Last week marked a significant transition for users as Microsoft officially concluded support for Windows 10, compelling many to embrace the newer Windows 11. While tech enthusiasts may navigate this shift with relative ease, the general populace tends to prefer a more straightforward approach to compliance. This trend is particularly evident in Japan, where reports from IT Media indicate a surge in demand for Windows 11, especially in the vibrant Akihabara district of Tokyo.
Revival of Optical Drives
Interestingly, this uptick in Windows 11 interest has coincided with a resurgence in the popularity of optical drives. As consumers upgrade to the new operating system, many are eager to retain access to their physical media collections, leading to a notable increase in demand for disc drives. Unfortunately, this spike has resulted in a scarcity of these devices across the market, particularly for internal Blu-ray drives (BD-R), which are highly sought after and often out of stock.
According to a representative from Dospara Akihabara Main Shop, a well-known computer parts retailer, “Many people may prioritize writing speed and want an internal drive. With external drives, there’s inevitably a limit to how fast they can be.” This sentiment reflects a growing preference among consumers who are rediscovering the advantages of internal drives, despite the fact that many modern PC cases no longer accommodate them. The trend towards sleeker designs and the rise of SSDs have shifted priorities, making the heat management of internal drives less appealing, particularly in systems equipped with high-performance GPUs.
