With more consumers flocking to stores to purchase the latest big-screened "phablet" smartphone, tablet sales have been feeling the hurt, TIME reports.
Tablet shipments declined in the first quarter of 2014 for the first time ever - signaling a preference for a smartphone with tablet-like qualities.
According to a new report by NPD DisplaySearch, worldwide tablet shipments from January to March dropped to 56 million, down three million from last year. While TIME notes the delayed launches of certain tablets has affected the drop - a rumored Nexus 8 designed by HTC and two new iPads are rumored for release later this year - the NPD study suggests a 14 percent decline in tablet PC shipments is in order for this year.
"Tablet PC demand in 2014 is being affected by falling demand for the 7" class in emerging regions and in China, where many local white-box brands have experienced lower-than-expected shipment growth," NPD vice president Hisakazu Torii said in a statement.
Trusted leaker @evleaks recently revealed that the Nexus 8 will pack a 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, 5GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and either a 5MP or 8MP rear-facing camera. Meanwhile, the device is also now being tipped for an 8.9-inch display with 2,560x1,600 pixel resolution, instead of the 2,048x1,440 pixel resolution previously reported. As the publication notes, previous rumors also suggested the tablet would feature 2GB of RAM, and not five. Previous Nexus tablets have featured plastic designs, as well.
The rumored tablet did not get announced at Google I/O 2014, but it is believed to be set for a release date in late summer or early fall, possibly as the launch device for Android L, Android Origin reports.
Apple, meanwhile, is rumored to be releasing refreshes for its iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina display tablets despite the anticipated launches of its biggest iPhones yet: 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches.
