According to ABI Research, global branded tablet shipments will increase from 166 million in 2013 to 200 million units in 2014 witnessing a growth of 20 per cent.
The growth in the branded tablet shipments will be supported by markets such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. With increasing connectivity and fast growing infrastructure and distribution channels, these markets are expected to witness huge demand for branded tablets.
Further, the research firm states that a majority of mature markets, including North America, Western Europe, Japan and South Korea will witness a shift in demand for branded tablets towards emerging markets.
ABI Research underlines that with increasing number of devices available for mobile computing; consumers and businesses are likely to use tablets along with ultraportable PCs and large screen smartphones to meet their communications and computing requirements.
The research firm points out that since 2010, the tablet market has been led by North America with largest market share cornered by Apple?s iPad. However, going forward, North America is expected to witness a significant decline in branded tablet shipments. ABI Research forecasts emergence of new distribution channels for retail, network operators and e-commerce with growing presence of players such as Samsung and other original equipment manufacturers.
