For Windows, Microsoft Asks Chipmakers to Only Work with One Tablet Manufacturer

Microsoft MSFT has requested that chipmakers seeking to use Windows software for tablet production only use one manufacturer, three people with knowledge of the plan told Bloomberg. According to the report, "Seeking to limit variations may help Microsoft speed the delivery of new Windows tablets by keeping tighter control over partners and accelerating development and testing. Though the program isn't mandatory, the restrictions may impede chip- and computer makers from building a variety of Windows-based models to vie with Apple Inc.'s iPad, the people said. In past versions of Windows software, chipmakers could work with multiple computer manufacturers." Technology companies commonly use licensing terms and requests during negotiations. This situation would sync one chipmaker with one tablet design, a person familiar with the plan noted. All three declined to be identified for professional reasons. The request is contrary to the business model currently set by Google's GOOG Android product, which is used on multiple phones and tablets, across numerous manufacturers. Apple AAPL, on the other hand, has hardware and software that is specifically designed together. This would be similar to Microsoft's line of thinking, which could potentially allow for better computing speed and battery usage. Microsoft, not a company to sit back quietly, responded back to Bloomberg in an e-mail. “Microsoft is still in the development process on the next version of Windows, continuing the engineering work with our silicon partners as part of the technology preview we talked about in January. We continue to talk regularly with hardware partners around the world as part of our development process.”