The Apple iPad has been the dominant force in the tablet market ever since the first iPad launched at the start of 2010. However, there are now some signs that Apple's dominance could be under threat.

No single device can even come close to the Apple iPad's sales , but Google Android tablets are gaining more and more market share according to the latest report from Strategy Analytics.

In the last quarter of 2012 Android's share in the tablet market rose by 10 per cent compared to last year bringing the share up to 39 per cent. In the same period Apple's share dropped by just over 10 per cent from 68.2% down to 57.6%.

The figures show that Google Android has taken market share directly from Apple , because the other operating systems had hardly any market share combined.

One of the main reasons for Android's growth is thought to be the release of the affordable Amazon Kindle Fire, which has sold in vast numbers in the US. The massive number of Android tablets on the market is also a factor , as well as devices such as the Galaxy Tab !

The next year will be even more interesting with the widespread adoption of Ice Cream Sandwich and the release of the new Apple iPad. 3G really can't see any other outcome than Android continuing to erode Apple's lead, but we'll just have to wait and see.