I've always had the impression that MSR (Microsoft Research) was generally doing much more fundamental research than Google. Google still has a ways to go to e

I've always had the impression that MSR (Microsoft Research) was generally doing much more fundamental research than Google. Google still has a ways to go to even be on par with HP Labs or PARC, let alone Bellabs. Let's not forget all the research IBM Research Labs did over the years (less so now due to focusing on profit, but they still were doing more fundamental research than google even in recent memory).