Microsoft acknowledges Surface may trigger OEM hostility

Microsoft yesterday confirmed what most analysts and company watchers had concluded last month when the firm unveiled its own tablet, that it risks alienating the computer makers which account for the bulk of Windows sales.

In a document submitted Thursday to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Microsoft acknowledged the potential problem. "Our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform," Microsoft said in the 10-K filed for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

The New York Times' Bits blog first reported on Microsoft's SEC filing. Read more...