Samsung Electronics said on Sunday that it has sold more than 600,000 Galaxy Tab devices since its global launch about one month ago, likely making it the most popular Android-based tablet computer on the market today, according to
The Korean Herald.
Officials with the electronics giant told the news source that consumer demand for the 7-inch tablet has been overwhelming in most countries. The Galaxy Tab, which went on sale in most locations in mid-October, didn't hit stores in Korea until November 14. During the week after its domestic launch, the tablet was ordered by more than 30,000 Koreans. With its recent success, and the fact that the holiday shopping season is now upon us, Samsung believes that it can sell more than 1 million units by the end of 2010.
Meanwhile, the Apple iPad continues to be the dominant figure in the tablet device market. The technology giant sold more than 1 million units in the first month after the iPad went on sale. These numbers are even more impressive considering the tablet computer hadn't yet been recognized by the technology community as a viable alternative to netbooks, laptops and even smartphones.
Apple has sold nearly 8 million iPads since its launch in April of this year. In the third quarter of 2010, the iPad accounted for 95 percent of the tablet device market, according to research and consulting firm Strategy Analytics. Even though the iPad won't go on sale in Korea until November 30, more than 40,000 individuals have already pre-ordered the 9.7-inch tablet.
It will be interesting to see how well the Galaxy Tab and the iPad do next year after a myriad of competing devices get launched by companies like Research in Motion and Motorola.
To stay ahead of these technology providers, Apple is reportedly working on a lighter-weight, next-generation iPad that will be equipped with the technology to allow it to be carried by AT&T, Verizon and other major providers. The iPad 2 is also said to include both front- and rear-facing cameras for video chatting purposes.
Beecher Tuttle is a TechZone360 contributor. He has extensive experience writing and editing for print publications and online news websites. He has specialized in a variety of industries, including health care technology, politics and education. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
