14 DAY TRIAL // Google and Apple have just launched new tablets, but recent numbers shared with us by Gartner have showed that demand for tablet computers is cooling off rapidly, as consumers’ interest is shifting towards newer PC and large-screen smartphones.
Gartner predicts 2014 worldwide tablets sales of 229 million units, up 11% from last year, when the market saw a 55% growth – an evident decline.
Hybrids have become more attractive than tablets
The research firm observed that tablet owners are not quick enough to adopt new tablet models, and if they do decide to replace their device, they purchase a 2-in-1 hybrid instead.
Even if Apple and Google have now launched new tablets, they are high-end devices coming with premium specifications so their advent isn’t likely to stir things in the opposite direction.
Anyway, remaining tablet vendors have already come up with strategies for 2015 meant to pump life back into the failing market.
According to sources inside the Taiwanese IC design houses reported by DigiTimes, tablet manufacturers are prepping models targeted at education, business and the gaming environment.
What’s quite interesting is that the report mentions these tablets will bring about better specs and will sell for lower price-tags.
The new models are said to feature low developments costs, but also come equipped with large-size HD displays and high-graphics capabilities.
In 2015, Android tablet vendors should roll out models with sub-$100 / €78 price tags featuring HD displays and high graphics performance targeted mostly at the educational sector and emerging markets.
Microsoft wants to remain top dog in the business tablet sector
On the other hand, Microsoft will continue to pursue its efforts to maintain a leading market position in the business tablet sector.
The report doesn’t mention anything about Microsoft’s cheap Windows 8.1 with Bing offerings, but prices in this category have been going down quickly.
Microsoft and several tablet vendors have already rolled out $99 / €78 products. We’re talking about HP and its Stream 7 and Toshiba with the Encore Mini, which got recently discounted.
But in China, Windows 8.1 prices have been lowered to a ridiculous point. Not so long ago we told you about the Emdoor EM-I8170 and the Ployer slate, which are both expected to go on sale for $65 / €51.
The tablets don’t offer great specs, but if the report above turns out to be accurate, we could speculate things in the spec department are going to get a whole lot better in 2015.
As the tablet market sinks, slate manufacturers have to do whatever it takes to continue remaining afloat.