While global PC sales are weak, some segment are seeing a strong growth in demand. DigiTimes writes Intel is investing in R&D and marketing to strengthen it mini desktop platforms as these are doing pretty well. The firm is pushing ahead with its Compute Stick and hopes to sell 1.2 million units in 2015.
For 2015, Intel has five major product lines for its mini desktop business: Mini ITX-form-factor product, sub-1-liter mini PC, NUC, Mini Lake PC and Compute Stick, to cover demand from different segments.
Currently, Intel is seeing strong demand for mini desktops in Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan. AMD has also been adjusting its product lines to push into the market segment.
The Intel NUC platform released in 2013 has recently started gaining attention from consumers, while the Compute Stick has also started seeing rising sales thanks to growing popularity of smart TV-connected devices such as Apple TV, Chromecast and Chromebox.