Gartner predicted that worldwide semiconductor revenue will fall by 0.6 per cent to $333 billion (€296 million) in 2016 -- following a decline of 2.3 per cent in 2015 -- due to weakened demand for key electronic equipment, elevated inventory levels, and the continuing impact of the strong U.S. dollar in some regions. The research company noted that the worldwide semiconductor market is expected to have two consecutive years of revenue decline for only the second time in its history. Demand for semiconductors in 2016 has been affected by reduced estimates for the production of PCs, ultra mobiles (lightweight computing devices including tablets, thin and lightweight PCs and convertibles), and smartphones. Release