Research: Google, Apple software to dominate tablet market through 2017

New figures from research firm In-Stat project that global tablet shipments will reach nearly 250 million units in 2017, with devices based on Google's Android™ and Apple's iOS™ mobile operating systems leading the way.

Though the tablet market is still very much in its infancy, it appears its leaders have already emerged and will hold their dominance for years to come. According to the study, Android and iOS will represent a combined 90 percent of the market by 2017. Microsoft's Windows® will round out the top three, though at a distant third, In-Stat predicts.

The report suggests that those looking to break into the tablet software industry will need to jump on board sooner rather than later. But even then, success is not guaranteed, as exemplified by HP's recent decision to discontinue its webOS™ mobile operating system and its TouchPad™ tablet.

In-Stat's report echoes findings by fellow research firm Strategy Analytics, which in April 2011 predicted the tablet market will hit $49 billion in sales by 2015. Like In-Stat, Strategy Analytics says it expects Android and iOS to be the top players.