Android Captures 20% of Tablets Market Share But Shows No Sign of Closing The Gap
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Android-enabled tablets are showing signs of picking up steam by having scooped up 20% of the market share over the past 12 months. However, expensive and not-market-ready devices are keeping any healthy competition from blossoming.
According to a recent report by ABI Research, annual shipments of media tablets are predicted to reach 120 million by 2015, implying that, although not as in demand as desktop and laptop computers, mobile devices are quickly gaining acceptance in the technology-buying world. The iPads have been the leaders of the market since its premier release with Android is trailing behind by a large margin.
In a press release, ABI pointed out that although Android-based tablets own 20% of the market, “No single vendor using Android (or any other OS) has been able to mount a significant challenge against it.” According to ABI Research Mobile Devices Group Director Jeff Orr:
“Many vendors have introduced media tablets, but none are separating themselves from the pack to pose a serious threat to Apple. In fact, most have introduced products at prices higher than similarly-configured iPads.”
Orr also states that low-cost tablets from 50 different vendors will hit the shelves by the end of 2011, which will help increase the market share of non-iOS tablets. However, Orr points out that the mediocre additions will send a negative message to consumers that tablets will not be properly functional within the next several years.
ABI’s media tablet study discusses market drivers and inhibitors, and provides information about product pricing, and availability among other things. The report also predicts the possible future shipment and pricing for the tablet market.
For the iPad to succeed, others must also succeed. Otherwise, Apple’s newest darling will lose its luster with mass consumers, becoming a paperweight in a sea of obsolete gadgets.
