With rumors that Microsoft will announce a Windows operating system designed specifically for ARM-based platforms at CES 2011, plus the fact that Intel has been working aggressively on its Linux-based MeeGo system, sources from notebook players believe that the issues are an indication that the two giants' influence on PC vendors and makers will become weaker in 2011 as the two do not have strong control over the tablet PC market, while they are having difficulty entering the smartphone industry and may face declining market share in the PC market.
Both Intel and Microsoft have refuted the comments.
The sources believe that iPad's strong influence has shown the advantages of a tablet PC are at its design, battery longevity, price, user interface and applications, while Wintel platforms are no longer the priority choice for consumers. Meanwhile, the sources also believe that the Wintel platform, which has a higher cost than ARM/Android platforms, may not be able to maintain an advantage in the tablet PC market, unless some changes are made.
The sources pointed out that Intel investing in its own software platform, while Microsoft develops software for ARM-based processors for the tablet PC market are both necessary steps. As Google is set to launch Chrome operating system targeting notebooks and netbooks, and has already received support from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Acer and Asustek Computer, the sources are hoping the PC market will gradually step out of their dominance and head toward diversification.