Trouble in paradise? Cracks show in Microsoft-Intel alliance

When Microsoft unveiled its Surface tablets earlier this year, Intel executives were shocked.

Microsoft started developing its self-branded tablets — including one that uses an Intel chip — without notifying Intel or asking for help. Intel, like many of Microsoft’s other partners, didn’t find out about Surface until shortly before the event, and it did not play a role in the announcement. Microsoft decided to go it alone, much like rival Apple has done.