Tapping into the Tab!

The tablet market is brimming with more and more product launches and many new players entering the arena. According to CyberMedia Research 2011, the tablet market is estimated at `246 crore in India for FY11.

In India, Samsung is enjoying the maximum share of the tablet pie with 84.7% market share (CyberMedia Research 2011) and has tough competition with budding players already ready with their offerings.

Companies such as Lava, Micromax, Zen, Olive, G'Five, Acer, Maxx, ViewSonic, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Fly among others will attempt to replicate their success in the tablet space by offering products at large discounts compared to an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, targeting the mid-income group.

With all these launches happening, the market for tablets is getting very crowded. But one can mark its presence in this hugely tappable market either through unique and high-end features or irresistible and affordable price range.

The race to introduce 3G tablets in Indian market has slowly picked up looking at current 3G launches and consumer interest. Olive's 'The Olive Pad' is touted as India's first 3G tablet. RCom has entered the arena with its new baby. RCom became the first 3G operator in India to enter the tablet space by unveiling its 'Reliance 3G Tab', an Android tablet. It is supported by Reliance's 3G network across 333 Towns in 13 3G circles. The device is priced attractively at `12,999. Interesting point is that this tablet is locked to the Reliance network. It is presently being launched in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

'Reliance 3G Tab' has opened channels for other operators to jump in and grab the tablet pie as well, making the market even more competitive in the next few years.

Many Wi-Fi enabled tablets may not find the applicability since their users may not find it usable on the move and at many places which are not Wi-Fi hotspots.
Samsung with this strategy has recently launched their latest tabs in their portfolio.

Galaxy Tab 750 and Galaxy Tab 730 claim to be the world's thinnest mobile tablets, measuring just 8.6 millimeters and weighing 565 grams and 465 grams, respectively and were launched in the Indian market. These tablets are coming with the latest version of the Android tablet OS, Honeycomb 3.1. Both these tablets are priced at `33,990 and `36,200, respectively. Samsung with its new babies is taking the fight to Apple's popular and market major iPad 2 as well as Motorola Xoom and HTC Flyer.

Not only handset companies and electronic giants but now telecom operators are also foraying with their tabs in the market, making it even more competitive and interesting.

Akanksha Singh
akankshas@cybermedia.co.in