I will use a different program for my musics. Oh Apple wants me to use iTunes. Gambling is illegal so I cannot get an app for my betting site. And so on.

People are used to there being the software they want even if the manufacturer of their hardware does not want them to have it (not even talking stolen/unlicensed stuff here, but less than reputable stuff like porn and gambling.) Why would I switch to the iPhone when I have what I want already? It is pretty, but I do not want to do less than I am doing now.

[Aerows]

10:00 PM on 05/25/2010

You just highlighted why Open standards and architecture *are* better, though. If the device doesn't do what you want it to do, it isn't useful.