Android tablets continue steady climb, researchers say

Tablet computers running Google's Android™ mobile operating system saw one of their most successful three-month periods yet in the third quarter of 2011, accounting for 27 percent of global sales, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

This is a significant jump from a year earlier, the Boston-based researchers note, when Android represented just 2.3 percent of all tablet sales.

Android has made huge strides in the smartphone market, becoming the fastest-growing operating system for these devices for the last few years. But the platform's growth in the tablet market has been comparatively slower. However, as Strategy Analytics' report shows, Android tablets are now picking up steam and are proving to be more competitive.

According to Strategy Analytics, much of Android's success in recent months is attributed to the fact that manufacturers are putting out more affordable tablets, undercutting the $499 price for Apple's iPad®. As more tablets are introduced to the market, consumers are more willing to put their trust in devices with lower price tags that don't appear to skimp in terms of functionality.

Going forward, Android's share in the tablet market is expected to increase. According to a September 2011 report from research firm Gartner, Android tablet sales will reach 22.8 million in 2012, up from 11 million in 2011.