Android tablets are gaining ground against Apple, taking about 20 percent of the tablet computer market share, but analysts say higher prices are stifling demand.
A report by ABI Research said that although Android has gained some measure of success, no single vendor has successfully taken on the Apple juggernaut. From the report:
“Many vendors have introduced media tablets, but none are separating themselves from the pack to pose a serious threat to Apple. In fact, most have introduced products at prices higher than similarly-configured iPads. Apple, never a company to be waiting for others, has introduced its second-generation iPad media tablet while keeping product pricing unchanged,” said ABI Research mobile devices group director Jeff Orr.
The higher cost could be referring to Samsung's Galaxy Tab, which initially retailed for $100 more than the iPad. Android OS fragmentation is also part of the problem smothering Android demand, with no less than three different systems out in the market now, according to Orr. Google will also be using Android's Ice Cream Sandwich operating system in October and further clouding the issue, CNET reported.
So despite flooding the market with Android tablets of various quality (some good and some not), heavy operating system fragmentation and at a higher cost than an iPad -- Android still got 20 percent market share? So even with manufacturer mistakes and pricing, the Android OS is still being purchased and is growing. That means the Android OS is essentially a good one -- it simply needs a manufacturer that can house a competitive price, quality workmanship and a great user interface in one perfect package.
