On Wednesday, the microprocessor giant took the unusual step of issuing a press release to deny a Bloomberg report earlier this week which asserted that CEO Paul Otellini told employees in Taiwan that Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 before the new version of the OS is fully ready.

FORBES: Intel Denies Dissing Win 8

National Semiconductor and Microsoft in a joint announcement here said that several vendors, including Taiwan's Acer, Thomson Multimedia and Vestel USA, are also readying so-called MSN-based Web Companions designed around the WebPad reference platform.

CNN: Technology - Ericsson's entry revitalizes WebPad scene

Although the terms of the deal with Taiwan's Hon Hai have not been disclosed, patent law dictates that Microsoft cannot "double-dip" by charging both a product's designer and its manufacturer a full royalty charge.

BBC: Foxconn factory