Despite analyst indications to the contrary, Intel believes the PC sector holds significant opportunity for growth in coming years.
Global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) recently released a report suggesting that the personal computer (PC) market is in dire trouble, following a sales slump of 13.9% in the first quarter of 2013 - the worst contraction since it began tracking the market in 1994.
In response, Intel sales director for EMEA Steve Shakespeare commented that, although the sector is showing negative growth, internal studies suggest that numbers will begin to improve shortly.
"The PC market is not dying. Of course, we've seen some changes - particularly in terms of the popularity of tablet devices, and we're innovating around that.
"We currently estimate that there are 60 million devices in the EMEA region that are in need of a refresh. Furthermore, our research indicates that 80% want to refresh their PCs. We just need to give them the solutions they want."
The key to reviving the PC industry lies in the creation of devices that offer two-in-one services, says Shakespeare.
"In a recently conducted poll, 75% of our consumers valued a two-in-one, or hybrid device. Furthermore, 44% indicated that they were interested in hybrid devices for Windows 8. Only 3% suggested they would be interested in a device without touch."
Indeed, the incorporation of touch capabilities into future notebook and PC designs will play a crucial role in re-igniting consumer interest in these devices. All-day battery life, immediate start-up times and ubiquitous connectivity are also predicted to act as sales drivers going forward.
In addition, the company is hedging its bets on several new technologies for future PC and notebook devices. First among these is gesture control.
"We want to make it easier to gesture at your device. In order for this to be effective, we've had to embrace three-dimensional cameras that also perceive depth. Consumers can expect to see these offerings integrated into their notebooks and PCs in coming months," comments Shakespeare.
Advanced voice control, face recognition and wireless charging are also solutions Shakespeare expects will lift PC and notebook sales in the future.
"Our fourth-generation platform will support many of these new offerings. We truly believe that people will invest in technology if it improves their lifestyles. We are doing that by introducing innovative products at attractive price points.
"I feel cautiously optimistic that we will see growth in the future. There is a huge opportunity in the market that has yet to be realised."
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