Analysts posited that Microsoft's blog might only refer to makers that will have Windows RT devices ready in time for an Oct. 26 release, along with Microsoft's own Surface RT 10.6-in. tablet and the Windows 8 OS,.

After the blog appeared, Toshiba confirmed it -- for now -- because of delays in obtaining components.

Earlier this month, Acer CEO JT Wang ignited a controversy when he said Microsoft's Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets will drive a wedge between Microsoft and its hardware partners. In an interview, he urged Microsoft to "please think twice" about building Surface.

Analysts have noted that hardware partners will have to pay Microsoft for a Windows RT license atop their costs to build such tablets, and won't have the ability to recoup losses through apps sales and content as Microsoft would.

Microsoft is also rumored to be to compete against the Galaxy Nexus 7 by Google and others. If true, that price will cause hardware partners further concerns, analysts said. Microsoft's cost to build each Surface RT is probably as much as $600, several analysts said.