Can Microsoft and Intel Revive PC Demand?

Many players are expecting to see strong PC demand in the second quarter, with Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) pushing its latest Ivy Bridge processors on the market. However, some channel retailers have become conservative about their performance in the second quarter. Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows 8 is said to be responsible for the delay in consumer demand to after the third quarter.

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Many expected to see the DIY and gaming accessory markets benefit from the introduction of new-generation hardware, but instead they witnessed a drop in consumer demand. Consumers are taking a watch and wait attitude in anticipation of newer technologies and devices that will be released into the market after the third quarter. Channel retailers are starting to turn conservative about their second-quarter revenues, as the second quarter is the traditional slow season.

Demand is expected to grow in the third quarter as Microsoft launches Windows 8 and Intel releases its entry-level and mid-range Ivy Bridge products. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is just one of the many PC makers expected to upgrade its PC lineup with the new Ivy Bridge chips.

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