Acer president Jim Wong proclaims Windows 8 as an unsuccessful launch. Wong points out his company saw a 28 percent drop in fourth-quarter shipments and that the whole market didn't come back to growth after the Windows 8 launch. Interestingly, Acer did see success with Google's Chrome platform, Chromebooks accounted for 5 to 10 percent of Acer's US shipments since being released there in November, and the company is considering to offer these systems in other developed markets as well. Wong also added that Acer will not launch any Windows RT devices until the back-to-school season this summer.
Chrome’s “value is that it’s more secure,” Wong said. Early adopters have been more professional, heavy Internet users with educational institutions, and corporations are also likely to show interest in the operating system, he said.
“You saw that all the marketing and promotions were not as broad as Windows 8, so to reach this success is encouraging,” Wong said. While Chrome has no license fee, Acer had to spend more money on marketing and promotions, offsetting the cost savings.
Acer will not release any Windows RT devices before the back-to-school season this summer, he said. Acer is still evaluating the platform, Microsoft’s first tablet and PC system compatible with ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) chips, before deciding if it will offer a device.
