Toshiba, a Japanese multinational conglomerate, has been a household name in the world of technology for decades. Founded in 1875, the company has undergone significant transformations over the years, with its computer division being one of the most notable. In this article, we will delve into the history of Toshiba computers and explore who took over the brand.
A Brief History of Toshiba Computers
Toshiba’s entry into the computer market dates back to the 1970s, when the company began developing and manufacturing its own computers. The first Toshiba computer, the Toshiba ACOS 6, was released in 1974. However, it was not until the 1980s that Toshiba started to gain significant traction in the global computer market.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Toshiba became known for its high-quality laptops, which were popular among business users and consumers alike. The company’s laptops were renowned for their durability, performance, and innovative features, such as the introduction of the first laptop with a CD-ROM drive in 1992.
The Rise of Toshiba’s Computer Division
In the early 2000s, Toshiba’s computer division experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for laptops and desktops. The company’s computers were popular in both the consumer and business markets, and Toshiba became one of the top five computer manufacturers in the world.
However, the rise of low-cost computer manufacturers from Asia, such as Lenovo and Acer, posed a significant challenge to Toshiba’s market share. Despite this, Toshiba continued to innovate and release new products, including the popular Satellite and Qosmio laptop lines.
The Decline of Toshiba’s Computer Division
In the mid-2010s, Toshiba’s computer division began to experience significant financial difficulties. The company faced intense competition from low-cost manufacturers, and its market share began to decline. In 2015, Toshiba announced that it would be restructuring its computer division, which included the sale of its image sensor business and the reduction of its workforce.
In 2016, Toshiba announced that it would be selling its computer division to the Chinese company, Hisense. However, the deal ultimately fell through, and Toshiba was forced to continue operating its computer division.
The Sale of Toshiba’s Computer Division
In 2018, Toshiba announced that it had sold its computer division to the Japanese company, Sharp Corporation. The deal, which was worth approximately $36 million, marked the end of Toshiba’s involvement in the computer market.
Sharp Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the Taiwanese company, Foxconn, has continued to produce computers under the Toshiba brand. However, the company has faced significant challenges in reviving the brand, which has struggled to regain its former market share.
Who Took Over Toshiba Computers?
As mentioned earlier, Sharp Corporation took over Toshiba’s computer division in 2018. However, the company’s ownership structure is complex, and it is ultimately owned by Foxconn, a Taiwanese company.
Foxconn, which is also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., is a multinational electronics manufacturing company. The company is best known for manufacturing Apple’s iPhones and other electronic devices.
The Future of Toshiba Computers
Despite the challenges faced by Sharp Corporation in reviving the Toshiba brand, the company remains committed to producing high-quality computers. In recent years, Toshiba has released a range of new products, including laptops and desktops, which have received positive reviews from critics.
However, the future of Toshiba computers remains uncertain. The company faces intense competition from other manufacturers, and its market share continues to decline. Nevertheless, Toshiba remains a well-known and respected brand, and its computers continue to be popular among consumers and business users alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Toshiba’s computer division has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its rise as a major computer manufacturer in the 1990s and 2000s, Toshiba has been a household name in the world of technology.
Although the company’s computer division was sold to Sharp Corporation in 2018, Toshiba remains a well-known and respected brand. Despite the challenges faced by Sharp Corporation in reviving the brand, Toshiba continues to produce high-quality computers that are popular among consumers and business users alike.
As the technology industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Toshiba computers. Will the brand continue to decline, or will it experience a resurgence in popularity? Only time will tell.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1875 | Toshiba was founded |
| 1974 | Toshiba released its first computer, the Toshiba ACOS 6 |
| 1992 | Toshiba introduced the first laptop with a CD-ROM drive |
| 2015 | Toshiba announced the restructuring of its computer division |
| 2016 | Toshiba announced the sale of its computer division to Hisense, but the deal ultimately fell through |
| 2018 | Toshiba sold its computer division to Sharp Corporation |
In the end, the story of Toshiba computers serves as a reminder of the rapidly changing nature of the technology industry. As companies rise and fall, it is the brands that are able to adapt and innovate that ultimately succeed.
What happened to Toshiba’s computer business?
Toshiba’s computer business underwent significant changes in recent years. In 2020, the company announced that it would be selling its laptop business to Sharp Corporation, a Japanese electronics company. This move marked a significant shift in Toshiba’s focus, as the company decided to concentrate on its core businesses, such as semiconductors and industrial equipment.
As a result of the sale, Sharp Corporation took over Toshiba’s laptop business, including its manufacturing facilities, research and development operations, and sales channels. The acquisition enabled Sharp to expand its presence in the global laptop market and strengthen its position as a major player in the industry. Meanwhile, Toshiba continued to operate its other businesses, including its semiconductor and industrial equipment divisions.
Who took over the Toshiba brand?
The Toshiba brand was taken over by Sharp Corporation, which acquired Toshiba’s laptop business in 2020. Sharp Corporation is a Japanese electronics company that has been in operation for over 100 years. The company is known for its innovative products, including TVs, audio equipment, and home appliances.
Under Sharp’s ownership, the Toshiba brand continues to operate as a separate entity, with its own product lineup, marketing, and sales channels. Sharp has committed to maintaining the Toshiba brand’s reputation for quality and innovation, while also investing in research and development to drive future growth. The acquisition has enabled Sharp to expand its presence in the global laptop market and strengthen its position as a major player in the industry.
What happened to Toshiba’s laptop business?
Toshiba’s laptop business was sold to Sharp Corporation in 2020. As a result of the sale, Sharp took over Toshiba’s laptop manufacturing facilities, research and development operations, and sales channels. The acquisition enabled Sharp to expand its presence in the global laptop market and strengthen its position as a major player in the industry.
Toshiba’s laptop business was a significant part of the company’s operations, with a long history dating back to the 1980s. The company was known for its innovative products, including the popular Satellite and Portégé laptop lines. Under Sharp’s ownership, the Toshiba brand continues to operate as a separate entity, with its own product lineup, marketing, and sales channels.
Is Toshiba still in the computer business?
Toshiba is no longer in the laptop business, having sold its laptop division to Sharp Corporation in 2020. However, the company continues to operate in other areas of the computer industry, including semiconductors and industrial equipment.
Toshiba’s semiconductor business is a significant part of the company’s operations, with a focus on developing innovative memory and storage solutions. The company’s industrial equipment division also continues to operate, providing a range of products and services to industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
What does the future hold for the Toshiba brand?
The future of the Toshiba brand is uncertain, but it is likely that the brand will continue to operate as a separate entity under Sharp’s ownership. Sharp has committed to maintaining the Toshiba brand’s reputation for quality and innovation, while also investing in research and development to drive future growth.
In the short term, the Toshiba brand is likely to continue to operate as it has in the past, with a focus on developing innovative laptop products and providing excellent customer service. However, it is possible that Sharp may choose to integrate the Toshiba brand into its own operations over time, potentially leading to changes in the brand’s product lineup and marketing strategy.
Will Toshiba laptops still be available for purchase?
Yes, Toshiba laptops will still be available for purchase, despite the sale of the company’s laptop business to Sharp Corporation. Sharp has committed to continuing to produce and sell Toshiba-branded laptops, with a focus on maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.
In fact, Sharp has already released several new Toshiba-branded laptop models, which are available for purchase through various channels, including online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. The company has also committed to providing ongoing support and service for existing Toshiba laptop customers, ensuring that they can continue to use their devices with confidence.
What impact will the sale have on Toshiba’s employees?
The sale of Toshiba’s laptop business to Sharp Corporation is likely to have a significant impact on the company’s employees. Many employees who worked in the laptop division were transferred to Sharp as part of the sale, while others may have been laid off or reassigned to other areas of the company.
However, it’s worth noting that Sharp has committed to maintaining the Toshiba brand’s operations and product lineup, which means that many employees who worked on Toshiba laptops will continue to do so under Sharp’s ownership. Additionally, Sharp has stated that it will provide support and training to employees who are transitioning to new roles within the company.