Acer is looking to reduce its reliance on Windows products in the coming years, instead shifting some of their focus to Android devices as well as Chromebooks. Chairman J.T. Wong said that the company is trying to grow their non-Windows business "as quickly as possible" in response to a slump in traditional PC sales.
In a conference call with investors, Wong said Acer is expecting 10-12 percent of their revenue this year to come from Android devices and Chromebooks, the latter of which currently makes up three percent of Acer's overall shipments. They're hoping that revenues from these platforms will rise to 30% by next year, in an effort to turn the company's fortunes around after posting an $11.4 million net loss for Q2 2013.
On Windows, Wong said that Microsoft needs to "reestablish or reinforce confidence among PC users", as people are holding off on purchasing decisions, or looking elsewhere. A combination of new Haswell chips from Intel, which improve the viability of portable and hybrid Windows 8 machines, as well as Windows 8.1, which addresses many of the public's concerns surrounding the OS, will hopefully make future Windows machines a more attractive option.
Acer has never been afraid of experimenting with new platforms and form factors. The company was first to bring an 8-inch Windows 8 tablet to market with the Iconia Tab W3-810, they also have $200 Chromebooks on the market, and a range of Android tablets in various sizes and price points. They also rely on sales of their Windows laptops and Ultrabooks, such as the Aspire S7 series, which have been well received by reviewers as well as users.
With an already jam-packed Android tablet market it will be interesting to see what Acer produces in an effort to catch the eyes, and wallets, of consumers. If Acer wants to do well in this area they'll need more than just a few medicore tablet offerings on store shelves.