Microsoft renews plea for Google crackdown

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft is making a last-ditch effort to convince U.S. government regulators that they need to crack down on Google to preserve competition on the Internet and in smartphone markets.

Microsoft laid out its arguments in a blog post Wednesday by Dave Heiner, the software maker's deputy general counsel.

Heiner mostly rehashed familiar ground while depicting Google Inc. as a company that has abused its dominance of Internet search and leadership in online video to thwart its rivals to the detriment of consumers.

Microsoft Corp. lobbed its lasted missive as regulators in the U.S. and Europe wrap up wide-ranging investigations into Google's business practices.

After extensive negotiations with Google executives, resolutions of the probes are expected soon.

Microsoft is worried Google will reach settlements that won't require major changes.