By Margaret Rock | Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:55 pm |
Android tablets are grabbing a greater share from the iPad in the tablet market, but no single competitor has yet to emerge to give Apple's tablet a run for its money.
Makers of non-iOS tablets have risen to 20 percent of the market, according to ABI Research's "Media Tablets" study, but there is no single device rising to the top to challenge the market dominance of the Apple's devices.According to market research firm IDC, Apple shipped more than 15 million iPads last year, giving the company 83 percent of the 18 million unit market. Samsung's Galaxy Tab was the only serious competitor in 2010, with 17 percent of the market. "Many vendors have introduced media tablets, but none are separating themselves from the pack to pose a serious threat to Apple," according to ABI analyst Jeff Orr. One way the competition is trying to beat Apple is on price. The lowest-priced iPad 2 goes for about $500, so offerings like Iconia's Tab, selling for $330, and HP's Touch Pad's reduced price of $400 are trying to gain ground with discounted price. However, with the iPad 2's selection as Consumer Reports' top ranking tablet, besting Motorola, Dell and Samsung, the slight increase in price may be perceived as value from consumers. "So far, Apple is leading the tablet market in both quality and prices, which is unusual for a company whose products are usually premium priced," said Paul Reynolds, electronics editor at Consumer Reports. Another reason for Apple's dominance may be due to the fragmentation amongst the competition, particularly Google's Android, suggests ABI analyst Jeff Orr. The fact that Android has "no less than three," (Froyo, Gingerbread, and Honeycomb) software builds for its tablets is making app developers tentative while they wait to see which one will emerge as the leader. In addition to creating problems for apps, the fragmentation may add to consumer confusion and erode confidence that the Android tablet market has worked out the kinks and can offer reliable products. Regardless of where it stands today, Android tablets are expected to gain market share according to most predictions. While the market is banking on retailers like OfficeMax and Walmart to help usher in a banner back-to-school season, analysts will watch to see if a single iPad competitor will emerge over that and the coming holiday shopping season, or if several standouts will combine to shrink the iPad's dominance.
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