Here’s a shocker. According to a report by Strategy Analytics, Microsoft shipped more Windows-powered tablets in the second quarter than RIM did with its BlackBerry PlayBook. This resulted in Microsoft tablets commanding 4.6 percent of the market while RIM secured just 3.3 percent.
Neither RIM nor Microsoft can compete with the likes of Google or Apple — at least not for now. Android tablets accounted for 30.1 percent while Apple iPads held the pole position with 61.3 percent. Though small in comparison, Microsoft’s 4.6 percent still means it’s third in worldwide tablet market share. With Windows 8 tablets coming soon, growth is all but certain.
Last week rumors began to circulate suggesting RIM was discontinuing its Wi-Fi model of the BlackBerry PlayBook. As we now know, these rumors were untrue and the Canadian-based company is very much continuing in its pursuit of tablet success. Though production continues, how will RIM be able to compete once Microsoft unifies its desktop, tablet and smartphone platform?
Personally, I think Microsoft’s plan to unify the OS across all its products will be devastating. One could argue that Apple was the first to employ such strategy, but semantics will matter little when it comes to device sales. Windows Phone is a solid operating system and bringing this power to the tablet form factor is a compelling proposition. Without a doubt, RIM has its work cut out for itself.
Will RIM or Microsoft be the first to challenge Google in tablet market share?
