Will we ever get a rival to the PC?

[GGizmo]

I was just watching this video about an American guy visiting a couple of UK retro collection places.

An American Visits British Computer Museums

Computer museums are a great place to check out the coolest of vintage tech. I’ve been to my share in America, but what about the rest of the world? Join me ...

youtu.be

One thing that hit me straight away was the amount of computer/console rivalries ie at least 2 or more different machines clashing against each other in the different eras.

Today we have the PC dominating the market with Apple hanging on.

Are we ever going to see a rival to this situation?

Apple is ok. But it doesn't seem to be used much in business, which is how the PC slowly crept to market domination. Apple are also overly expensive. They aren't going to become the number 1 home seller anytime soon.

When I'm talking about a new rival I mean one that is using it own operating system, maybe Linux, and own custom chips, maybe RISC based.

We know from history that back in the day regular games publisher's had some input on the next machines being built. I assume that would also give a commitment to make games for it.

I'm sure if enough development with new chips, graphic cards and a stripped down OS, making the machine a hybrid between computer and console, it could be a winner.

As a former Amiga owner I've seen how a loyal fan base can carry a machine beyond its years and technical capabilities ie it doesn't need to be the best as long as we feel part of it.

What do others think of the potential for a new brand of machine appearing?

 

[GGizmo]

So much is tied to Windows x86 these days I can't see it happening, even Windows on ARM doesn't get much traction. Even where people use Android it often ties back into Windows.

RISC OS was in many ways light years ahead at one point but is very much a niche OS today.

I can agree with this if we're comparing computer vs computer.

But like when Sony appeared on the scene with playstation, or we have Nintendo today. They are both using different OS's than Windows.

I wonder if the rival could come from a hybrid ie a console with office applications, which would end up travelling with opposite way to the PC, Amiga, Atari ST etc. But would end up at the same destination.

Though I wonder how long until we move to using a terminal.