Microsoft’s Windows 10 poised to goose Q3 PC sales
The upcoming release of Microsoft’s (MSFT) next operating system, Windows 10, could provide a nice boost to personal computer sales. “The release of new Windows operating systems historically have acted as a tailwind for PC demand,” Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty said in a research report Thursday. “Quarters that include a Windows operating system launch historically generate stronger-than-average seasonal demand for PCs. “In three of the past four OS launches (XP, Vista, Windows 7 & Windows 8), PC seasonality during the quarter strengthened 4 (percentage) points on average compared to the trailing 3-year historical average seasonality.” Huberty expects PC demand in the third quarter to strengthen 6 percentage points above average seasonality aided by the launch of Windows 10. Microsoft is scheduled to release Windows 10 on July 29. “Asia supplier meetings last week suggest a big ramp in the September quarter,” Huberty said. Of the last four Windows releases…