Telecom Lead America: Windows-based tablets will capture
an estimated 1.5 percent of total tablet shipments for 2012.
Pricing for Windows tablets will be a key consideration
for end-user adoption.
Microsoft Windows-based tablets are expected to commence
shipments at the end of October.
If priced aggressively towards current Android tablets,
Windows tablets are likely to see 2013 shipments increase 10-fold
year-over-year.
ABI Research said that if priced like Apple’s iPad
offerings, Windows tablets may only double or triple shipments in 2013.
Growth in the total available market is expected to come
from businesses adopting tablets, which is expected to be a strong area for
Windows 8.
Media tablets powered by new Microsoft operating systems
Windows 8 and Windows RT will have an impact on the overall market, according
to ABI Research.
While the main marketing focus has been on Windows 8,
Microsoft’s magic bullet lies in Windows RT.
ABI Research mobile devices senior practice director Jeff
Orr said Windows RT accelerates an existing ecosystem of vendors experienced
with ARM-based development and leveraging the architecture strengths.
One area that Windows 8 might be embraced with open arms
is in the enterprise. Neither of the leading tablet OS platforms has squarely addressed
the needs of IT organizations and business users. Flawless execution by
Microsoft on its Windows 8 Pro enterprise strategy for tablets could catapult
it into a mobile computing leadership position.
