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Demand for media tablets 'continuing to rise'
IT News |
20/06/2012
The popularity of media tablets such as the Apple iPad is showing few signs of tailing off, with sales continuing to increase during 2012.
Latest research published by International Data Corporation (IDC) suggests that demand for the touchscreen handsets is rising month by month.
Based upon the rate of shipments, the analyst has increased its worldwide forecast to 107.4 million units for the year, up from earlier predictions of 106.1 million units.
IDC has also made an upwards revision to its long-term forecasts in light of strong demand for media tablets.
The firm expects 142.8 million units to be shipped in 2013 (up from earlier estimates of 137.4 million units) and for sales to reach 222.1 million by 2016.
This figure is more than double the number set to be manufactured and shipped this year.
"Demand for media tablets remains robust, and we see an increasing interest in the category from the commercial side," said Tom Mainelli, research director for mobile connected devices at IDC.
"We expect pending new products from major players, increasingly affordable mainstream devices, and a huge marketing blitz from Microsoft around Windows 8 to drive increased consumer interest in the category through the end of the year."
He claimed that Windows-based tablets will help swell the existing market, rather than claim market share from the iPad and Android devices.
Mr Mainelli said that after a "very strong" launch of new products in March, Apple's iPad shows few signs of slowing down.
"The addition of the Retina Display and 4G capabilities to the third-generation products clearly enticed many current owners to upgrade," he noted.
"And Apple's decision to keep two iPad 2s in the market at lower prices seems to be paying off as well."
Posted by John Lynes
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