Tablet vendors are looking to tackle niche markets in 2015 including the industrial, commercial and education segments as the global tablet market is expected to take further hits due to rising influence from large-size smartphones.

Supply chain players made the remarks stating that lagging innovation to stimulate new sales in the market has also been an issue, coupled with price competition.

Many vendors have turned to lower pricing as a key selling point for new products, but success has been limited due to similar functions and value found from smartphones, the supply chain makers noted.

Pricing continues to be a major concern for makers as many feel they have hit breaking points in terms of how much they can lower costs and release products. Supply chains said this is leading to further integration in the market while other makers are either shutting down facilities or reporting declining performances.

Niche markets in addition to larger-size products will therefore be a major target for vendors and supply chains continuing into 2015, when the tablet market is estimated to reach 221.4 million in shipments globally, slipping 11.9% on year, according to a Digitimes Research Special Report.