<p>Netbooks face a bleak future as hardware makers shift their focus from this device category to concentrate on other form factors, while the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) threatens to make netbooks obsolete. Even interest from certain emerging markets may not save it from irrelevance in the long run.</p><p>The outlook for netbooks was rosier during 2007, when it was positioned as a small, lightweight and affordable alternative to the traditional, chunky laptops. Five years on, however, and one of the pioneers of the segment, Asus Technology, has announced it will pull the plug on manufacturing netbooks. Other players such as Toshiba and Dell have also indicated likewise.</p><p>An Asus spokesperson told ZDNet Asia that while the company still sees demand for the product, it decided to focus elsewhere as it expects consumers to move toward tablets, convertibles and other devices.</p><p>"Tablets can now replace the functionality of netbooks, and the trend is toward touchscreen capabilities currently," said the spokesperson, who added Asus' production of netbooks would stop in 2013.</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/emerging-markets-keep-netbooks-relevant-but-barely-7000005299/">Keep reading...</a></p>