Andy Rubin is a co-founder of Android, and worked at Google for nearly ten years after the company's acquisition, but left in 2013 to pursue other endeavors. He started a hardware incubator called Playground Fund. While that venture has proven to be very successful, it seems as though Rubin might just be ready to work closely with Android once again.
Reports as of late have contained details regarding Rubin's return to the smartphone industry, and an unknown company he is believed to be starting is allegedly focusing on building a core team. A lot of the information is speculation, but many are convinced that Rubin may be in fact starting a smartphone company. It is believed that Playground is funding the creation of the new start-up, but what Rubin plans to do with the company remains to be seen.
If the rumors are true and he decides to return to the smartphone industry, it will be interesting to see which segment the company competes in. Though he may aim to take on large companies like Samsung and Apple who make premium devices, it is possible that Rubin may jump into the affordable smartphone segment or some other area altogether.