If a Google scaleback were in the works, what would it mean? Hypothetically speaking, one might suspect some of Google's less profitable projects could get less focus. The company has previously maintained a for engineers, requiring them to spend one day each week on projects of their own choosing. Google is also frequently trying out -- everything from the new to the joke-inspiring debuted in October -- not to mention its various pulled off throughout the year. The loss of 1,000 workers could theoretically affect these sorts of non-crucial endeavors.

At this point, though, it's all speculation, and all from limited and unidentifiable sources. Only time will tell whether or not the rumors prove to be true -- and, until Google decides to address the buzz, all the searching in the world will bring no definite answers.