Tablets to top touch-control market in 2012, report says

Much of the talk surrounding technology in 2012 will be focused on tablet computers, which, according to a report from news provider DigiTimes, will "dominate" the touch-control device segment next year.

Several factors will play into the tablet's continued success, including the greater prevalence of Google's Android™ 4.0 and Microsoft's Windows® 8. The former was released in November 2011 and has already started appearing on new tablet models. The latter is scheduled to arrive some time in mid-2012 and will operate on both tablets and traditional desktop and laptop PCs.

Also contributing to the tablet's dominance in the touch-control market is the emergence of new models from a variety of manufacturers. In 2012, the tablet market will no longer be such a one-horse race, as new devices running on Android and Windows make their presence felt.

According to research firm Gartner, more than 108 million tablets will ship in 2012, up from approximately 69 million in 2011. Apple® will likely hold onto the lion's share of the market, but new entrants could make things interesting.