Everything is going according to plan as far as Microsoft is concerned, but the same cannot be said for the PC hardware industry that had pegged an awful lot of hopes on the new operating system.
And according to Gartner, Microsoft’s newest operating system could not save the faltering PC industry in Western Europe on its own — the sales numbers of computers continued their downwards descent.
The latest numbers from the research firm reveal that PC sales in this part of the world dropped by 20.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, meaning Windows 8 made no difference in lifting sales of desktops and laptops.
As Meike Escherich, principal research analyst at Gartner explained:
“Wide availability of Windows 8-based PCs could not boost consumer PC purchases during the quarter. Although the new Metro-style user interface suits new form factors, users wonder about its suitability for traditional PCs — non-touchscreen desktops and notebooks.”
Breaking the numbers down to individual segments shows that the desktop PC market registered a fall of 13.8 percent, while mobile device (laptops, ultrabooks and convertibles) saw a massive and eye-watering decline of 24.6 percent.
HP holds its sway in Western Europe — and as the leader holds 19.7 percent of the overall market.
All said and done, Microsoft (and hardware vendors) will be hoping for a reverse in fortune in the latter part of the year. Redmond is currently applying finishing touches to the public preview of Windows 8.1, the first upgrade to its new OS, set for debut next month.
All Comments
There are many things that win8 needed to be fixed. One more important is the battery power indicator. There are so many times that I ran out of power without knowing it in dvance while using modern UI. When I saw the black screen, then I have to rush to find my power cord. That’s no good in user experience.
Another is Wi-Fi signal indicator. While using modern UI, it’s so hard to monitor if my Wi-Fi connection is still there while I am walking around. When I boot up the system, I don’t know if the signal is strong or weak. I don’t know why they would hide such an important thing in the charm. I could only think those who design win8 doesn’t use battery powered laptop/tablet at all. They only use desktop that is sitting on the table and therefore, doesn’t need to know how these 2 important indicators affect people.
There are many things that win8 needed to be fixed. One more important is the battery power indicator. There are so many times that I ran out of power without knowing it in dvance while using modern UI. When I saw the black screen, then I have to rush to find my power cord. That’s no good in user experience.
Another is Wi-Fi signal indicator. While using modern UI, it’s so hard to monitor if my Wi-Fi connection is still there while I am walking around. When I boot up the system, I don’t know if the signal is strong or weak. I don’t know why they would hide such an important thing in the charm. I could only think those who design win8 doesn’t use battery powered laptop/tablet at all. They only use desktop that is sitting on the table and therefore, doesn’t need to know how these 2 important indicators affect people.