Microsoft Corp.’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) major worry is that its new Windows 8 operating system will not post impressive sales. This would be, primarily, because people have moved their computing platforms from personal computers (PCs) to tablets and smartphones.

However, another threat may have emerged — the rise of the Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chrome OS-powered PC.

According to Xbit:

As Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system has so far failed to substantially boost demand towards personal computers, Google Chrome-based laptops are getting more popular, according to a highly-ranking executive from Acer Group, a top PC maker. But while sales of the so-called Chromebooks are strong, they cannot save companies like Acer from posting major declines of shipments.

Laptops with Google Chrome operating system accounted for 5% to 10% of Acer’s U.S. shipments since introduced in November, 2012, according to Jim Wong, the president of the company. Moreover, the executive expects that sales of Chromebooks are sustainable and going forward in the long-term future they will continue to be a success for the company, especially once they are available on developing markets.

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