AMD aims to appeal to developing and mainstream markets with the AM1 platform-- a Kabini-based desktop System-on-a-Chip (SoC) combining Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture with quad-core Jaguar CPUs.

Set to be sold under the Atlon and Sempron APU brands, the AM1 platform features USB 3.0, SATA 6GB/s, DirectX 11.2 and Windows 8.1 support and is ideal for use inside mini-PCs with microATX and miniITX motherboards.

"The AM1 platform gives us a great opportunity to deliver a flexible infrastructure environment, and provides a multitude of options for consumers and system builders looking for upgradeability packed into an extremely affordable solution.” a company statement claims.

Fujitsu believes always-on business PCs consume too much power as it reveals the Esprimo X923 at CeBIT 2014-- an All-in-One (AIO) PC featuring unified communications capabilities and a special power-saving mode.

It carries a 23-inch display, Intel Core i4, i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB RAM, storage via 1TB HDD or 500GB SSD and 6 USB ports together with UC features such as microphone, adjustable webcam, presence sensor and face-recognition software.

A X923-T variant replaces the LED display with a touchscreen.

The so-called low-power active mode (LPAM) pauses power-consuming applications such as browsers and office suites, but continues running Windows for telephone and video conferencing use. According to Fujitsu LPAM consumes just 5W, down from the 56W regular use requires.

The popular Raspberry Pi micro-PC gets audio functionality maker element 14 claims is on par with that of bigger PCs in the shape of a sound card add-on board from audio solutions maker Wolfson.

As seen at CeBIT 2014 the Wolfson audio card carries an audio processor able to output high-resolution audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz via 3.5mm line-out, digital S/PDIF output or external speakers through onboard 2W class-D power amlifier.

Audio recording comes through 2 onboard MEMS mics, 3.5mm mic jack and digital S/PDIF input.

PC shipments see the steepest fall yet during 2013 according to IDC-- shipments are down by -9.8%, slightly better than projections of -10.1% but still suffering from competition from other devices and economic pressures.

One can see slight improvements in Q4 2013 shipments, but only due to short-term factors such XP replacements.

As a result IDC lowers 2014 growth projections by just over 2% to declines of -6%, and adjusts projections for the 2013-2018 period by 1%-- meaning long-term growth should remain below zero, with shipments below 300 million during the forecast period.

Depressing shipments further in a "dismal" 2013 are emerging markets (2013 volume down by -11.3%) due to slower economic growth, the culmination of some large projects, tablet/smartphone pressure and conservative expectations for factors such as touch and Windows XP migration.