Google and Facebook Rivalry Takes Centerstage (GOOG)

The technology industry's latest rivalry takes centerstage next week when Internet powers Google Inc

and Facebook lay out their competing visions to create a new generation of Web services at a high-profile conference in San Francisco. The relationship between the two Internet icons has become increasingly confrontational, and the battle will likely intensify on Monday when Facebook is expected to introduce a revamped version of its messaging technology that could pose a challenge to Google's Gmail. Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and Google Chief Eric Schmidt will each take the stage, along with dozens of other Internet industry heavyweights, during the 3-day Web 2.0 conference that kicks off Monday.

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