Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/13/win_11_refreshes_delayed_pc_makers/
Source: The Register
Title: Win 11 refreshes delayed say PC makers – and here’s why
Feedly Summary: Oh and about those AI computers… analysts reckon there are still no killer apps or convincing use cases
Admins had better dust off their Windows migration skills if Dell and HP are right that a refresh wave of “aging" commercial PC estates is picking up pace – even though the process is slower to happen than either company seems to have expected.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The text discusses the anticipated refresh cycle of commercial PCs driven by aging hardware and the upcoming end of Windows 10 support. Both Dell and HP executives predict that AI-enabled PCs will play a significant role in this hardware upgrade wave, but current market conditions and lack of compelling use cases for AI functionalities could slow down the adoption rate. The piece insightfully highlights the interplay between software, such as Windows 11, and the necessity for advanced hardware to support emerging AI applications.
**Detailed Description:**
– **Context & Timeline for Upgrades:**
– Dell and HP executives, Michael Dell and Enrique Lores, emphasize the urgency for businesses to upgrade their aging PC inventories.
– Dell pointed out that enterprises are delayed in their upgrade cycles due to a combination of factors, although the impending end-of-life for Windows 10 is likely to trigger action.
– **Market Dynamics:**
– Post-COVID purchasing habits have led to a significant number of PCs in need of replacement, as many units purchased during the pandemic age rapidly.
– There is an expectation that demand for replacements might grow by 6% in the next year, driven by various geographical markets that have hesitated to upgrade.
– Statcounter data shows that Windows 11 adoption is still low compared to Windows 10, indicating a slow transition.
– **AI in PCs:**
– Dell and HP foresee a looming demand for AI-enabled features in PCs, suggesting that upcoming hardware will need to support AI features to meet customer expectations.
– There are notable benefits of AI PCs highlighted by Lores: reduced latency, cost-effective local processing, and minimized data upload requirements.
– **Skepticism and Challenges:**
– Analysts express skepticism about the actual impact of AI PCs on upgrade decisions, citing a lack of clear use cases for AI that would compel businesses to transition from current systems.
– The text reflects on a reality where marketing hype around AI PCs may not translate to immediate sales growth, as critical applications are still being fleshed out.
– **Future Outlook:**
– The narrative suggests an industry-wide readiness to gear up for the evolution in PC capabilities, with components from manufacturers like Qualcomm and AMD becoming more available.
– However, there remains uncertainty regarding the immediate necessity for businesses to adopt these AI features, with some experts predicting that PCs with AI functionalities won’t significantly drive upgrade decisions unless compelling applications are demonstrated.
**Implications for Professionals:**
– Security and compliance professionals in enterprise IT should prepare for potential upgrades and the necessity to assess security protocols related to AI functionalities in new hardware.
– Understanding the implications of AI integration in traditional PCs and the potential risks associated with non-compliant software is crucial for maintaining robust IT infrastructures.
– The shifting dynamics of the commercial PC market could inform strategic planning around procurement and deployment of technology that incorporates both innovative features and compliance requirements.