HOME PC RIP?
Sales of home PCs in Japan are declining, in what potentially may be reflected in other key markets in coming years.
Full details from The Age.
In summary:
With phones and games consoles etc becoming ever more converged, backed with more processing grunt, the main leisure functionality of PCs (internet browsing, email, gaming, photo sharing) can be done without the aid of a PC. And as few Japanese take their work home with them (they just stay late at the office!), there is little need for having a device to run spreadsheets etc at home.
The PC market is diminishing in Japan and key makers such as NEC and Sony are considering exiting the consumer market altogether. And in order to achieve sales, the form of PCs has evolved away from the beige box to more closely resemble hi-fi equipment, or a piece of art with custom graphic designs adorning the box.
One of the most popular social networking sites is only accessible through a mobile device.
With Google’s recent announcement of their new mobile platform, Android, the PC-centric future is looking shaky in the West too…
