Microsoft AI push may boost domestic laptop sales

livemint.com:

Mint, PC shipments are expected to stabilize this year following a 6% dip in 2023. However, rising adoption of AI PCs, tailored to Microsoft's specifications, could drive a 5% surge in PC shipments, and by up to 15% in revenues by December 2025.Data from market researcher IDC revealed that as of December 2023, PC shipments, including tablets, stood at 13.9 million units.

Laptops dominated PC sales with a 75% share. At an average selling price of $900 (~ ₹75,000), this translated into net revenues exceeding $9.5 billion.\Also Read: Microsoft unveils AI-enhanced ‘Copilot+’ PCs to compete with Alphabet, Apple; launch set for June 18According to estimates, laptop shipments alone could exceed 11.5 million units by December 2025, propelling net revenues to nearly $12 billion, up 26% in just two years.Analysts attribute much of this projected growth to the introduction of Microsoft's AI PCs.

Branded as 'Copilot+ PCs,' these devices will feature a dedicated AI co-processor, or neural processing unit (NPU), enhancing processing capabilities. While Microsoft will initially roll out surface-branded laptops, third-party adoption is imminent, considering that industry giants, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo, are poised to launch Copilot+ PCs laptops next month onwards.Also Read: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella dismisses OpenAI's importance, says, 'We have everything’ amidst closed source controversy'AI PCs offer offline support for tasks including file recall, generative image editing, and local search queries.