Microsoft officially disclosed the first details of Windows 10 earlier this week. However, a report from DigiTimes reveals that some systems builders and component makers are not so optimistic about the new OS's ability to help boost demand of their products. Apparently these industry sources are only expecting an overall laptop shipment figure growth of 5 to 10 per cent during 2015.
The new Windows OS will see the return of the Start Menu and the 'one Windows' thrust onto devices ranging from phones and tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles. Other key features of Windows 10 include the ability to run all apps (even Modern UI ones) in a window, the addition of a task view button which will provide an overview of open apps and docs, and multiple desktops. Of course there will be a lot of other changes 'under the hood' including DirectX 12 as was the news earlier today.
Despite the above mentioned changes and major version number increment, DigiTimes sources point out that the new OS was developed with the primary aim to fix consumers' disappointment and frustration about Windows 8. Thus as we see it now, it does not actually come with many compelling new and innovative components. This means that Windows 10 is considered unlikely to attract consumers to buy new PCs, especially with Windows 8 users' free upgrade to Windows 10 significantly lowering any replacement demand.
Another factor that is thought could dampen sales of Windows 10-based products is Apple's recently announced range of products, including its Apple Watch which is set to become available in the first quarter of 2015. Devices such as these are expected to draw consumers' attention (and expenditure) away from Windows 10 products.
On a brighter note, there are still ODMs such as Quanta computer and Compal Electronics who remain positive about laptop demand, with expectations of laptop shipments to remain flat in 2015. Vendors like Acer and ASUS are also foreseeing meaningful demand upside for convertible laptops in the near future - if prices can drop to appeal to a wider market.
