Google has agreed with Mozilla's stance that Microsoft is blocking browser choice in the next-generation Windows platforms. The search giant says that it shares "the concerns Mozilla has raised regarding the Windows 8 environment restricting user choice and innovation." Mozilla's complaint was specifically targeted at the ARM-based Windows RT, and it's not clear if Google's mention of "Windows 8" is simply poorly worded or if it has broader issues with the Metro environment. Google's full statement reads:

“We share the concerns Mozilla has raised regarding the Windows 8 environment restricting user choice and innovation. We've always welcomed innovation in the browser space across all platforms and strongly believe that having great competitors makes us all work harder. In the end, consumers and developers benefit the most from robust competition.”

Mozilla's initial complaint related to two issues: first, that "Microsoft has a browser that runs in Classic mode on Windows ARM," something that no other company will be able to do. Second, it claims that Microsoft's Metro browser "has access to rich APIs that they are denying to third-party" browser vendors. Microsoft has yet to comment on either companies' complaints, but we've reached out to them and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

Update: Microsoft let us know that it isn't "commenting on Google or Mozilla’s statement at this time."