Microsoft's announcement earlier this year that it would release its own tablet PC line with its new operating system software installed didn't come with blanket approval from its hardware partners. Acer chief executive and chairman, JT Wang, made his objections to the plan public, warning that Microsoft's Surface would have "a huge negative impact for the [PC] ecosystem and other brands."
Dell on the other hand was more welcoming of Microsoft's move. "The announcement of Surface was necessary to have a proof of concept and to get people excited about what was coming to push application development and create some buzz out there," said Kirk Schell, vice president of Dell's client and consumer product group, adding that Microsoft had invested so much in Windows 8 that it was important to make it work.
Steve Ballmer has confirmed to the BBC that Microsoft is obviously going to be doing more hardware, which has been a rarity for Microsoft outside of its gaming business.
"Is it fair to say we're going to do more hardware? Obviously we are," he said. "Where we see important opportunities to set a new standard, yeah we'll dive in."
Ballmer's comments come ahead of the official launch of the Surface with Windows RT tablet. Windows RT runs on ARM-based CPUs, limiting the installation of third-party to that from the Windows Store. Other versions of Windows 8 running on x86 architecture chips will be far less restrictive.
The Windows Store is currently being criticize for its underwhelming selection of apps, which some say might spoil the launch of Surface. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates did promise an "October surprise" for apps, however.
Written by: James Delahunty @ 25 Oct 2012 4:45
