IDC: Global tablet shipments likely to reach to 117 million for 2012

IDC: Global tablet shipments likely to reach to 117 million for 2012According to a new upward-revised IDC forecast, worldwide tablet shipments will probably touch 117 million for 2012; thanks to the horde of new tablet models set to hit the markets and the increasing demand by the consumers.

The new projections for global tablet shipments this year mark a notable revision over IDC's earlier estimates of a likely figure of 107 million units of tablet shipments; and are based on the indication that the demand for tablets will be quite strong in the fourth quarter.

In fact, pointing out that tablets are already much in demand, IDC expects the tablet shipment figures to reach nearly 166 million in 2013, underscoring another revision from its previous forecast of 142 million; and to a whopping 261 million by 2016.

Noting that "consumers continue to buy tablets in record numbers," the ongoing economic concerns notwithstanding, Tom Mainelli - IDC's research director for Mobile Connected Devices - said in a recent statement that the demand of tablets will probably be "particularly strong demand in the fourth quarter" this year.

About the tablet models expected to dominate the market in 2012, IDC said that while the popular Apple iPad will retain its top position for the remaining part of the year, forthcoming Android- and Windows-based tablets will help expand the choices for consumers, chiefly during the holiday-shopping season.