Google Inc (GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Windows Tablets Booming In Australia and New Zealand

The tablet market has been relatively one sided for many years, with the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad running the show and everybody else playing from behind. However, the power appears to be shifting slightly in some markets throughout the world with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) tablets picking up steam.

According to a recent report by IDC, “the ANZ tablets market continued to register phenomenal growth of 147% year-on-year in 2013 Q1, bringing the total market size up to 1.14 million units.”

While this may not be that big of a surprise to many, being that tablet growth is happening in regions all over the world, we have to take a closer look at why this is the case.

Believe it or not, this growth is contributed largely for increased demand of cheaper Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows tablets.

Here is what Suzanne Tai, Associate Market Analyst of IDC’s ANZ Infrastructure Research Group had to say:

“Users now have better access to a wide range of low to high-end tablets as well as different operating systems compared to last year. In 2012, an user would usually choose between an Apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab but now, a year later, brands like ASUS, Acer, and Microsoft would also appear on the user’s radar.”

One year later and consumers in this region are beginning to realize that they don’t have to choose between Apple and Samsung. Instead, there are other options on the market, many of which are more affordable.

The same piece added the following stats:

“The ANZ tablets market is expected to grow 46% in 2013 over 2012 due to the introduction of new tablets, increasing commercial uptake of tablets, increasing demand as a result of price drops and lastly, PC cannibalisation. In 2013, IDC expects to see increasing uptake of Windows and Android tablets stealing market share from iOS tablets.”

If IDC is right, it will be interesting to see just how much market share Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) are able to pull away from iOS tablets in this region. It may not be enough to make a dent, or it may be more than enough for Apple to start worrying about what the future holds.

If nothing else, this goes a long way in showing that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) tablets are more than capable of competing with Cupertino. This fierce showdown may not make its way to the United States in 2013, but this is coming soon enough.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe Apple has any reason to be concerned? Share your opinion and market outlook in the comment section below.