Android poised to shake up tablet market in 2012, analysts say

The global tablet market has seen monumental growth in recent years, with Apple's iPad® enjoying an early and significant lead. But as the field becomes more crowded and new competitors emerge, the tablet market's future is anything but certain.

According to research firm IDC, tablet computers based on Google's Android™ mobile operating system are likely to make some noise in 2012. IDC expects Android's tablet market share to start making upward strides in the later part of 2011, which will likely accelerate the following year.

One advantage Android has over many of its competitors is its open-source format, which allows more manufacturers to create tablets for the mobile OS. As more manufacturers launch Android-based tablets, prices are likely to decrease, making the devices more attractive to consumers.

This has proven to be a key factor in the smartphone market, and as the tablet market continues to mature, it could prove to be a game-changing trend.

The multi-vendor path is one that is being pursued by software giant Microsoft® and its Windows® operating system as well. When the tablet-compatible Windows 8 hits shelves in 2012, the market could once again see a significant shakeup.