Google, Microsoft chairmen share laugh together as battle for tech supremacy intensifies

Google, Microsoft chairmen share laugh together

SUN VALLEY, Idaho — The escalating tension between Google and Microsoft didn’t prevent the companies’ chairmen from sharing a moment of levity Thursday at an exclusive media conference in the Idaho mountains.

As he headed out the door to lunch, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates paused to consider a question about Google’s plans to develop a computer operating system that will rival Microsoft’s Windows.

Just as Gates said, “No comment,” Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt grabbed him gently from behind and said, “It would be better if you didn’t make that comment.”

The rivals shook hands as they strolled down the stairs to the sound of loud laughter as photographers captured the best picture of the summit so far.