Google: Is Microhoo all that unnerving?

Google co-founder Sergey Brin finds that thought of a Microsoft-Yahoo combination "unnerving." Welcome to the semi-subliminal part of Google's 'let's annoy Microsoft and win over regulators' campaign.

Here's what Brin had to say in an AP report that sparked a little discussion:

"The Internet has evolved from open standards, having a diversity of companies. And when you start to have companies that control the operating system, control the browsers, they really tie up the top Web sites, and can be used to manipulate stuff in various ways. I think that's unnerving."

It's all a bit comical. As if Google doesn't control most of the search advertising out there. And it sure wouldn't mind being the Web OS of the future.

These little comments are going to be flying fast and furious as Google tries to rally regulators to thwart Microhoo.

The bigger question here is whether Google has anything to really worry about. Let's see:

• Microsoft would take at least a year to integrate Yahoo;
• Microsoft could take its eye off its core Office cash cow and give Google an opening;
• And Google could take advantage to grow its market share in search and display ads with Doubleclick.

Add it up and Brin has little to be unnerved about.