The tablet market is making quick moves to overtake the PC market, and this has a lot to do with the relative failure that is Windows 8. However, while the PC market has been on a downward spiral for several years now, things might not be as bad in 2014 as previously thought.
Latest report from Gartner shows the PC market is poised to stage a small revival in 2014. In 2013, the PC market experienced a massive 9.5 percent in decline. However, in 2014, the PC market is expected to decline by just 2.9 percent.
"2014 will be marked by a relative revival of the global PC market," said Gartner Research Director Ranjit Atwal in a statement. "Business upgrades from Windows XP and the general business replacement cycle will lessen the downward trend, especially in Western Europe. This year, we anticipate nearly 60 million professional PC replacements in mature markets."
This is good news for Microsoft, as the company is finding it difficult to keep up with ever-rising demand for tablets running Android and iOS.
Things should get even better for Microsoft next year. Gartner expects PC shipments to reach over 317 million units; that's up for the estimated 308 million units in 2014. Last year, PC shipments were around 317.6 million units.
On the matter of tablets, the market will experience a slowdown in growth in 2014. This is a natural progression, so it doesn't mean the tablet market is losing its muster. In 2014, tablet shipments are expected to reach 256 million, which is an increase of 23.9 percent over 2013. According to Gartner, consumers in developed nations are becoming less interested in tablets while consumers in South East Asia are making the shift to Phablets.
In the year 2015, tablet shipments are expected to overtake PC shipments for the first time with over 320 million units shipped. However, depending on when Microsoft announces Windows 9, when it is released, and how well the operating system is received by consumers, things could change.
If tablet shipments overtake PC shipments in 2015, it doesn't mean the era of the PC is dead just yet. As mentioned above, it would all depend on how well Windows 9 is received. Chances are if the operating system is a flop like Windows 8, then Microsoft will have no chance to rebound.
