Competitors of Apple: Could Apple Suffer From Increased Competition In Japan?

Competitors of Apple: It is never breaking news when a competitor sets its eyes on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Although there are other companies, such as Samsung, that are performing at a very high level, most consider Cupertino to be at the top of the tech industry.

Apple never shies away from the competition. Instead, the company continues to churn out exciting products while ensuring that it reaches as many people as possible.

In some markets, however, it is more difficult for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to maintain its lead. After all, the company can only spend so much time, money, and resources in an effort to grow its market share.

While Apple continues to focus a lot of its attention on China, one has to wonder if this could spell trouble in nearby Japan.

Recently, Asustek Computer Inc. has announced plans to release its “phone-tablet hybrid device” to the public on April 25, 2013.

Is this device going to have enough features and brand recognition to immediately knock the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini off its perch? Probably not. That being said, the company is hoping to simply bite into more of Apple’s market share.

According to Focus Taiwan News Channel, “the 7-inch Fonepad, featuring Intel Corp.’s new Atom Z2420 1.2GHz low-power processor and 3G cellular connectivity, will hit Japanese stores at a cost of 29,800 Japanese yen (US$298) for an 8GB model, Asustek told CNA Monday.”

If you have been keeping up with Apple’s competition, you likely remember the Fonepad being unveiled during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) conference in February.

Despite the fact that Asustek Computer is facing an uphill climb, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will definitely be keeping an eye on the competition.

One definite surprise is the fact that the new tablet by Asustek Computer is priced to start at $298. This is not much lower than the $329 starting price for the Apple Inc. iPad mini.

While many companies try to fight against Apple on the basis of cost, it appears that Asustek is not going this route.

Right now, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is experiencing growth in Japan tablet market. In fact, Japanese research firm BCN Inc has reported that the company’s market share grew to more than 51 percent in March while Asustek plunged to 28.8 percent.

If Asustek Computer Inc has any plans on beating Apple Inc. in the Japan tablet market, it is safe to say that this soon to be released device has to bring something special to consumers.

For more on this tablet, check out the video on the following page:

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