IDC Views Small Decline in Western Europe Tablet Shipments as Sign of ‘Stabilization’

Q3 tablet shipments in Western European markets fell 1 percent from the same 2014 quarter, to 8.7 million units, IDC said Thursday. IDC views the small decline as “a clear signal of stabilization” in the tablets market after previous quarters of more significant declines, the research firm said. “In the context of struggling sales of consumer slate tablets and in view of the fast-rising demand for devices with a detachable keyboard observed over the past few quarters, several industry players have adjusted their product portfolios to include the detachable form factor," IDC said. "The home segment in particular benefitted from this supply boost as most of the new products introduced this quarter targeted consumers to attract back to school demand but also in preparation for the holiday season."