Many Taiwan-based ODMs hold the opinion that Windows 10 will not be able to boost large-scale PC replacements and upgrades because a large proportion of consumers mainly use PCs for Web surfing and document processing, and therefore do not need the advanced functions provided by Windows 10.
Seeing orders from the second half remain weak, many ODMs have become pessimistic about the benefits brought by Windows 10, despite the fact that Microsoft still remains optimistic about Windows 10's potential of creating a new PC replacement trend.
The ODMs pointed out that most consumers have shifted their budgets to purchase a new smartphone since they have no immediate need to buy a new PC, and Windows 10's first-year free upgrade will make the matter worse.
Microsoft has been aggressively promoting the new features of Windows 10 such as the restoration of the Start Menu, Cortana smart voice assistant, new Microsoft Edge browser, Continuum technology, bio-sensor technology and Windows Hello.
Entering the third quarter, traditionally the peak season of the notebook market, the retail channel has not seen much increase in demand and is currently suffering from inventory pileups.
To minimize the impact, ODMs are turning to focus on non-notebook product lines such as smartphones and wearable products.
