Andy Rubin back at Essential after being away for less than two weeks

Just before the end of last month, Android co-founder Andy Rubin took a leave of absence from his latest corporate vehicle Essential. According to a report from The Information, Rubin had left Google back in 2014 after complaints about an "inappropriate" relationship with a female Googler led to a investigation. Rubin allegedly failed to follow Google policy that prevents supervisors and subordinates from having a relationship. No, this wasn't a case of sexual harassment, but Google did close its investigation by stating that Rubin's behavior was "improper and showed bad judgment."

While at Google, Rubin was never accused of misconduct. Still, in the current environment, Rubin and Essential felt it wise for him to take a breather. And now, less than two weeks later, Rubin has returned. He comes back to Essential just as the Essential Phone is about to experience its first holiday shopping season. Speaking of holiday shopping, Best Buy is currently offering the unlocked version of the device for $200 off at $499.99, a 29% discount.

Thanks to its bi-weekly AMAs on Reddit, executives of the company were able to reveal that a sequel is coming. A recent AMA also revealed that the most demanded new feature for an Essential Phone 2 is an IP certification rating. Will that happen? Essential employees say that adding such protection to the phone would have resulted in bigger bezels and a thicker footprint for the company's first handset.

source: AndroidAuthority