Google chief joins Apple's board

Mr Schmidt has been Google's CEO since 2001

Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt has been appointed as a board member of Apple Computer.

Industry experts say the move suggests a growing alliance between two of the world's biggest technology players.

"We look forward to his contributions as a member of Apple's board of directors," Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs said.

Mr Schmidt described California-based Apple as "one of the companies in the world that I most admire".

He added: "I'm really looking forward to working with Steve and Apple's board to help with all of the amazing things Apple is doing."

In a statement, Mr Jobs said: "Like Apple, Google is very focused on innovation and we think Eric's insights and experience will be very valuable in helping to guide Apple in the years ahead."

Mr Schmidt became Google CEO in 2001 and chairman of its executive committee in 2004.

He joined Google from Novell and prior to that was chief technology officer at Sun Microsystems.