According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global tablet shipments reached 10 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple maintained first position, while Android soared and captured a record 22 percent global share.

Peter King, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, "Global tablet shipments grew 120 percent sequentially to reach 9.7 million units in Q4 2010. Apple maintained first position. Apple recorded an impressive 75 percent global marketshare during the fourth quarter, but it has slipped from a peak of 95 percent in Q3 2010 due to rising competition from Android."

Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "Android tablet volumes experienced 2000 percent sequential growth and its global marketshare soared to a record 22 percent in Q4 2010. The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the main driver of Android?s success, as the model was launched in dozens of countries and promoted heavily by Samsung. Tablet makers like Android because of its perceived low cost and an accompanying range of compelling media services such as YouTube and Google Maps."



Other findings from the research include:

* Strategy Analytics expects Android to increase share of the global tablet market during the first half of 2011. Several models from major vendors are scheduled to hit retail stores, such as the Motorola Xoom. The growing base of tablets will make Android a more attractive platform for media developers in the United States and worldwide;

* The United States was by far the world's largest tablet market during the quarter. The US is a market that no major vendor can afford to ignore.