Competition to heat up in 7-inch tablet market

Cumulative shipments of the first-generation Nexus 7 are estimated to have reached around 4-4.5 million units since its launch in the second half of 2012. Google and Asustek Computer are already set to release their second-generation Nexus 7, using a Qualcomm processor, in May and will start mass shipping in July.

Apple's total iPad shipments were 19.5 million units from January to March, of which iPad mini accounted for 12.5 million units, showing that the 7- to 8-inch segment has already become the mainstream of the market, said the sources, adding that the second-generation iPad mini could make an appearance as soon as August.

Although Microsoft also plans to join the 7-inch tablet competition for the second half with Windows 8/RT-based devices, due to the operating systems' poor ratings, the sources believe the software giant might suffer from great disadvantages in the competition.