How Tablets Are Expanding Beyond Reading: From eBooks to Interactive Entertainment

The release of the Kindle, and tablets in general, was a huge deal for reading public. It made the acquisition of books cheaper and much simpler. On top of that, it allows voracious readers to carry their entire library with them, wherever they go. The Kindle remains one of the most noteworthy reading tools in the world, but, Android and iOS tablets have grown beyond that.

Obviously, eBooks still play a huge role in mobile-based devices. However, the utility of these machines has greatly expanded in the past decade. Most noteworthy is the interactive entertainment market, that has become tied to tablets. To put it plainly, video games have, in a sense, taken over the mobile industry, just as they’ve done so for the PC and consoles.

eSports – From Betting to Competition

The global success of gaming has led to a huge development in the realm of sports. We see more and more people talking about competitive gaming, or eSports nowadays. Top-ranking players from all over the world are coming together to test their skills against one another, in a wide variety of games. The eSports market became such a success, that sports betting sites got involved.

This is where tablets come in. Bookmakers have always been popular, but never have they achieved the success that they enjoy in the 21^st century. Sports betting, as an industry, generates billions of dollars a year, with experts predicting consistent growth in the future. Well, now that fans can bet on video game tournaments, the market has a whole new customer base to work with.

Believe it or not, the eSports connection to tablets does not end at betting. There are actually quite a few mobile games, available on any tablet, that have become a worldwide hit. These games have a surprisingly passionate fan base, and a huge competitive scene. So, tablets are also involved with eSports on a far deeper level.

iGaming – a New Era of Gambling

Gambling seems to be a part of the human experience. For as long as we’ve been around, we’ve been gambling. In fact, archeological digs have discovered dice made from bones, that might date further back than historians initially thought. So, while many view gambling as an occurrence of the 20^th century, the truth is it dates much further back.

Unsurprisingly, the gambling industry remains quite successful in the 21^st century. Land-based casinos are doing better than ever. But, there is also the matter of the online gambling sector. It is with this industry that tablets have a deep bond. Because, in the past five years, more and more online casinos have begun to release mobile apps, and have adapted their sites for mobile devices.

Because of that, any gambler can now visit their favorite site using a tablet, and gain access to a vast majority of the games. Playing on the go has been redefined to take on a much more literal meaning, as gamblers can now literally play a slot game, while on the bus to work, or even while traveling. The best part is that improving technology has led to a superior mobile gaming library, so tablet gamblers won’t miss out on any of the top tier games.

Gaming – Exciting Mobile Experiences Await

The gaming world has also greatly benefited from the success of mobile devices. Some game developers have managed to make a name for themselves, as creators of top-tier mobile games, that could rival even contemporary console/PC titles in terms of graphics and gameplay. Gone are the days when mobile-based games were simple affairs.

For example, take Genshin Impact, by MiHoYo, a Chinese studio that took inspiration from anime, Eastern and Western philosophy, and Gnosticism, to make an incredible, rich, and diverse world. Not only is Genshin visually stunning, but it also has quite the impressive gameplay mechanics, which elevate it beyond the standard mobile game affair.

The awards the game has won speak for themselves. But, what is most impressive about it is that, Genshin Impact is far from the only title that is released for tablets or smartphones, that can compete with games released on PC or console. The mobile gaming industry has grown into its own, bustling subsection of the industry, which now generates millions in its own right.

Manga, Manhwa, and More

Apart from interactive media, tablets are useful for engaging with alternative reading options, beyond just books. For example, nowadays there are tablets especially designed for manga readers, that help users set the perfect tone, brightness, and letter sizing. The growing popularity of anime in the west has led to a big increase in manga sales across Europe and the United States.

But, it isn’t just manga that is thriving. Its Korean equivalent, manhwa, is also getting some traction. Unlike manga, however, Korean manhwa is more commonly released online, in the form of long, vertical strips. In other words, manhwa is perfectly designed to be read on a mobile device. Tablets, especially, make a perfect tool for reading manhwa.

Of course, we can’t forget western comics. The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the hype surrounding the upcoming Superman film have certainly gotten quite a lot of people excited about super heroes. On the other hand, “hero fatigue” is a very real phenomenon, after the release of Avengers: Endgame. The great news is that non-hero comics are popular in France, Canada, and even in the USA. Indie titles are available online, and tablet users could get easy access.

Few Last Thoughts

Whether it be gaming, books, or any form of comics one can think of, the tablet can access it all. But, it the use of these devices does not stop here. There is so much more entertainment to be had with a quality tablet. In truth, tablets could be useful even beyond entertainment. Many business people are now using iPads as a replacement for their business laptops. Of course, digital artists have greatly benefited from the growing success of the tablet.