Apple’s iPad has been dominating the tablet market for quite some time, now some new figures have been released which suggest that Google’s Android platform is becoming more popular amongst tablet owners.
According to research firm Strategy Analytics, in the last quarter of 2011 Android’s share of the tablet market rose to 38 percent, whilst Apple’s dropped to 58 percent, down from 68 percent for the same period in 2010.
“Apple shipped a robust 15.4 million iPads worldwide and maintained its strong market leadership with 58 percent share during the fourth quarter of 2011. Apple shrugged off the much-hyped threat from entry-level Android models this quarter.”
These figures also include that of Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet, which also runs a version of Google’s Android OS, and the device has been reported to be a strong seller over the holiday period of 2011.
The Rise of Android Tablets
The rise in Android’s market share can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the diversity of Android tablets available on the market provides consumers with a wide range of choices in terms of price, size, and features. Unlike Apple’s iPad, which is available in only a few models, Android tablets come in various forms from numerous manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, and Asus. This variety allows consumers to find a tablet that fits their specific needs and budget.
Additionally, the integration of Google’s services and the flexibility of the Android operating system make these tablets appealing to tech-savvy users who prefer customization and a seamless experience with other Google products. The open-source nature of Android also encourages innovation and competition among manufacturers, leading to better and more affordable products for consumers.
Impact of Amazon’s Kindle Fire
Amazon’s Kindle Fire has played a significant role in boosting Android’s market share. Priced aggressively at $199, the Kindle Fire offered a more affordable alternative to the iPad, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The Kindle Fire’s success during the holiday season of 2011 demonstrated the potential for low-cost tablets to capture a significant portion of the market.
The Kindle Fire runs a customized version of Android, tailored to integrate seamlessly with Amazon’s ecosystem of services, including e-books, streaming video, and cloud storage. This integration has made the Kindle Fire particularly appealing to users who are already invested in Amazon’s services, further driving its sales.
It will be interesting to see where things are in another 12 months, with Apple reported to be releasing a new iPad 3 in the next couple of months, we suspect Android manufacturers have some serious work to do if they want to make a dent in Apple’s dominance of the tablet market.
Moreover, the competition is likely to intensify as more manufacturers enter the market with innovative features and competitive pricing. For instance, companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are also making strides in the tablet market, offering high-quality devices at lower prices. This increased competition could lead to further erosion of Apple’s market share if they do not continue to innovate and offer compelling products.
Source Tech Crunch, Techmeme
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