-
Based on several international patents, Data Wind’s breakthrough technologies solve the bandwidth limitations of cellular networks by accelerating content delivery by factors of 10x to 30x – resulting in superior mobile web experience at a lower cost. In an interview with SUNEET SINGH TULI, CEO, DATAWIND about the growth of tablet in the Indian market and the market opportunity of vendors. Excerpts of the Interview:
How The Tablet Market Evolved in 2014?
Tablet market segment in India is still at a nascent stage; however the rate of growth of this segment has outpaced the stagnant PC segment over 400 times as per the recent industry reports. That said we see the market for the same will be growing at the same or higher pace and the market appetite for these wondrous products will enormous.UbiSlate defined a new benchmark of affordability and as we see there will be more players who will expand the market with similarly priced products. The key to success however will be a mix of innovative offerings at affordable price points that give the customer the best of both worlds (hardware and software).
Did The Tablet Market Just Hit a Tipping Point?
Not at all. The growth that this segment is currently experiencing is just the beginning and heralds the ushering in an era of a new mode of mobile computing. The tablet market is no longer the privilege of the elite, instead it is now a great tool of empowerment that can be afforded by the common man. The growth that we are currently witnessing indicates to the immense growth potential and the rise of the new customer segment at the base of the pyramid. We see this as merely the tip of the iceberg and the real growth in terms of absolute numbers will only grow at a scorching pace. UbiSlate has consistently emerged as the top player in the low cost android tablet segment in the last six quarters.
Did You Think That The Phablets — Are Eating into The Tablet Market?
Phablets are an extension of the tablet segment. The customers today are more discerning and addition of calling facility or internet access on the go is only fuelling the demand for such tablets. As we see, the phablets segment that we created is only going to expand the tablet market. Due to inclusion of calling capability in tablets, the customers would now need to only carry one device for all their communication and infotainment needs. Phablets is one of the many other firsts from DataWind and we will soon line up a new range tablets.
What Are The Market Opportunities And Challenges Faced By Key Vendors in The Indian Tablet Market?
As mentioned earlier, the market opportunity for tablets, simply put, is enormous and will continue to grow. The challenges on the other hand are absence of localized app environment. For any player to make a significant difference to the overall adoption of technology at the mass market level, the content and app ecosystem needs to keep pace with the dynamic consumer needs. The customers today are increasingly looking at affordable, knowledge rich and practical apps that would help them achieve their objectives of entertainment, productivity and empowerment. This is an area that requires a sharp focus. Besides, the success on a local level can truly be envisioned when we would see creation of an electronics manufacturing microcosm that encourages local production and further reduces entry price point for the customers.
