What is bitechtual?
Bitechtual is probably exactly what you think it is and is a term we’ve been using thinking we made it up, but alas, there is no such thing as an original thought… the concept of Apple users buying non-Apple products and vice versa makes a user bitechtual.
Nonetheless, the iPad apparently isn’t just for Mac fans. According to Canaccord Genuity analysts, Android users are buying the iPad more frequently than Android based tablets like the Motorola XOOM or the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Canaccord asserts that Samsung, Asus and Amazon likely pose the biggest threat to Apple’s strong global tablet position, but early iPad adoption among Android users could pose a problem for these competitors.
Why the cycle continues
The high price point for tablet apps is one reason many iPad owners could stick with the tablet, as they do not want to lose out on that investment of already having paid for apps, which could deter moving to Android tablets despite already owning an Android smartphone, thus the bitechtual cycle continues.
“Our smartphone and handset checks indicate iPads are selling better to Android smartphone users than the current Android tablets. As a result, we argue consumers purchasing a tablet are more likely to remain in that ecosystem given higher price points for tablet applications. With our checks indicating Android smartphone consumers are choosing the iPad versus Android tablets, we believe this is a powerful trend for Apple’s growing iOS base. Therefore, we anticipate Apple should maintain dominant share of the tablet market in C2011 and C2012..”
Although the report indicates Microsoft’s Windows 8 tablets have a good chance at stealing some of iPad’s market share when they become available next year, Microsoft’s success will rely heavily on the enterprise market and many professionals are holding out for the device.
Apple’s decline in the tablet market
One note the report included that took us by surprise is that the team expect’s Apple’s stronghold on the tablet market to drop from 82% in 2010 and 56% in 2011 to only 51% in 2012, a more aggressive drop than most have projected.
Sara Bonert
July 13, 2011 at 9:11 am
Bitechtual – love it! This is true in our household. Took me a little longer to understand how to use the iPad (android phone user) than my husband (iphone user) – but now I can do both whereas my husband has a hard time with my phone. And I can more educatedly say which operating system I prefer….
Chase Thompson
July 13, 2011 at 11:53 am
Bi-Techtual… ah-mazing! I have to admit I own an iMac, iPad, Evo and PC. I think it is a real benefit to have all the platforms available to me. Although, I will say if Sprint ever gets the iPhone, it will be hard to say no.