LG Considers Waving Goodbye to Traditional PC Market
Perhaps the most surprising thing about LG mulling whether or not it wants to completely exit the traditional PC market is the fact that LG makes computers. Indeed, the South Korean electronics maker dabbles in PCs and even recently announced plans to unveil an updated Ultra PC model (laptop), Tab-Book 2 (hybrid 2-in-1 similar to Surface), and a 27-inch all-in-one desktop at CES. However, these might be among the last PC products LG ever releases.
According to The Korea Times and "industry sources" it spoke with, LG is thinking about scaling back is traditional PC business and shifting focus to tablets, hybrid PCs, and smartphones. Everything is being considering, even exiting the PC market altogether, though if LG goes that route it would probably be a gradual process.
"The market for conventional PCs has been losing its luster as smartphones and tablets are replacing products. We are reviewing various options in a bid to improve the profitability of our computing business," an LG executive is quoted as saying.
LG seems motivated by Samsung, which itself scaled back its focus on PCs and is now one of the largest smartphone players around (next to Apple). If LG believes it can become a major force in mobile as well, traditional PCs will quickly take a back seat.
According to data by research firm IDC, global PC shipments declined 14 percent during the first quarter of 2013, representing the worst drop since 1994. The numbers are still being tallied, but preliminary data provided to The Guardian by IDC suggests that LG shipped less than 1 million PCs in 2013.
According to The Korea Times and "industry sources" it spoke with, LG is thinking about scaling back is traditional PC business and shifting focus to tablets, hybrid PCs, and smartphones. Everything is being considering, even exiting the PC market altogether, though if LG goes that route it would probably be a gradual process.
"The market for conventional PCs has been losing its luster as smartphones and tablets are replacing products. We are reviewing various options in a bid to improve the profitability of our computing business," an LG executive is quoted as saying.
LG seems motivated by Samsung, which itself scaled back its focus on PCs and is now one of the largest smartphone players around (next to Apple). If LG believes it can become a major force in mobile as well, traditional PCs will quickly take a back seat.
According to data by research firm IDC, global PC shipments declined 14 percent during the first quarter of 2013, representing the worst drop since 1994. The numbers are still being tallied, but preliminary data provided to The Guardian by IDC suggests that LG shipped less than 1 million PCs in 2013.
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