Last week's news frenzy from Google drew fire from an expected quarter when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told reporters that Google isn't ahead of his software company-turned-internet-ad-giant.

"Google is not ahead of us," Ballmer told the Associated Press. "In the area of search specifically, Google would lead."

Ballmer, who was in Tokyo for a launch of new Windows Live services, downplayed Google's mobile headlines, which culminated with confirmation of the Gphone.

Ballmer called Google's mobile plans "just words on paper."

The two have also sparred in recent weeks in the social networking arena. After Microsoft announced an investment in Facebook, Google took the internet by storm by unveiling OpenSocial and cutting deals with MySpace, Friendster and a host of other social networks.