[macintux]

Google bought Android out of fear that Microsoft's dominance in smartphones would lock them out. Its dominance is ancient history, but it was there.

[bitmapbrother]

Google was far more concerned about Apple than Microsoft.

[Oletros]

Google bought Android in 2005. There was no signs of Apple on mobile by then

[bitmapbrother]

Eric Schmidt was on the Apple board so perhaps he had some insight into the direction of the company.

[Oletros]

Apart that Android was bought by Brin and Page without consulting Schmidt, Schmidt was invited to the Apple board in August 2006.