Most related desktop and notebook IC suppliers seems to be embracing a low season in the fourth quarter of 2012, as they have not seen a significant growth in demand for notebook and desktop products, even including Microsoft's Surface tablets, in the end market despite the launch of Windows 8, according to industry sources.
Some IC suppliers also indicated that a new wave of replacement demand for Windows 8-based PC products is unlikely to arrive until the second half of 2013 because Microsoft has been focusing its promotions on Windows RT instead of Windows 8, as the software giant is trying to ramp up its share in the global tablet market.
The touch-enabled interface being promoted by Microsoft may not be a "killer app" for end-market devices, since some PC products have already implemented touch-controlled applications such as mice and touch-enabled panels. Therefore, the availability of the Windows 8 is unlikely to result in an explosion in replacement demand, the sources commented.
Article translated by Steve Shen
