Although various technology companies attempt to find a place on the computer market, they are still pushed away by devices that run on Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS operating systems. Both experts and consumers are still waiting for a third player to enter the game. However, a recent study points that the wait may be longer than expected.
In its latest forecasts, Canalys predicts that it will take a while before a third mobile operating system reaches sales similar to those of iOS and Android. According to the report, computer devices which use these OSs will continue to be the most popular ones over the next five years.
In addition, although Microsoft has the biggest potential to become a main rival of Android and iOS, its convertible hybrid PCs in combination with Windows 8 did not get the desired market influence. From Canalys explain that this is due to the fact that Microsoft’s tablet-laptop hybrids are pricier and bulkier than tablets. As a result, the company predicts that sales of convertible devices will remain relatively low for at least one year and a half.
The research also predicts the amount of PC shipments by the end of 2013, including tablets, desktop computer and notebooks. It is expected that the PC market will enjoy sales of nearly 500 million units this year. That is about 7% higher compared to 2012. Moreover, in only half a decade this number is likely to increase and surpass 700 million sold units.
The main reason for this rising tendency will be tablets. The increase in tablet shipments will be the most impressive one. The jump with these devices is predicted to hit 37% in 2013. Nevertheless, laptops will still be the most popular computer product with sales of over 200 million. Tablet PCs, on the other hand, are expected to have sales of a little a little over 182 million. Desktop computers will continue to fall and will be sold in 105 million units this year which is a 10.3% drops. The situation will be similar with laptop PCs which are likely to register a fall of the unprecedented 13.1%.
However, the forecast says that there is still hope for the desktop and laptop computer and its name is Microsoft. Even though the giant’s newest operating system Windows 8 did not charm users, the company is said to be working hard to an update – Windows 8.1. The new OS is expected to make a step back from the tablet experience and attempt to combine the best of the worlds of mobile and non-mobile devices. In that way, the company may actually make the inevitable transition more gradual.
