Gates denies Microsoft talks

Gates denies Microsoft had talks with Google in any form.  As an officer of the most watched public company in the world, I believe him.  Google's KPCB hype machine must just be clearing its throat for the IPO.  At this point, I distrust Silicon Valley VCs more than Microsoft (by a substantial margin) and have no desire to see the same personalities fleece the investing public one more time. [John Robb]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Robb is exactly right.