Gates, Google CEO share a quick laugh as OS wars kick off

By Associated Press Published: Jul 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM PST
Gates, Google CEO share a quick laugh as OS wars kick off
Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt, left, jokes with Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates at the annual Allen & Co.'s media summit in Sun Valley, Idaho, Thursday, July 9, 2009. At right is Nathan Myhrvold, formerly Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, and co-founder of Intellectual Ventures. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

SUN VALLEY, Idaho (AP) - 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.

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