Sony is reportedly disposing of the iconic VAIO brand, and with it, its PC division. The brand and its assets will be sold off to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), much in the same way as IBM disposed its PC business and Thinkpad brands over to Lenovo (which was a major supplier to IBM at the time). We won't see the last of VAIO notebooks, Ultrabooks, tablets, and convertibles, only that they won't be sold by Sony. The deal is part of Sony's larger efforts to shed underperforming businesses.

JIP could establish a new PC company from the assets it buys off Sony. In all likelihood, the VAIO brand could be retained, although the company's name itself hasn't been finalized. The new company will see Sony transfer 300 of its employees, to jump-start operations. The MoU signed between Sony and JIP seems to suggest that the company will prioritize Japan over global markets, in what is a similar strategy to Lenovo's. The Chinese company, after acquiring IBM's PC assets, focused its efforts on capturing the Chinese domestic markets with not just PCs, but also smartphones and tablets.

Lenovo today announced the 1U ThinkServer RD340 two-processor rack server, the storage-rich, 2U ThinkServer RD440 two-processor rack server, and the ThinkServer TD340, a new enterprise-grade, two-processor tower server, designed for customers who need full enterprise capability in a tower form factor. Along with the two-processor rack and tower servers, Lenovo announced the ThinkServer SA120, a modular and scalable rack-mount, direct-attached storage (DAS) enclosure. Together these product additions expand the ThinkServer enterprise portfolio, addressing more workloads and providing better choices for customers.

The 1U ThinkServer RD340 and 2U ThinkServer RD440 rack servers are ideal solutions for small- to mid-sized education, retail, professional service, state and local government, and healthcare customers seeking feature-rich server solutions at budget-friendly prices. Both two-processor servers are equipped with the next-generation Intel Xeon E5-2400 v2 series processors with up to 10 cores each - delivering 25 percent faster performance than previous-generation, award-winning ThinkServer systems.

Lenovo today announced at the Florida Education Technology Conference (FETC), the ThinkPad 11e series of laptops, designed specifically for education and ruggedized for classroom performance. Thin and light, these purpose-built devices offer education administrators the durability necessary to succeed in the hands of K-12 students and the flexibility to meet the increasingly changing needs of their technology demands.

The ThinkPad 11e series is available in two form factors: traditional laptop or Lenovo's innovative Yoga multimode form with four unique positions: laptop, tablet, tent and stand. The ThinkPad Yoga 11e devices offer students a system that can adapt to their needs based on the application or the content they are working with.

Lenovo and IBM have entered into a definitive agreement in which Lenovo plans to acquire IBM's x86 server business. This includes System x, BladeCenter and Flex System blade servers and switches, x86-based Flex integrated systems, NeXtScale and iDataPlex servers and associated software, blade networking and maintenance operations. The purchase price is approximately US$2.3 billion, approximately two billion of which will be paid in cash and the balance in Lenovo stock.

IBM will retain its System z mainframes, Power Systems, Storage Systems, Power-based Flex servers, and PureApplication and PureData appliances. The agreement builds upon a longstanding collaboration that began in 2005 when Lenovo acquired IBM's PC business, which included the ThinkPad line of PCs. In the period since the companies have continued to collaborate in many areas. IBM will continue to develop and evolve its Windows and Linux software portfolio for the x86 platform. IBM is a leading developer of software products for x86 servers with thousands of products and tens of thousands of software developer and services professionals who build software for x86 systems.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 82.2 million units in the fourth quarter of 2013 (4Q13), representing a year-on-year contraction of -5.6%, a shade better than the forecast of -6.0% growth, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.

For the full year 2013, unit shipments declined -10.0% from 2012, a record drop reflecting the changes in mobility and personal computing affecting the market. While commercial purchases helped to prevent a larger decline, the consumer side remained weak.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 82.6 million units in the fourth quarter of 2013, a 6.9 percent decline from the fourth quarter of 2012, according to preliminary results by Gartner, Inc. This is the seventh consecutive quarter of shipment decline.

"Although PC shipments continued to decline in the worldwide market in the fourth quarter, we increasingly believe markets, such as the U.S., have bottomed out as the adjustment to the installed base slows," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. "Strong growth in tablets continued to negatively impact PC growth in emerging markets. In emerging markets, the first connected device for consumers is most likely a smartphone, and their first computing device is a tablet. As a result, the adoption of PCs in emerging markets will be slower as consumers skip PCs for tablets."

Lenovo today announced three new additions to its consumer line of laptops and desktops that elevate the computing experience. The new clamshell Y40, Y50, Z40 and Z50 laptops and the C560 all-in-one (AIO) desktop provide advanced performance and entertainment features in portable and space-saving designs.

The Y Series laptops give users the technologies needed to enjoy a full multimedia experience with the latest graphics options and rich audio while the Z Series offers a selection of color choices, VeriFace facial recognition and motion/voice control. The C560 AIO provides families a large screen multitouch home PC that doubles down on work and play. The Lenovo LI2821 Wide monitor overwhelms the visual senses with its mind-blowing 4k resolution display, complemented by the two new consumer-friendly monitors: The Lenovo LI2223s and LI2323s.

Lenovo today announced at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show a portfolio of devices geared toward the home to allow users to enjoy, connect and interact with their media and content. These devices include the Lenovo Beacon personal cloud storage device, the Lenovo N308 Android home computer, the Lenovo Horizon 2 Table PC and the Lenovo A740 All-in-One (AIO) PC.

Lenovo's first personal cloud storage device, Beacon, allows users to easily store and share multimedia via their PC or mobile device in the home or remotely. Using the downloadable Android app created for Beacon, users can even turn their Android smartphone into a remote control for the Personal Cloud Storage Device. As Lenovo's first Android desktop, the Lenovo N308 AIO provides access to a world of apps on its 19.5-in multitouch display starting at $450. The Horizon 2 Table PC expands upon Lenovo's leadership in multimode computing with a radically thinner and more portable design, and as the thinnest 27-in AIO, the Lenovo A740 creates a versatile and stylish home PC.

LenovoEMC Limited today announced the worldwide availability of the new LenovoEMC px4-400d Network Storage, a high performance four-bay desktop NAS that delivers advanced data protection plus local and remote content sharing utilizing the simplicity and power of the LenovoEMC LifeLine operating system.

Debuting this week at 2014 International CES tradeshow in Las Vegas, the new LenovoEMC px4-400d utilizes hot swap 7200rpm SATA-III Server Class drives in a compact form factor with up to 16 TB in storage capacity (4 x 4 TB) and up to 25% higher data read and write performance than the previous generation of product.

Multimode computing leader Lenovo today at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show announced new additions to its multimode product lineup with the MIIX 2, a detachable three-mode laptop; the YOGA 2, a smarter convertible laptop with four unique modes; and the Flex 14D and 15D, dual mode convertible laptops that give consumers incredible value.

The 10-in and 11-in models of the MIIX 2 turn heads for their detachable design featuring Laptop, Stand and Tablet Modes. The YOGA 2 advances the original YOGA laptop's reputation for its 360° flip and fold design but now with more advanced specifications and at mainstream prices. Based on the original Flex convertible laptops, the new Flex 14D and 15D give users the same great Laptop and Stand modes but now with up to AMD A6 quad core processor technology and AMD Radeon graphics.

PC computing leader Lenovo today, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, announced additions to its visuals product portfolio with the ThinkVision Pro2840m, one of the best value 28-inch, feature-packed 4K professional displays and the ThinkVision 28, a smarter display that is not only an ultra-high definition monitor but also is an Android-enabled entertainment center.

"Lenovo is set to establish itself as a leading provider of premium display products with two new world class monitors that set the bar for UltraHD performance and great value," said Victor Rios, vice president and general manager, Think Desktop, Workstation and Visuals, Lenovo. "The ThinkVision Pro2840m is a must have display for professionals looking for ultra-high resolutions and the ThinkVision 28 defines an emerging category of premium monitors with a smart element for ultimate flexibility for tech savvy customers."

PC computing leader Lenovo today, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, announced additions to its product portfolio with the third generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the world's lightest 14 inch ultrabook and the ThinkPad 8, a premium 8 inch tablet offering a full PC experience on the move. Lenovo also introduces the new ThinkPad OneLink Dock Pro, an enhanced docking solution through a single cable connector.

"Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of design and technology as we aspire to create the best products in the market. Our obsession in the pursuit of perfection is evident with these smarter devices designed to enhance the way people interact at home and at work," said Peter Hortensius, SVP and president, Think Business Group, Lenovo. "The ThinkPad X1 Carbon delivers a stunning user experience with the best professional display and new interactive methods and represents another step in our PC plus journey."

Nok Nok Labs, a company founded to transform online authentication for modern computing announced today a partnership with Lenovo, the world's largest PC vendor. Lenovo is working with Nok Nok Labs to develop a joint solution to the ongoing problems created by the reliance on weak or complex passwords. The companies will deliver a FIDO-ready solution to the market in early 2014 that meets the dual user demands of ease of use and increased security.

Launched in February 2013, the FIDO Alliance is developing a new industry open standard to address the lack of interoperability of existing authentication solutions and the problems users face with multiple usernames and passwords. This new open standard for strong authentication will enable websites and cloud applications to interface with a wide variety of existing and future FIDO-enabled devices and technologies.

Lenovo Group today announced results for its second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013. Quarterly revenue was US$9.8 billion, a 13 percent increase year-over-year. Second quarter profit grew even faster with pre-tax income increasing 30 percent year-over-year to US$265 million, while earnings grew 36 percent year-over-year to US$220 million. Lenovo posted a record 29 million devices sold in the quarter, which is about four devices every second. The company's strong global execution of its Protect and Attack strategy, innovative product portfolio and an increasing mix of PC Plus revenues drove the results.

For the second straight quarter, Lenovo was the world's largest PC vendor*, with its highest-ever quarterly market share of 17.7 percent up 2 points year-over-year. Number one positions in five of the top seven PC markets - which cover one quarter of the world's population - supported this strong performance. Lenovo's PC shipments for the second fiscal quarter were 14.1 million units, again making it the fastest growing of the top five PC vendors. This was also the 18th quarter in a row that Lenovo outperformed the industry as a whole.

PointGrab Ltd. today announced that Lenovo, the largest PC maker worldwide, has selected its industry-leading and award winning gesture recognition solution to power the Lenovo Motion Control 2.0 (LMC 2.0) in select new Lenovo PCs including the recently announced Yoga 2 Pro multimode convertible laptop. By using PointGrab's proprietary Hybrid Action Recognitiontechnology, the new and advanced version of Lenovo Motion Control provides a richer and more reliable user experience and support additional gesture functions for more applications. Lenovo Motion Control 2.0 will be included in a number of Lenovo's premium consumer devices, including Yoga 2 Pro starting in October 2013.

"Being selected by the largest PC maker worldwide to power its new motion control features further validates our technology as the leading gesture solutions in the space," said Raphael Sankar, EVP Sales and Business Development at PointGrab. "This agreement is significant as it empowers our vision of making gesture a natural and intuitive experience for mass consumer adoption, especially now that our technology is available to Lenovo customers."

Multimode computing leader Lenovo, today announced the Lenovo A10, an affordable, ultra-portable, dual-mode laptop and the company's first to run on Android 4.2 OS. Weighing less than 1kg and measuring just 17.3mm at its thickest point, the Lenovo A10 is an ideal companion for users on the go, providing easy access to a wide range of apps on a unique, dual-mode platform, which enhances the user experience for entertainment and Web browsing as well as productivity.

"In laptop mode," users can take advantage of the A10's unique, Lenovo-customized user interface, which provides an app launcher, task bar and status bar for quick, intuitive access to the app library and desktop, as well as convenient multitasking and app switching. File manager software, also included with the Lenovo customized OS, makes it easy to locate and manage a library of documents, videos and music. In laptop mode, the device offers a full-size ergonomic, AccuType keyboard for safe, comfortable use.

Lenovo today announced the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch tablet, a Windows 8.1 multi-mode device that packs an Intel quad-core processor and IPS wide-angle, high-definition display into a small tablet form factor. Paired with an optional stylus and detachable cover, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch joins its popular predecessor, the Lenovo Miix.

Measuring only 8.35 mm thick and weighing a mere 350 mg, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch tablet delivers a 16:10 widescreen experience that deftly balances visual experience with portability. The 10-point multi-touch WXGA display delivers an 800 x 1280 resolution and its impressive 178-degree viewing angle means no one is left out of the fun. Equipped with two webcams, one in front (2MP) and one in back (5MP), the tablet is designed for effortless video chatting and photo sharing. Pre-loaded with Windows 8.1, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch brings all the enhancements of Microsoft's latest operating system, including enhanced searching and sharing; improved Web-surfing with the new IE 11, touch optimization and the return of the popular "Start" button.

Lenovo today announced, at the EDUCAUSE annual conference here, two new performance-optimized rack servers, the ThinkServer RD540 and ThinkServer RD640. Armed with the latest Intel Xeon E5 processors, these highly efficient and flexible servers are designed for easy integration into existing IT infrastructures that handle demanding virtualization, cloud and compute-intensive workloads.

Lenovo's ThinkServer RD540 and RD640 are an ideal choice for educational institutions seeking affordable options that pack a punch. The RD540 and RD640 provide the performance, security and reliability needed to support large university workloads and operations. When optionally equipped with Stoneware's webNetwork software, school administrators, students and staff can access data, applications and services from a multitude of devices and platforms using just a browser. With low price points, built-in redundancy, high reliability components and sophisticated cooling technology, the RD540 and RD640 deliver outstanding value for higher education.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 81.6 million units in the third quarter of 2013 (3Q13). In year-on-year terms, the market contracted -7.6%, ahead of a projected decline of -9.5% for the quarter, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. While shipments remained weak during the early part of the quarter, the market was somewhat buoyed by business purchases, as well as channel intake of Windows 8.1-based systems during September.

A slight uptick in business volume contributed to shipments. The top three vendors (Lenovo, HP, and Dell), which all have an important presence in the enterprise and public sectors, each saw modest positive year-on-year growth during the quarter. Conversely, consumer sentiment remained lukewarm at best, as evidenced by the continued struggles of Acer and ASUS.

Lenovo today announced several new additions to its growing family of all-in-one (AIO) desktop computers. Led by the super-widescreen Lenovo B750, which delivers the world's first29" 21:9 display, the new devices aim to extend Lenovo's leadership in the competitive AIO segment. According to the latest rankings from IDC, Lenovo is #1 in the worldwide consumer AIO market and the worldwide AIO market overall. There are four models in the new range, all equipped with stunning IPS displays, including three B-series PCsand, the Lenovo A530, a slim, space-saving addition to Lenovo's AIO range.

"AIO desktops have become the first-choice option for many consumers seeking a home PC with power and flexibility," said Jun Ouyang, vice president and general manager, desktop business unit, Lenovo Business Group. "Whether as a home entertainment center, a desktop for productivity or a gaming and multimedia device, we believe an AIOshould adapt to our customers' needs quickly and smoothly and offer them a level of performance on par with a traditional desktop."

Lenovo, the largest PC manufacturer in the world today announced a new trade-in program agreement with NextWorth, a leader in consumer electronics upgrades and trade-ins. Geared toward making laptop and tablet upgrades more affordable, the online trade-in program, powered by NextWorth, is now available at Lenovo Trade-in Program.

The Lenovo trade-in program managed by NextWorth allows customers to conveniently trade-in used laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, music players, digital cameras and more online and receive Lenovo eGift Cards for the value of their used gadgets. By turning used electronics into gift cards, customers can affordably upgrade to the latest Lenovo laptops and tablets. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to receive an instant quote for their electronics as well as a free, prepaid shipping label to mail devices into NextWorth.

Dell moved ahead of Samsung in the worldwide PC monitor market for the first time since 2007, shipping more than 5.0 million units in the second quarter of 2013 (2Q13). Total PC monitor shipments for the quarter were 33.5 million units, which was 1.6 million units more than forecast but still represented a year-over-year decline of -0.7%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Monitor Tracker.

"Dell grew its unit shipments by 12.7% compared to the first quarter of 2013, which vaulted the company into the number one position worldwide. However, Samsung continues to be the worldwide revenue leader, despite its declining shipment numbers," said Jennifer Song, Research Analyst, Worldwide Trackers at IDC. "On a geographic basis, China remained the largest market for PC monitors with 29.2% share, followed by the U.S. with 18.4% share. The number three market, Brazil, trailed by some distance with 4.3% share."

LenovoEMC Limited today announced the worldwide launch of a unique new data protection solution providing 360 degree backup protection for business information storage on servers, PCs and NAS. This solution is available globally as an add-on application for owners of existing Lenovo EMC high performance px Series NAS products and as the new all-in-one Lenovo EMC px Series Acronis Backup Appliance for European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific markets.

The combination of LenovoEMC storage technology with leading backup software by Acronis gives business users an all-in-one backup and recovery appliance with a hassle-free data protection strategy. With one product, available at a fraction of the cost of purchasing the hardware and software separately, business customers can now protect client PCs and servers by backing them up to the NAS, as well as protect the NAS data by backing it up to a separate network location. This solution provides multiple layers and locations for data protection.

Lenovo today announced, at the Intel Developer Forum, two new tower servers, the ThinkServer TS140 and ThinkServer TS440. Armed with the latest Intel Xeon E3 processors and Intel AMT 9.0 for remote manageability, these affordable, whisper-quiet tower servers are designed for powerful performance and expansive scalability, ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that require rich features and functionality at an attractive price point.

Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon E3-1200 v3 processors, the ThinkServer TS140 and TS440 tower servers offer 15 percent faster performance than previous generations. The TS140 and TS440 also feature Intel AMT 9.0 to provide outstanding remote manageability tools for easy and efficient server maintenance. Intel's AMT technology is certified with popular MSP ecosystem management consoles like N-Able, Level Platforms and Kasaya, enabling MSPs to manage end-user networks remotely and more cost effectively.

Lenovo today announced new enhancements to their ThinkPad performance and value portfolio. Improvements include new user inspired designs and longer battery life while continuing to support full connectivity capabilities that commercial customers depend on. The new performance systems are thinner and lighter devices with clean designs and maintain MIL-SPEC tested ThinkPad durability and reliability.

"As the No. 1 commercial notebook PC maker in the world, we remain committed to our core business line of legendary ThinkPad notebooks - and to the customers who use them," said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, Marketing, Think Business Group, Lenovo. "These latest ThinkPad models raise the bar for business class notebooks with new high resolution displays, processor upgrades and powerful graphics delivering exceptional performance and proven security features, in a simpler, cleaner design."