It makes sense for Ballmer to wage a war of words on Android instead. Surveys have that iPhone users are with their devices than Android users, and that intend to be repeat customers. Windows Phone has a better chance to steal market share away from Android. Microsoft is competing with Google for the attention of smartphone makers as well, whereas Apple designs its own hardware.

Still, Ballmer's been in the past. Here's what he said in 2008: "Google doesn't exactly bubble to the top of the list of the top competitors we've got going in mobile. They might someday. But right now..." Today, Android has than any other smartphone platform. Tough talk makes headlines, but underestimating any competitor is rarely a good idea.

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