Apple is quickly losing the ground that it gained early this year with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and several low-key Android tablets from various electronics manufacturers (such as the eTouch). Despite the fact that the Apple iPad offers a significantly larger number of high quality paid apps for downloads (most particularly in the gaming department), the iPad is still heavily criticized for failing in its main feature: being able to browse sites.
Sure, Java loads up nice and steadily, and the browser is able to cache plenty of content for easy back and forth navigation. The 9.7 inch touch screen also provides the user with plenty of viewing room as well. However, the lack of Flash support severely cripples the tablet, leaving it unable to access many commercial websites that mainly use Flash as the navigation controls.
The announcement that the successor to the iPad will be launching this February is also quickly being overshadowed. Knowing that Apple simply intends to add a camera and possibly some decent tethering support, many users are now turning to the Android. The recently announced price cut for the Galaxy Tab is also certain to bring in more users.
Of course, the iOS and the Android are not the only platforms in the tablet industry. RIM is planning on introducing the QNX tablet platform when the BlackBerry Playbook launches March of next year.
In the meanwhile, many UK residents are still shying away from the tablet industry as the holiday season draws near. Even with the occasional price cuts here and there. The problem that smart phones are too expensive still exists and in the end, budget concerns overrule any impressive hardware that is being offered. Once manufacturers are able to consistently bring in tablets around the 400 Pound mark, expect the industry to hit a new boom.
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