[kd913]

They may get kickbacks, but if they want to eat Apple's pie it makes little sense for this kind of move which would massively hamstring growth.

Also don't really see the benefit for Microsoft for the kickbacks (are they desperate for cash?) at the cost of growth and potential DoJ scrutiny.

This sector is already a slim line that is dwarfed by office, windows, azure so what is the point in doing all of this nonsense?

If they want to grow their own silicon, push ARM, if they want to compete, do so. To me it sounds like kickbacks to specific people in the surface group which seems shadier.