GCC tablet users set to increase as iPad remains most popular device

GCC countries have been keen adopters of tablet technology and the AppsArabia Mobile Report shows that the popularity of the devices is set to increase in the near future.

iPad remains most popular tablet in GCC

The most popular device in the GCC is the iPad, with 67% of people surveyed who owned a tablet, saying that they had an Apple device. This was broken down to 36% with a WiFi iPad and 31% of people who owned the iPad with WiFi and 3G. The Galaxy Tab from Samsung was the nearest competitor, with 20%.

Dan Healy, CEO of Real Opinions, the Dubai based company behind the research, states that the increasing demand will represent challenges to manufacturers. "What's clear from our research is the huge appeal and demand for computer tablets. However, the challenge for these tablet makers in the region is to meet this demand in terms of affordability and logistics by maintaining stock levels."

"Another consideration impacting upon the level of purchases in the next 6 months is that of new model rumours. This can encourage a wait and see approach by those on the verge of making a purchase in order to have the latest and greatest to increase the perceived useful life of the tablet," Healy adds.

The research also showed the correlation between smart phone users and tablet users. A total of 37% of smartphone users in the GCC own a tablet device, while a further 41% claim they are planning to get one.

iPad2 set to be most popular GCC tablet device in future

Over the next six months the iPad2 is expected to be the most popular in the GCC, with 46% of those asked in the survey stating that it is this model which they are planning to buy. Notable among that list is the Blackberry Playbook, which although not available in all regions in the GCC, is expected to be bought by 15% of people.

When searching for a tablet device, consumers consider the most important factors to be the battery life and internet connection and usage, according to the research. These were the top ranking factors that people looked for when buying a tablet, followed by the number of apps available and communication options.

Apps play major part in tablet device interaction

Apps appear to be a major part of a tablet user's interaction with their device, with tree out of four of those surveyed saying they downloaded apps to their tablets to make their lives easier. It was also revealed that users want their apps to automatically identify which device it is running on and be fully optimised to work on both smartphones and tablets. This is sure to be a key point for app designers, as a synchronisation between devices appears to be a much wanted feature of an application.

David Ashford of AppsArabia highlights the importance of tablets for app designers: Most tablets can now pretty much do what smartphones can do - they have speakers, microphones, GPS, cameras, etc. - but with greater processing power and battery life. And they offer new ways of interacting through touch and swipe. Whether targeting enterprise users or consumers, app entrepreneurs need to think commercially and find a way to monetise the value their app brings. An app industry in the region will only be sustainable if apps can help cut costs or generate revenue."