Android captures 20 percent of tablet market

While Apple's iPad may be enjoying a comfortable lead in the booming tablet market, a new study from ABI Research shows that devices based on Google's Android operating system are rapidly picking up steam and threatening to break up the status quo.

According to the report, Android tablets have managed to capture 20 percent of the market from the iPad in the last 12 months. Though no single manufacturer has emerged as the front runner, this bodes well for the future of the increasingly competitive market.

Going forward, ABI Research asserts, tablet manufacturers -- regardless of which operating system they use -- will need to focus on the quality of their devices. Given the popularity of tablets, there is currently huge potential for manufacturers to entice an enthusiastic and committed audience.

"Good user experiences and product response are needed to propel this market beyond the ‘early adopter’ stage," said ABI mobile devices group director Jeff Orr.

Though tablets are currently capturing the attention of consumers and media alike, a recent study from research firm Gartner asserts that the devices have not yet moved into the mainstream. According to the research firm, tablets are still two to five years away from widespread adoption.