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PC Outlook Further Lowered as Mature Markets Projected to Outgrow Emerging Markets in 2013, According to IDC
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac Unites Windows, Mac and the Cloud; Pushes Envelope With Up To 40 Percent Performance Improvement
Should Apple Make A Touchscreen MacBook Air?
Google's Main Market Target For Glass May Be Businesses, Not Consumers
ASE To Land Growing Backend Orders For Apple Devices - Commercial Times Report
New Dell Monitors Bring Touch Experience Within Reach
uDesktop NEXT LT for OS X - 200 Free Hi-Res Wallpapers
PC Outlook Further Lowered as Mature Markets Projected to Outgrow Emerging Markets in 2013, According to IDC
Worldwide PC shipments are now expected to fall by -9.7% in 2013, further deepening what is already the longest market contraction on record, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. The new forecast reflects not only a continued expansion of mobile device options at the expense of PCs, but also marked the cessation of emerging market growth that the industry had come to rely on in recent years. The market as a whole is expected to decline through at least 2014, with only single-digit modest growth from 2015 onward, and never regain the peak volumes last seen in 2011.
While the results of the second quarter were in line with forecast, a number of issues led IDC to further downgrade its PC outlook. Aside from stubbornly depressed consumer interest, 2013 also marks the first year where emerging regions are expected to contract at a steeper rate than mature regions. Leading this trend is China's revised forecast, which calls for a double-digit decline in shipments this year compared to 2012, as channel sources report high levels of stagnant inventory and continued enthusiasm for tablets and smartphones. The repercussions of a slowing China, anxiety over the possible tapering of the U.S. quantitative easing program, and weak intrinsic PC demand are among a litany of factors that have rippled across portions of other formerly strong-growth areas, leading emerging markets as a whole to see declines through at least 2014.
"The days where one can assume tablet disruptions are purely a First World problem are over," says Jay Chou, Senior Research Analyst, Worldwide Quarterly PC Trackers at IDC. "Advances in PC hardware, such as improvements in the power efficiency of x86 processors remain encouraging, and Windows 8.1 is also expected to address a number of well-documented concerns. However, the current PC usage experience falls short of meeting changing usage patterns that are spreading through all regions, especially as tablet price and performance become ever more attractive."
Looking beyond 2014, IDC expects a slow rebound, driven in part by modest consumer refresh of systems whose lifecycle have dramatically lengthened in recent years, as well as businesses taking a first serious look beyond Windows 7. However, without an adequate mass of compelling applications, the PC market is poised to subsist primarily on lukewarm replacements in the future.
"The second quarter of 2013 was the third consecutive quarter where the U.S. market came through stronger than the worldwide market. This was largely due to some recovery in the overall economy and channel inventory replenishment," saidays Rajani Singh, Research Analyst, Client Computing. "Following the stronger than expected 2Q13, we expect the second half of 2013 to restore some volume momentum driven largely by better channel involvement of top vendors and industry restructuring/alignment. We also anticipate operating system migration (Window XP to 7) will drive some volume in the commercial segment. Entry-level ultraslim systems and lower-priced convertibles will also be bright spots in an otherwise still troubled consumer market."
Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, August 2013
(*) Forecast data
See Table and Taxonomy Notes below.
Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, August 2013
(*) Forecast data
Table Note: Mature Markets include U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and Canada. Emerging Markets includes Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Taxonomy Note: PCs include Desktop, Mini Notebook and other Portable PCs, and do not include handhelds or Tablets such as the Apple iPad or Android Tablets
IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker gathers PC market data in more than 80 countries by vendor, form factor, brand, processor brand and speed, sales channel and user segment. The research includes historical and forecast trend analysis as well as price band and installed base data.
For more information, visit:
http://www.idc.com
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac Unites Windows, Mac and the Cloud; Pushes Envelope With Up To 40 Percent Performance Improvement
Parallels has launched Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac, which lets customers run Windows and Mac applications simultaneously on a Mac without rebooting. Parallels is the award-winning and No. 1-selling Mac desktop virtualization software for more than seven years and counting.
Innovative new features include cloud storage optimizations for iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive. Customers will also enjoy increased productivity with Mac OS X features like Launchpad in Windows applications and using the upcoming OS X Mavericks. For Windows 8 users, Parallels Desktop 9 incorporates the familiar and much-missed real Start menu and Windows Start button. Starting August 29, current Parallels Desktop users can upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac at http://www.parallels.com/desktop. For new customers, Parallels Desktop 9 will be available for purchase at retail and online stores and via the Parallels website starting on September 5.
"Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Parallels keeps pace with and supports leading new technologies, such as the upcoming OS X Mavericks, Windows 8.1 and increasingly popular cloud services," says Parallels CEO Birger Steen. "We thank our customers for appreciating our innovations and making Parallels Desktop for Mac the No. 1-selling software for running Windows on a Mac for seven years and counting."
Userrs ranging from business owners, to web developers, IT professionals, Mac enthusiasts, parents and students will benefit from conveniences provided by Parallels Desktop 9, such as improved performance, MacBook Power Nap functionality in Windows and Windows applications, connecting Thunderbolt and Firewire storage devices to a Windows virtual machine, improved security features, and increased flexibility for users with multiple monitors. Parallels Desktop 9 also enhances its support of Mac gestures inside Windows applications and offers Linux users enhanced integration with the Mac OS.
Parallels Desktop 9 is also claimed to deliver much improved performance for some of the most common tasks and operations, such as a 40 percent improvement in disk performance; virtual machine startup and shutdown are now up to 25 percent faster; and customers can suspend their virtual machines in up to 20 percent less time than before. 3D graphics and web-browsing were also made noticeably speedier with up to 15 percent improvements for both.
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers also get an exclusive six-month subscription to the just-released Parallels Access for iPad, a breakthrough subscription model product for people on-the-go that applifies Windows and Mac applications on a PC or Mac, letting customers remotely access and experience them as if they were made for iPad. Now users can enjoy native iPad gestures even in applications not optimized for iPad. With Parallels Access, just tap right to what you need to get done, in any Windows or Mac application. Mac users with Parallels Desktop 9 can also enjoy the applified experience for their Windows applications, using Parallels Access from an iPad. Details about Parallels Access and a free trial are available here:
http://www.parallels.com/access
Top Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac Features
• Support for cloud services: Sync iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive etc., with your Mac and your Windows virtual machine without unnecessary duplication of files locally
• Enhanced Windows 8 and 8.1 support: Parallels Desktop brings back the real Start menu and lets customers use Metro apps in a window instead of full screen
• Security Center: Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location
• Enhanced new Virtual Machine Wizard: It is easier than ever to set up a new virtual machine, especially on computers that dont have DVD drives
• Power Nap support: On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date
• Mac gestures inside Windows apps: Parallels Desktop now includes the addition of the Dictionary lookup gesture in Windows applications
• Thunderbolt and Firewire storage device support: For convenience of everyday use, customers can connect those devices directly to a Windows virtual machine
• PDF printer for Windows: Lets people print from any Windows application to a PDF on the Mac desktop, even if the application doesnt have that functionality
• Sticky multi-monitor setup: When using Windows in Full Screen mode and connecting to an external monitor, Parallels Desktop will remember settings and put the Windows virtual machine back in full screen mode on the remote monitor
• Custom keyboard: Editable keyboard shortcuts help customize the Windows experience
• Linux guest integration: Parallels Desktop customers who use Linux now have additional and enhanced integration with the Mac OS
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is available beginning Aug. 29, 2013, as an upgrade for current Parallels Desktop for Mac users. The full version will be available to new customers on http://www.parallels.com/desktop starting Sept. 5, 2013. Packaged software will also be available starting Sept. 5 at Apple retail stores, Apple.com, Amazon.com, Frys Electronics, MicroCenter and at other resellers and retail locations worldwide.
The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is US$79.99, and the Student Edition is available for US$39.99. Parallels Desktop 9 Switch to Mac Edition is US$99.95. Upgrades are starting Aug. 28 for existing Parallels Desktop 7 or 8 for Mac customers for US$49.99. For a limited time, Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Parallels Access for the Mac where Parallels Desktop 9 is installed and activated, a $39.99 value. Details are available online at http://www.parallels.com/desktop. Parallels Desktop for Mac subscription offerings including business-class support, ongoing software updates and major version upgrades for Parallels Desktop for Mac Enterprise Edition are available by contacting the Parallels Sales Team at:
http://www.parallels.com/desktop/volume-licensing
Customers who purchased Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac from an authorized reseller on or after August 15 are eligible to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac at no additional cost. Customers who purchased from parallels.com or have a registered product activation key will automatically be emailed instructions on how to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9. Details are available at:
http://www.parallels.com/techguarantee2013
Parallels Access for iPad is available for a 14-day free trial; annual subscriptions are $79.99 for each computer being accessed. The Windows device access capability is currently in beta with an extended free trial period of 90 days. Additional information and the app is available online at: http://www.parallels.com/access.
Customers interested in testing Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac can download a free trial starting September 5, along with in-depth information, videos and screenshots of the new features, at:
http://www.parallels.com/desktop
Should Apple Make A Touchscreen MacBook Air?
Macworld UK's Mark Hattersley thinks it's past time Apple made a touchscreen MacBook Air, suggesting that as soon as Apple introduced the iPhone and its multi-touch gestures, it was almost taken as a given that this technology would make its way over to the Mac.
So where is the Mac with a touchscreen display hiding? he asks, noting that in some ways the MacBook (and other Macs) already have multi-touch in the form of the large glass trackpad which allowed many gestures from iOS to cross over to the world of Mac OS X.
However, he says that while the trackpad is cool, swiping on the glass pad doesn't truly have the same effect as interacting directly with the screen, and now that the iPad is firmly entrenched in our minds: isn't it time for the technology to become a little less exclusive? HE observes that the real question is would we benefit from a touchscreen Mac? What does touchscreen bring to the table that trackpads and mice do not?
Hattersley conceded that touch on a screen (or trackpad) less precise than a mouse, which is youe editor's main beef with touch input. I cherish the pinpoint precision and accuracy of a (preferably hard-wired) mouse inout connection to the UI.
Steve Jobs famously disdained touchscreens for laptops, noting correctly that after a short period of time fatigue begins setting in and after longer sessions, your arm wants to fall off, noting that it doesn't work, and it's ergonomically terrible.
However, Hattersley maintains that one reason why Apple should reconsider the idea of a touchscreen Mac laptop is that many people now reach for the screens on a MacBook Air instinctively.
Mea culpa, but I stop myself. While a touchscreen on a MacBook wouldn't be a hardship so long as real trackpad mouse input remains supported, I wouldn't be prepared to compromise other functionality and how much would touch add to up front cost?
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/yrljvF
Google's Main Market Target For Glass May Be Businesses, Not Consumers
Quartz's Simone Foxman suggests that Google Glass isn't for who you think it is, and that for the next few years at least, its main customers will be large businesses, the Glass operations team reporting that some of the most enthusiastic responses have come from manufacturers, teachers, medical companies, and hospitals
Not to say that ordinary people won’t ever use Glass, but MS. Foxman doesn't expect many people are likely to walk down the street sporting it anytime soon, and at least in the near term, it could be your boss who makes you start wearing one.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://bit.ly/18nK3Vp
ASE To Land Growing Backend Orders For Apple Devices - Commercial Times Report
Digitimes' Jessie Shen says IC packaging and testing house Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) is expected to secure backend orders for fingerprint sensors, application processors and Wi-Fi modules for use in Apple's devices, according to the Chinese-language Commercial Times quoted a Barclays Capital.
The report notes that overall orders for the Apple devices will account for 25-30% of ASE's revenues in the next two years, up from about 10% in the first half of 2013, the report suggested. ASE will provide system-in-package (SiP) packaging for fingerprint sensors and flip-chip chip-scale package (FC CSP) services for application processors used in the Apple devices.
For the full report visit here:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130829PB200.html
New Dell Monitors Bring Touch Experience Within Reach
Dell has introduced its new Dell 20 Touch Monitor (E2014T), Dell 23 Touch Monitor (P2314T) and Dell 27 Touch Monitor (P2714T), that bring the touch experience to a broader selection of users. The Dell 20 Touch Monitor, Dell 23 Touch Monitor, and Dell 27 Touch Monitor enable users to enjoy intuitive interaction with content onscreen by tapping, sliding, swiping, turning, pinching and stretching with their fingers.
MHL connectivity allows users to easily display content from smartphones and tablets directly onscreen.
With the Dell 20 Touch Monitor, users can enjoy a touch monitor experience for $249.99, featurung sharp, fluid visuals with 1600 x 900 HD resolution on its 19.5-inch screen, 2 milliseconds response time, and a high dynamic contrast ratio of 8 million:1.
Featuring extensive connectivity, the E2014T touch monitor comes with a wide range of connector ports such as MHL, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA and USB. This allows direct display of content from your smartphone or tablet on the larger touch screen via MHL, and also enables connectivity to a variety of peripherals for a versatile, integrated home or work environment.
The Dell P2314T and P2714T 23-inch and 27-inch touch monitors give users an intuitive 10-point touch experience when using Windows 8. Users will experience clear images on either a 23-inch (P2314T) or 27-inch (P2714T) screen with Full HD resolution and 8 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio. An ultra-wide 178-degree vertical by 178-degree horizontal viewing angle allows the same visual experience from virtually any angle. Users can enjoy the touch experience with the touch monitors' fine craftsmanship and sleek, flush edge-to-edge glass.
A unique adjustable stand promotes comfort and convenience. Users can naturally slide the monitor closer and tilt it up to 60 degrees to touch and type, or adapt to the requirements of their work space by choosing to wall mount the monitors or affix to the Dell Single Monitor Arm for greater panel adjustability. And just like the E2014T, these 23-inch and 27-inch touch monitors feature extensive connectivity options.
The E2014T is now available in the U.S., Canada and Latin American region starting at $249.99. It will be available in the European and Asia-Pacific regions Sept. 26. The P2714T and P2314T touch monitors are now available in the U.S., Canada and Latin America starting at $699.99 and $449.99, respectively. They will be available in Europe and Asia-Pacific Sept. 18.
For more information, visit:
http://dell.to/14Dytbk #DellDisplays
or:
http://www.dell.com
uDesktop NEXT LT for OS X - 200 Free Hi-Res Wallpapers
Aperio Lux has announced uDesktop NEXT LT for OS X, the lite free version of their powerful desktop wallpaper application. With uDesktop NEXT LT users can choose from 200 high quality wallpapers for Mac for any taste, even for 2880-by-1800 resolution (Retina display ready). Wallpapers for iPad an iPhone (include iPhone 5) available only in full version.
Feature Highlights:
(*) Access to collection of 200 stunning wallpapers
(*) Sort the wallpapers by New, Popular or choose Random
(*) Multi monitor support
(*) Desktop images settings
"In uDesktop NEXT LT we collected some beautiful colorful pictures which users may download and set as desktop images absolutely free" commentes Alexandr Bondar of Aperio Lux.
Also uDesktop NEXT LT users are available for viewing all wallpapers from uDesktop NEXT Content. uDesktop NEXT LT change user's judgement of how user can search wallpapers. There is nothing Mac users view more often on their computers than the desktop. The desktop greets users each time they log in, and they instantly recognize it as their own.
uDesktop NEXT LT is the free version of Aperio Lux powerful desktop wallpaper application uDesktop NEXT.
With uDesktop NEXT users may choose from many Hi-Res images. Users may download as many wallpapers as they wish from 35 image categories include: 3D, Abstract, Animals, Architectures, Aviation, Birds, Black & White, Calendars, Cars, Cartoon, Cats, Colors, Fantasy, Fire, Flowers, Food, Glass, Holidays, Insects, Interiors, Love, Misc, Monuments, Mountains, Music, Nature, Ships, Space, Sports, Technical, Textures, Underwater World, Water, Weapons. Each category contain many beautiful artistic dramatic pictures for any taste.
Wallpapers are available in different resolution for everything from iPhone and iPad to the MacBook Pro with Retina display:
1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440, 2560x1600 (Mac Book Pro 13.3" with Retina Display), 2880x1800 (Mac Book Pro 15.4" with Retina Display) and Surfboard
iPad: 1024x768, 2048x1536
iPhone: 960x640, 1136x640
What users get in the full version uDesktop NEXT:
(*) Unlimited downloads of high resolution pictures
(*) Categorized Wallpapers - The wallpapers are presented in 35 different categories each containing dramatic, artistic images for any taste - All categories are constantly being updated
(*) Resolutions for everything from iPhone and iPad to the MacBook Pro with Retina display
(*) Surfboard - incredible panoramic Hi-Res desktop pictures
(*) The "Calendars" category is updated monthly so you'll always have a fresh beautiful calendar.
(*) Adding much more thousand new images weekly
System Requirements:
(*) OS X Lion 10.7.4 or later
(*) OS X 10.8 compatible
(*) Intel 64-bit processor
(*) 13.2 MB
uDesktop NEXT LT is Free. Available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Lifestyle category.
Aperio Lux:
http://aperio-lux.com/
uDesktop NEXT LT:
http://bit.ly/1dus5HX
Download:
http://aperio-lux.com/download.php?file=uDesktopNEXTLT
Facebook Profile:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aperio-Lux/321218434609200
Twitter Profile:
http://twitter.com/aperio_lux
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http://bit.ly/12UVMMv
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