The Apple iPad has dominated the tablet race thus far. According to a report from DigiTimes, non-Apple tablets are expected to grow 134 percent in 2012. This is nearly three times the 55 percent growth expected for the iPad during the same period. Helping fuel the charge will be Google’s launch of Android Ice Cream Sandwich, sending Android tablet shipments from 19-20 million in 2011 to 44-45 million in 2012.
The gap between shipments of iPads and Android tablets may be closing. In 2010 Apple shipped approximately 14-15 million iPads. This year that number is expected to reach 35-36 million followed by 54-55 million in 2012. With 44-45 million Android tablets shipped in 2012, the market will be fueled by stiff competition. Android Ice Cream Sandwich is not the only factor which will Google’s position in the market.
Nvidia, Texas Instruments and Qualcomm are expected to launch new chips later this year or in early 2012. The Tegra 3 should arrive by the end of September or early October and power the second-generation Asus Eee Pad Transformer. The quad-core chip will deliver five-times the 3D processing capabilities of Tegra 2 and support up to a 2560×1600 pixel resolution — the same resolution rumored to land on the iPad 3.
Android tablets will soon have the hardware and software necessary to outshine Apple. Whether or not developers stand behind the platform and tablets can launch before the iPad 3 next year remains to be seen. Will quad-core processors, higher resolution displays and Android Ice Cream Sandwich be enough to sway you away from purchasing the iPad 3 next year?
via DigiTimes
