Hugo Barra quits Android to help Xiaomi's overseas expansion

Want China Times, Staff Reporter 2013-08-30

Hugo Barra shows off Google's Nexus 7 tablet. (Photo/CFP)

Hugo Barra, former vice president of Android's product management department, has left the Google mobile platform. His departure follows rumors of a romantic relationship with Google co-founder Sergey Brin's estranged wife Anne Wojcicki.

Barra announced on his Google+ page that he is leaving the internet giant to join Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi, which has grew rapidly since 2011. He will help the company to expand its business in overseas markets and facilitate its further cooperation with Android's operating system. It is speculated that Barra will attend Xiaomi's next product launch on Sept. 5.

Barra joined Google in March 2008 and was promoted to vice president in his second year at the company. He has been considered a spokesman for Android and never missed Google's events to unveil new products and I/O developers. In early July, he demonstrated the second generation of Google's Nexus 7 tablet.

He was formerly romantically involved with Amanda Rosenberg, manager responsible for marketing Google Glass and for the slogan "Ok, Glass." He has more recently been linked to Anne Wojcicki, who is separated from her husband.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun said the company will work with Barra as it targets international markets. The company has not ruled out the possibility of teaming up with Google's Android department to help ensure Android's development in China will not be blocked by antitrust investigations　

References:

Xiaomi　　小米

Lei Jun　　雷軍