PC sales slow before launch of new Windows software

Desktop, laptop and tablet sales across the globe have hit a speed bump but could pick up by the end of the year, according to technology analysts.

PC shipments declined by 9.5 percent in the second quarter of 2015 compared with the same period last year, according to research firm Gartner, which calculated that 68.4 million units had been shipped, including tablets.

According to rival industry analyst International Data Corp., sales tumbled by as much as 11.8 percent this quarter compared with last year, accounting for 66.1 million units, not including tablets.

Several converging factors were to blame, researchers agreed. The strong dollar led to price hikes overseas, drying up demand among businesses and consumers. Worldwide, sales fell after Microsoft axed support for its Windows XP operating system in the second quarter last year. And with Windows 10 set to debut next quarter, shops wanted to keep inventory clear of outdated technology.