Touch panel maker TPK reported February revenues of NT$12.939 billion (US$438 million), down 9% on month but up 61.49% on year. TPK indicated that some customers have been increasing demand due to the introduction of new models but other customers have been adjusting inventory levels. TPK predicts March revenues to be flat.

TPK believes once Windows 8 is launched, demand for touch applications above 10-inch will begin in third- and fourth-quarter 2012.

According to TPK chairman Chao-Juei Chiang, Windows 8 can extend touch applications to notebooks, all-in-one (AIO) computers and other consumer electronics. This will also increase the size of touch panels from 3.5-inch to 10-, 15-, 22- and 32-inch models. TPK has been eager to expand product lines to cover digital cameras and gaming devices.

Chiang noted that the touch panel industry usually reports low revenues in the first quarter. Revenues are expected to increase in the third and fourth quarters. TPK expects first-quarter 2012 revenues to decline 10-13% compared to fourth-quarter 2011.