Branded tablet shipment is expected to reach 200 million units in 2014, recording a 20% increase compared to the 166 million units shipped during same period of 2013, according to a report form market intelligence firm ABI Research.
According to the report, the traditional markets leading computing and CE deployments have reached a tipping point and are expected to drive tablet shipments across growing regions.
Developed markets such as North America, Western Europe, Japan and South Korea are giving way to the growing markets like the Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The report revealed that increase in choices for mobile computing is allowing consumers and businesses to evaluate the role of tablets with ultraportable PCs and large screen smartphones to satisfy their communications and computing needs.
ABI Research senior practice director Jeff Orr said if Intel is able to achieve its goal of 40 million tablets with its processor technology, the silicon vendor will suddenly become a significant player.
"One of the greatest opportunities this year is for development, manufacturing and marketing of tablets on a regional and even local level, which shakes up the vendor ecosystem of the past four years," Orr added.
"Partnerships and deals struck this year will be key for the next few years of tablet adoption."
North America with its Apple iPads has led the tablet market since 2010, while the research firm expects North America to experience a 50% drop in all branded tablet shipments in 2014.
Apple, Samsung, and other OEM vendors are trying to establish themselves in the growth markets and are expected to set up new distribution channels for retail, network operators and e-commerce.
