ABI: Android tablets will soon surpass the Apple iPad in shipments

Considering the big lead that the Apple iPad once had over Android tablets, it might seem hard to believe that the shipment of Android tablets could outnumber the transport of iPads this year. But according to ABI Research, that is exactly what is going to happen. Apple's market share in tablets has dropped from the 69% it earned in last's second quarter to 50% in this year's first quarter.

ABI says that the low priced 7 inch niche that Android has carved out for itself has been taking share away from Apple, even with the 7.9 inch Apple iPad mini available. Earlier this week, researcher IDC forecast that 55% of tablets shipped this year will sport an 8 inch screen or smaller and the average price of a tablet will drop 11% to $381.

It seems that everything is falling into place for slabs like the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Google Nexus 7 as market demand is increasing for these smaller, cheaper tablets.


source: CNET