Microsoft has definitively denied that its Bing search engine takes its cues from its rival. Nonetheless, the Google allegations highlights the challenges Microsoft faces in addressing the "long tail" market in search, or the obscure searches that collectively account for a huge portion of search traffic.
The EC says it's launching a formal, in-depth investigation into Google's treatment of search rivals, setting the stage for yet another potential legal entanglement over whether Google is unfairly taking advantage of its dominant market position.
Yahoo beat analysts' third-quarter earnings estimates Tuesday, but missed revenue expectations for the third consecutive quarter. It also forecast lower-than-expected revenues in the fourth quarter.
