50 Tablets to Launch in 2010, ARM Says

When Apple launched the iPad, even though it stirred mixed feelings with its lack of support for Adobe Flash and multitasking, it did manage to do something critical for slates in general, namely increase their marketing profile. For better or worse, the iPad became the standard to which all newcomers are compared. Now that the basis for growth has been set, ARM believes that no less than roughly 50 different tablet products will be launched in the ongoing year.

Of course, all analysts agree that only a small number of these many models will see success. New devices have to offer a complete solution that includes not just the device itself, but also the content and the wireless service. Secondly, the slate must be built on a good combination of technology, content, applications and services, for a unique experience suited for the appropriate business model.

Depending on how companies meet these requirements, In-Stat believes the total available market (TAM) for tablets might reach even 50 million by 2014, which makes the potential semiconductor opportunity over $4.1 billion.

In-Stat estimates that consumer electronics (CE) and computing OEMs are attracted by tablets because such devices are placed just between smartphones and PCs. In fact, the number of such gadgets was so large that ARM needed to book additional space at Computex Taipei in order to demonstrate them all. Most of these should debut by the third quarter, although many of them belong to small companies that, having no established brand among consumers, can't efficiently advertise them.

“The first tablet devices will launch in the second quarter by [mobile network] carriers. You will see a lot more in the third quarter,” said Roy Chen, ARM's worldwide mobile computing ODM manager, during a press meeting in Taipei, reports IDG News Services.

So far, Apple and ICD are the only ones that plan to distribute their products through carriers and solely Apple offers content and applications.