PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
New research published in Kantar Worldpanel ComTech’s tablet tracking service revealed that 3.6 million people in the UK own a tablet computer with the iPad taking a commanding 72 per cent market share.
The research showed that Apple’s market dominance is set to continue but some hope remains for other brands getting a foothold.
"While the iPad dominates sales at the moment there is still potential for other manufacturers. Our data shows that 28% of consumers that intend to purchase a tablet in the next year are still undecided about which brand to buy," said Kantar insight director Dominic Sunnebo.
"However, Apple’s achievements in this market are clearly linked to its success in the smartphone market.
Kantar revealed that 80 per cent of those who own an iPhone and plan to buy a tablet intend to buy an iPad. "This is clearly something other manufacturers will have to contend with," said Sunnebo.
The majority of tablets are connecting to Wifi networks at home and used on the move as an e-reader with apps and playing games also featuring. However smartphones dominated instant messaging and social networking.
"One consideration for the future will also be the relationship between smartphones, tablets and PC’s and the necessity of having all three," said Sunnebo.
Consumers were already facing up to the decision of whether to buy a smartphone or a tablet since the devices provided similar benefits and the trend has been toward a convergence of sizes, Kantar said.
