Andy Rubin's "Essential Phone"

Android co-creator Andy Rubin launches his own high-end smartphone.

16:35 05 June 2017

Andy Rubin, one of the creators of Google’s Android software, has launched Essential, his very own high-end smartphone. In 2014, Mr Rubin left Google to create Playground, a technology investment company, which now funds Essential. The device, which has gone on sale in the US for £540, runs on Android operating system. It is made from titanium and features a wide screen with minimal bezel. Mr Rubin said that its titanium design makes the phone strong enough to not need a case.

 

Mr Rubin also said that Essential was aiming to be a major consumer brand with several products and that he believed there was space in the Android market for another big player besides Apple and Samsung.

 

The company also has plans to launch its own operating system, Ambient OS.

 

In a blog post, the company's software systems architect Manual Roman said: "Ambient OS runs in your home and leverages your home network as much as possible. For example, it can interact with many home automation devices directly without having to go to the cloud.

 

"Furthermore, it keeps user data locally whenever possible giving users more control over their privacy."