HP has responded to claims the unveiling of Microsoft's Surface has caused unrest at the company by confirming it has no plans to launch a Windows RT tablet.

Suggestions hit the web claiming HP was 'offended' by Surface, with particular anger caused by Microsoft decision to deliver it in both Windows RT and Windows 8 flavours.

Semi-accurate stories

An uncorroborated report by SemiAccurate has also claimed Microsoft 'poached' ideas from manufacturer's Windows tablets while 'helping them with their designs' to equip within Surface.

In contrast, the OEMs themselves have been bound by technical restrictions Microsoft flouted with its own device.

The punishment, it was claimed, was a move by HP to drop support for Windows RT, with a view to encouraging other manufacturers into making the same decision in the months ahead.

Intel inside

HP has not confirmed or denied said rumours, though the company has issued a statement confirming it is to focus solely on Intel-equipped Windows 8 tablets for the time being.

"I can confirm that at HP, we continue to look at using ARM processors in business and consumer products," a representative stated.

"However, our first Windows 8 tablet will be on the x86 platform focused on the business market.

"The decision to go with x86 was influenced by input from our customers. The robust and established ecosystem of x86 applications provides the best customer experience at this time and in the immediate future."

[source: CRN]