Taiwanese computer developer Acer has criticized Microsoft for its push to compete with its hardware partners, particularly in the tablet market through Surface.
According to a translation from Google, Acer's manager of Greater China operations Linxian Lang compared making hardware to food. He said the process is essentially "hard rice" that's "not so easy to eat."
While the translation is filled with errors, Acer's general statement directed towards Microsoft is clear. The former wants the software giant to stick solely to its software and allow Acer and fellow hardware makers to build products that run on Windows.
Due to Microsoft focusing on establishing its hardware business with the introduction of Surface, partners have stressed that the software supplier "will no longer be concerned about its downstream partners' thoughts or complaints."
Acer, who delayed its Windows RT plans to witness how Microsoft's Surface tablet performs in the market, recently stressed the importance of touch through Windows 8-powered products.
The PC maker itself has invested considerably into Windows 8 devices: the W700 Windows 8 11.6-inch tablet PC, 7-inch Iconia A110 tablet, W700P, W510P Windows 8 Pro tablets, accompanied by ultrabooks and notebooks.