Apple vs. Google: Steve Jobs Weighs In

Apple CEO Steve Jobs had a few words (and a couple of dodges) regarding newfound competition from Google. When asked at the Wall Street Journal’s D8 Conference about Google’s rival products like Android, and whether he felt betrayed by the company (Google CEO Eric Schmidt left Apple’s Board of Directors), Jobs offered:

“My sex life is pretty good.” But in not offering a direct response, Jobs revealed that it was a sensitive subject for himself and his company.

Whether intentional or not, Apple and Google are fighting for consumers on a variety of platforms. Whether the experience is on cell phones or browsers, both companies are trying to position themselves as the creative, attractive alternative for the present and future. It’s an image that requires innovation and ease-of-use, and neither can afford to ignore what the other is doing.

For his part, Jobs did try to appear diplomatic. He said that there’s no reason to be rude to a competitor, there’s no reason for Apple to go into the search business and the company has no plans to remove Google from the iPhone.

But it was clear he considers his competitors (read: Google) to be lacking in several important areas. When asked about the importance of privacy, Jobs cited a number of products and companies that have made mistakes recently in handling that issue. One of them mentioned by name was Google’s WiFi collection. He also criticized other advertising delivery systems, stating that iAd is superior to its competitors. Google, of course, is a major player in the online ad delivery business-- And everyone in the audience knew it.

Jobs continued to discuss a variety of issues, from gaming possibilities on the iPad and iPhone to the speed in which new apps are approved. But it’s clear that the battles between Apple and Google are just starting, and the major players in each company are very aware of what the other is doing. If competition rules the marketplace, the winner in this war should be the consumer.