According to a recent report by Futuresource Consulting 'The Tablet Technology and Markets', the global tablet market is expected to sell 234 million units in 2016, up from 64 million units in 2011, and is estimated to witness a 200% increase for consumer use across the United States and Western Europe during the next two years. Mobile application downloads have also risen in 2011, with tablets accounting for 10% of total downloads. 

A Google tablet is expected to hit the market in July. Google originally planned to launch the tablet next month, but decided to push it back because the device was becoming too expensive. The device, which is being co-branded with hardware maker Asustek, will feature a 7-inch screen and is expected to run on Android 4.0, also know as “Ice cream sandwich.” This is Google's latest attempt to compete with Apple.