The decline in PC shipments for the first quarter of 2013 are the worst since a record was first kept back in 1994.
According to Games Industry, the PC market suffered a whopping 13.9% year-on-year decline, with a total of just 76.3 million units shipped globally. While the rise of Apple and the soaring popularity of other devices like tablets have undoubtedly made an impact, Bob O’Donnell, the Clients and Displays VP at IDC, said that Windows 8 is certainly to blame as well.
At this point, unfortunately, it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch not only failed to provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market.
While some consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the radical changes to the UI, removal of the familiar Start button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices.
Microsoft will have to make some very tough decisions moving forward if it wants to help reinvigorate the PC market.
It's no secret that Windows 8 is hated by many, but what do you think of the Microsoft OS? Will its probable integration into the new Xbox be problematic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[Via]
