Google-powered devices closed in on Apple in the tablet market in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to new research.

The data from research firm Strategy Analytics showed Android’s market share jumped to 39 per cent from 29 per cent in the same quarter a year earlier.

“Global Android tablet shipments tripled annually to 10.5 million units,” said Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston. “Dozens of Android models . . . by numerous brands such as Amazon, Samsung, Asus and others have been driving volumes.”

Apple’s iPad remained the clear leader in the market, at 58 per cent for the three-month period, despite the threat from lower-cost Android devices. However, that was about 10 per cent lower than the 68 per cent recorded in 2010.