At the Consumer Electronics Show last year, Microsoft snatched a coveted Verizon Wireless search deal, paying a reported $600 million to make Bing the default on mobile phones from the wireless giant. But as details emerged, there turned out to be an exception: Google's Android phones.

The loophole has been a longstanding sore spot among employees inside the Redmond company. And it would become even bigger if Android continues to grow as predicted. Which is why this report late yesterday by the Droid Guy blog is potentially significant.

Droid Guy claims that Verizon will be dropping Google search from all future Android devices, and replacing it with Bing citing two anonymous tipsters and the apparent absence of the Google search bar from Verizon's Samsung Fascinate Android phones.

There was more evidence in Microsoft's recent debut of a Bing app for Android, which is being rolled out exclusively for Verizon devices to start. A Microsoft representative told us at the time that the decision to start with Verizon devices was based on "the deep partnership" between the companies on mobile search.

We've submitted inquiries to Verizon and Microsoft, seeking confirmation of the report about the shift to Bing on Android. Even if it doesn't turn out to be a wholesale change, an increased presence of Bing on Verizon Android devices would be notable, given the tough competition in the mobile and search industries.

Update, 10:10 a.m.: A Microsoft representative indicates that Bing will, in fact, be preloaded on upcoming Verizon Android devices, but suggests it won't be completely taking them over: The official statement from the Redmond company: "Over the coming months, Verizon will announce the launch of new Android devices, which will be pre-loaded with Bing. The deal for Verizon Android devices is not exclusive."

Update, 5:24 p.m.: Here's the response from a Verizon representative:

Verizon Wireless has a relationship with Microsoft and many of our phones use Bing as the default for search. By adding this option to our Android portfolio, we are giving customers more choice to find the phone that matches their preferences.

Will all Verizon Wireless phones only offer BING in the future? No.

Can you change the default key to Google?

You can change the Browser icon to use Google by opening the browser, selecting the menu key, going to “MORE,” then “Settings” then “Select Home Page.” You can set that page to “Google” if you desire. After you make the selection, when you touch the Browser key, it will go directly to the Google home page.

The Samsung Fascinate uses Android 2.1 software. After it is updated to Android 2.2, you will be able to download the Google Search application and save it to your home screen if that is your preference.

(Droid Guy link via DSL Reports)