Sales of Android tablets seem to be picking up and according to a survey by Strategy Analytics global shipments hit 26.8 million in the last quarter of 2011.

Overall the market share climbed to 39 percent, up from 29 percent year on year. Almost 70 million tablets were shipped in 2011, up 260 percent over 18.6 million in 2010. Apple still dominates me market with a 58 percent share, but its lead over Android is melting away.

Researchers attribute the spike in shipments to affordable tablets, namely the Kindle Fire and Nook, which were hot sellers during the holiday season. Android tablets are definitely picking up momentum and vendors are expected to offer quite a few more cut-price models over the next couple of quarters.

The big question mark is Windows 8, as it could seize a sizable chunk of the market next year.

More here.