Microsoft denies pressuring Asus to drop Android/Windows dual-boot hybrids

Google also allegedly stopping hardware makers from selling hybrid devices

Asus' attempts to sell hybrid devices running both Android and Windows 8 have reportedly hit the buffers due to a patent dispute and general unease at the concept from both Google and Microsoft.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Taiwanese firm has postponed plans to sell its latest Transformer Book Duet TD300, as well as dropping its Transformer AiO P1801 and P1802 dual operating system (OS) devices. Internal memos leaked to the WSJ claimed that Microsoft's "new policy" was one which did not support dual OS devices.

Microsoft denied the reports, however. A spokesperson said, "Our policies have not changed, Microsoft will continue to invest with OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] to promote best-in-class OEM and Microsoft experiences to our joint customers."

However, the WSJ speculated that there could be a dispute between Microsoft and Asus in relation to patents owned by Microsoft, with the firm seeking royalties from manufacturers using Android software.

Google, meanwhile, has not commented on whether it is resisting such devices, something the WSJ report alleges without evidence. Google allows its software to be installed on any device, but it must approve which hardware its bespoke applications are installed on. It has the right to prevent manufacturers giving buyers access to the Google Play store and other Google services if it does not approve of the device.

Asus is yet to respond to V3's request for comment. There was no word on the fate of its Transformer Book Trio, which allows users to disconnect the device's screen from its keyboard dock and continue to run Android. The Trio features two processors, one for each operating system.

Devices running both Windows and Android are intended to appease users looking for a more mobile experience when on the move while providing a more familiar and productive environment for work purposes.