Since the iPad launched in 2010, the Apple branded tablet has had the market pretty much all to its self as many other manufacturers tried (and failed) to compete with it. In fact, globally, no tablet has come close to selling anywhere near as many units as the iPad. Until now. In Japan, the ASUS-made Nexus 7 was more popular than the Apple slate. At least, according to a survey of electronics stores.

“A survey of 2,400 electronic stores across the country showed the Nexus 7 captured 44.4 percent of the market in December, while Apple’s share came in at 40.1 percent. The firm noted that the iPad has been the top-selling tablet in Japan since its launch in 2010.”

It’s a very interesting shift in consumer habits, especially considering that Asus – previous to the Nexus 7 launch – was at a meager 10%. In one month, that rose to overtake Apple’s pretty hefty slice of the tablet market pie. It’ll be worthwhile keeping an eye on global consumer trends to see whether or not other nations’ habits will follow suit.

Via: AppleInsider, CNET,
Source: Nikkei