 Written by Nick Farrell Something new in the works Numbers of people ordering the Xoom are expected to fall from the second quarter. These are expected to be 300,000 units in April, down from between 400,000 and 500,000 in March. And shipments will go below 300,000 in May, the report said. Motorola is understood to be a little uncertain about the way iPad PCs are going and wants to launch new Xoom model in the second half after evaluating the situation, AppleInsider claims. Xoom was hyped with a Super Bowl advertisement before the 3G-radio-equipped version of the touchscreen tablet hit the shops in February. It is expected to sell between 3 million and 5 million in 2011. While this is well behind the market leader, Apple, it is not too bad as a product. Unfortunately it was not different enough from Jobs' Mob's gear for it to be a real iPad killer. One day manufactures will realise that the way to kill off the iPad is to make the same thing and ship it out with a lower margin. |
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Motorola set to kill off the Xoom in June
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi confirmed for US at $599 on March 27
Motorola on Wednesday at last confirmed plans to launch the Xoom in a Wi-Fi version for the US. True to leaks, the non-3G tablet will ship to the US through Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Radio Shack, some Sam's Club stores, Staples and Walmart on March 27. Pricing will be dramatically lower and put it at $599 for a 32GB version.
Corporate buyers will also get streamlined access through Brightpoint and Synnex.
The basic version is considered critical for Motorola. Its willingness to limit initial sales to Verizon with an $800 price has been credited to lackluster results that, according to analysts, could see just 300,000 sales for all of the first calendar quarter of the year where Apple likely sold more iPad 2 units in just the tablet's first few hours.
The Wi-Fi version of the Xoom matches the 32GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi model in price exactly and will be similar to the 3G Xoom in features apart from the cellular link, including the 1GHz Tegra 2, 1GB of RAM, the 1280x800 display, the five-megapixel back camera and the front two-megapixel camera. Android 3.0 is completely stock on the Xoom and will get a beta of Flash 10.2 on March 18.
While it has some feature edges over the iPad 2, the Xoom is noticeably slower in processing power than its Apple challenger.
[via] Say Hello to BLANK electronista.com
Corporate buyers will also get streamlined access through Brightpoint and Synnex.
The basic version is considered critical for Motorola. Its willingness to limit initial sales to Verizon with an $800 price has been credited to lackluster results that, according to analysts, could see just 300,000 sales for all of the first calendar quarter of the year where Apple likely sold more iPad 2 units in just the tablet's first few hours.
The Wi-Fi version of the Xoom matches the 32GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi model in price exactly and will be similar to the 3G Xoom in features apart from the cellular link, including the 1GHz Tegra 2, 1GB of RAM, the 1280x800 display, the five-megapixel back camera and the front two-megapixel camera. Android 3.0 is completely stock on the Xoom and will get a beta of Flash 10.2 on March 18.
While it has some feature edges over the iPad 2, the Xoom is noticeably slower in processing power than its Apple challenger.
[via] Say Hello to BLANK electronista.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Motorola Plans European Push for Xoom
Motorola Mobility has launched a major retail push for its Xoom tablet in Europe.
Deutsche Telekom and retailers Carphone Warehouse, Best Buy, Currys and PC World will begin selling the Android-based tablet in the second quarter of this year. Motorola did not provide details about pricing, service plans or specific launch dates for the device.
Carphone and Best Buy will sell a 3G/Wi-Fi version of the tablet in the U.K., and Currys and PC World will sell a Wi-Fi-only version to U.K. consumers.
Deutsche Telekom will offer the Xoom in "selected" markets throughout Europe, but did not specify which countries will get the tablet or whether it will sell the Wi-Fi-only version or the 3G version of the Xoom.
"We're excited to be bringing a device as powerful as Motorola Xoom to leading carriers and partners in the U.K.," said Andrew Morley, vice president of marketing for Motorola Mobility's international markets, in a statement. "Today's announcement is testament to how well Motorola Xoom has been received by consumers and carriers alike."
The Xoom runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb and is equipped with a 10.1-inch display, front- and rear-facing cameras, a dual-core 1GHz processor, and has a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer and adaptive lighting. The tablet was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, and will be carried by Verizon Wireless in the United States.
Neither Motorola nor Verizon have released official pricing details for the Xoom, but Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha told Reuters yesterday that an unsubsidized version speculated to run on Verizon's LTE network would cost about $800, with a Wi-Fi-only version costing $600.
[via] wirelessweek.com
Monday, March 14, 2011
Xoom tablet's price will shoot it in the foot
The Motorola Xoom--slated to the be the first Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" tablet to hit the streets--is one of the biggest potential iPad rivals to emerge from CES 2011. Rumors of the Xoom's pricing, though, suggest that the tablet could face an uphill climb to compete with the Apple tablet.
On paper, many of the announced tablets, like the Xoom, seem formidable, and compare nicely to the Apple iPad--or even the rumored features anticipated in the iPad 2. However, price is the big "X" factor when it comes to competing against Apple's established dominance of the nascent tablet market.
There are leaked reports and images suggesting that the Motorola Xoom will launch on February 17 and that it will have a minimum advertised price of $799. At $800, the Xoom would be $300 higher than the entry-level WiFi iPad, and only $30 less than the 64GB 3G model.
Similar Articles:
There are leaked reports and images suggesting that the Motorola Xoom will launch on February 17 and that it will have a minimum advertised price of $799. At $800, the Xoom would be $300 higher than the entry-level WiFi iPad, and only $30 less than the 64GB 3G model.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Motorola Xoom Gets Flash Update, Finally
After rushing its tablet to market ahead of Apple's iPad 2 announcement, Motorola is updating its Xoom tablet's software with Flash support. Is it a coincidence it's on the same day Apple's iPad 2 goes on sale? I think not.Motorola announced on Twitter (see image below) that the Android software update for the Xoom tablet is being rolled out in phases starting March 11, which includes enhancements to support the upcoming Adobe Flash Player 10.2.
Motorola XOOM Rumored to Hit India on May 10
By Samir Makwana
Motorola had unveiled its first powerful tablet XOOM that caught everyone's attention at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011. Running Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the XOOM tablet has a 10.1-inch display and houses 1GHz Nvidia Tegra T20 and 1GB DDR2 RAM. Online retailer Infibeam has listed Motorola XOOM tablet for pre-order at Rs. 35,000. The release date of the tablet has been cited as 10 May, 2011. We've contacted Motorola Mobility India spokesperson for confirmation on the same and we ll update you as soon as we hear from them.
Motorola had unveiled its first powerful tablet XOOM that caught everyone's attention at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011. Running Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the XOOM tablet has a 10.1-inch display and houses 1GHz Nvidia Tegra T20 and 1GB DDR2 RAM. Online retailer Infibeam has listed Motorola XOOM tablet for pre-order at Rs. 35,000. The release date of the tablet has been cited as 10 May, 2011. We've contacted Motorola Mobility India spokesperson for confirmation on the same and we ll update you as soon as we hear from them.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Motorola Xoom "Capsule"
Brand: Motorola Inc.
Agency: McGarryBowen
Using the XOOM tablet is a lot like being in the cockpit of a well-apportioned intergalactic spacecraft from the future. That's the preposterous though visually impressive message delivered in this mcgarrybowen spot for the Motorola product (co-branded with Verizon and Google). It begins with a guy taking a casual stroll on a boardwalk, when he suddenly comes upon a mysterious floating XOOM, picks it up and is immediately swallowed whole by a shining silver hovering rocket pod—like something Lady Gaga would travel in to an award show. But don't worry—he's fine! Once inside, our hero takes the XOOM for a spin, enjoying its breathtaking 3-D interface and widescreen HD display. We're told it's the first tablet powered by the Android 3.0 operating system. We're not told whether it has warp speed or can teleport humans. "Grab it and it grabs you," says the tagline at the end. The futuristic theme is of a piece with the agency's previous work for the Droid, and it surely knocks the socks off those who fetishize gadgetry and/or have the entire original Star Trek on DVD. Obviously, the XOOM experience isn't quite this immersive or interactive. But who wants a realistic rundown of a computer's specs? That's what the Web site is for. Best to pretend you're in a science-fiction movie and assume people know you're over-promising by design. Xoom xoom! —Tim Nudd
[via] adweek.com
Agency: McGarryBowen
Using the XOOM tablet is a lot like being in the cockpit of a well-apportioned intergalactic spacecraft from the future. That's the preposterous though visually impressive message delivered in this mcgarrybowen spot for the Motorola product (co-branded with Verizon and Google). It begins with a guy taking a casual stroll on a boardwalk, when he suddenly comes upon a mysterious floating XOOM, picks it up and is immediately swallowed whole by a shining silver hovering rocket pod—like something Lady Gaga would travel in to an award show. But don't worry—he's fine! Once inside, our hero takes the XOOM for a spin, enjoying its breathtaking 3-D interface and widescreen HD display. We're told it's the first tablet powered by the Android 3.0 operating system. We're not told whether it has warp speed or can teleport humans. "Grab it and it grabs you," says the tagline at the end. The futuristic theme is of a piece with the agency's previous work for the Droid, and it surely knocks the socks off those who fetishize gadgetry and/or have the entire original Star Trek on DVD. Obviously, the XOOM experience isn't quite this immersive or interactive. But who wants a realistic rundown of a computer's specs? That's what the Web site is for. Best to pretend you're in a science-fiction movie and assume people know you're over-promising by design. Xoom xoom! —Tim Nudd
[via] adweek.com
Monday, March 7, 2011
Xoom vs iPad 2: 10 Reasons to Pick Xoom
By: Don Reisinger
Apple’s iPad 2, which was announced in a special event March 2, is expected to hit store shelves March 11. When it does, customers will have the unenviable task of choosing either Apple’s latest tablet or the many other tablets from competing manufacturers that are vying for their hard-earned cash. Although last year, the decision to choose the iPad was an easy one, in 2011, it’s not as easy as one thinks.
That’s especially true if customers decide to opt for either the iPad 2 or the Motorola Xoom. The former is likely the front runner, given its predecessor’s success, but the Xoom is also a fine option. It delivers a number of solid features that consumers would be quite happy with. Even better, it does so at a price that’s quite competitive.
But for those still on the fence, let’s just make it easy: opt for the Motorola Xoom.
Yes, the iPad 2 looks like a nice device on paper, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can live up the appeal of the Xoom. The average consumer could do worse than to pick up Motorola’s tablet over Apple’s.
Read on to find out why:
1. The slightly larger display
It might be a few factions of an inch difference, but it’s important for consumers to consider that the Motorola Xoom has a slightly larger display than Apple’s iPad. The Xoom features a 10.1-inch screen, while the iPad comes with a 9.7-inch display. On paper, that might not seem like much. But when one holds the devices in their hands and compares them, it’s quite noticeable. The extra screen real estate comes in handy when viewing video or surfing the Web. Keep that in mind.
2. Upgrade to 4G
Motorola’s Xoom currently only offers customers the ability to connect to Verizon’s 3G network when they’re away from home. However, Motorola Mobility has said that it will offer a free upgrade to 4G in the coming months. After that upgrade is in place, customers will be able to connect to Verizon’s ultra-high-speed network. Apple iPad 2 owners, on the other hand, won’t have that luxury. While Xoom owners will be surfing the Web at ultra-high speed, iPad 2 customers will be stuck on 3G.
Apple’s iPad 2, which was announced in a special event March 2, is expected to hit store shelves March 11. When it does, customers will have the unenviable task of choosing either Apple’s latest tablet or the many other tablets from competing manufacturers that are vying for their hard-earned cash. Although last year, the decision to choose the iPad was an easy one, in 2011, it’s not as easy as one thinks.
That’s especially true if customers decide to opt for either the iPad 2 or the Motorola Xoom. The former is likely the front runner, given its predecessor’s success, but the Xoom is also a fine option. It delivers a number of solid features that consumers would be quite happy with. Even better, it does so at a price that’s quite competitive.
But for those still on the fence, let’s just make it easy: opt for the Motorola Xoom.
Yes, the iPad 2 looks like a nice device on paper, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can live up the appeal of the Xoom. The average consumer could do worse than to pick up Motorola’s tablet over Apple’s.
Read on to find out why:
1. The slightly larger display
It might be a few factions of an inch difference, but it’s important for consumers to consider that the Motorola Xoom has a slightly larger display than Apple’s iPad. The Xoom features a 10.1-inch screen, while the iPad comes with a 9.7-inch display. On paper, that might not seem like much. But when one holds the devices in their hands and compares them, it’s quite noticeable. The extra screen real estate comes in handy when viewing video or surfing the Web. Keep that in mind.
2. Upgrade to 4G
Motorola’s Xoom currently only offers customers the ability to connect to Verizon’s 3G network when they’re away from home. However, Motorola Mobility has said that it will offer a free upgrade to 4G in the coming months. After that upgrade is in place, customers will be able to connect to Verizon’s ultra-high-speed network. Apple iPad 2 owners, on the other hand, won’t have that luxury. While Xoom owners will be surfing the Web at ultra-high speed, iPad 2 customers will be stuck on 3G.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Apps that do and don't work on the Moto XOOM
By James Kendrick
I have spent several days with the Motorola XOOM and I am liking it more the longer I use it. One concern many have expressed about the XOOM in particular and Android Honeycomb in general is the scarcity of apps in the Android Market are optimized for the tablet. This is a valid concern and the biggest adjustment I had to make using the XOOM; some of my favorite apps don’t work well.
Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi Headed to Sam’s Club $539
By Kellex
Been a lot of talk about a wifi-only Motorola XOOM lately and thanks to our friends at Sam’s Club, we think it may be closer than anyone imagined and with a better-than-previously-advertised price tag. According to talk out of their “Year Beginning” meeting, they plan to release the device at $539 which is lower than the $599 price that Moto CEO Sanjay Jha spoke of just two weeks ago. No word yet on an exact date, but with the same version launching in Europe during the first week of April, we’re tempted to pencil that in for a U.S. launch.
Oh, and you’ll get a good laugh out of the pricing sign listed below. Looks like someone was working a little too fast when printing it up and missed a couple of deta
[via DroidLife]
Been a lot of talk about a wifi-only Motorola XOOM lately and thanks to our friends at Sam’s Club, we think it may be closer than anyone imagined and with a better-than-previously-advertised price tag. According to talk out of their “Year Beginning” meeting, they plan to release the device at $539 which is lower than the $599 price that Moto CEO Sanjay Jha spoke of just two weeks ago. No word yet on an exact date, but with the same version launching in Europe during the first week of April, we’re tempted to pencil that in for a U.S. launch.
Oh, and you’ll get a good laugh out of the pricing sign listed below. Looks like someone was working a little too fast when printing it up and missed a couple of deta
[via DroidLife]
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Motorola Xoom vs. iPad 2
iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom
| Apple iPad 2  | Motorola Xoom  |
| Platform | iOS 4.3 | Android 3.0 | ||
| Display | 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD | 10.1-inch | ||
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1280 x 800 | ||
| Processor | 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 | 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 | ||
| Memory | ? | 1GB RAM | ||
| Storage | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB | 32GB | ||
| Front camera | VGA | 2 megapixel | ||
| Rear camera | 720 / 30p video | 5 megapixel AF with dual-LED flash, 720 / 30p video | ||
| Cellular radio | Quadband HSPA or CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A | 3G with free upgrade to 4G LTE | ||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n | ||
| Bluetooth | 2.1 + EDR | 2.1 + EDR | ||
| Accelerometer | 3-axis | 3-axis | ||
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes | ||
| Battery | 25Wh | 6,500mAh | ||
| Thickness | 8.8mm | 12.7mm | ||
| Weight | 601g (WiFi), 607g (Verizon), 613g (AT&T) | 725g |
iPad 2, on sale March 11
The iPad 2, will go on sale March 11 at the same price as its predecessor, starting at $499 for the entry-level device with Wi-Fi only, and going up to $829 for the version with a 3G cellular connection. Consumers can get the cellular iPad 2, which requires a $30 monthly contract, from both AT&T and Verizon.
Apple highlighted the new iPad's lighter weight — 1.3 pounds compared with the 1.5-pound original, as well as the addition of front- and back-facing video cameras that allow users to conduct video chats. The device has a newer computer processor that will make it run faster and allow for smoother performance of video-intensive applications like games and movies.
Get the monthly that has L.A. talking. Subscribe to Los Angeles Times Magazine at a special introductory rate.
Jobs spent considerable time showing off a new case for the iPad. Apple said the case for the original device was too bulky and interfered with its performance. The newer case, which Apple calls a "smart cover," magnetically attaches to the front of the iPad to create a kind of screen protector and automatically puts the machine into sleep mode when it is attached.
Though none of the new features were particularly surprising, analysts felt the incremental enhancements would allow the iPad to keep its place at the top of the tablet market.
"I think they're focused on having a more intimate product," said Sarah Rotman-Epps, a technology analyst at Forrester Research. "It's hard to differentiate one device from another — there are so many of them. And Apple's approach in this post-PC world is to say, 'Hey, we're going to make a device that you kind of want to cuddle with."
Apple announcement
That fits with how people are using their tablets, she added: Forrester found that people are most often on their tablets in the living room and in the bedroom.
Motorola Xoom For Singapore, Malaysia?
Motorola Xoom with Google’s Android Honeycomb 3.0.
Motorola Xoom was officially launched in US on February 24th 2011. Wonder when will Motorola Xoom come to Malaysia & Singapore?
Now the tablet competition is getting more serious as Motorola Xoom has proven to be a real competitor to iPad and a review made by Engadget says that Motorola Xoom outclasses iPad in some areas.
How much is Motorola Xoom? Price without contract is US$799. That’s equivalent to RM2450.13 (direct conversion using iPhone’s XE Currency converter). Price with a 2 year contract with Verizon is US$599 which is equivalent to RM1836.83 (same here too.).
Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
Motorola Xoom tablet is the first tablet to use Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb. It’s also the first to have 10.1″ size with 1280 X 800 touchscreen display. It’s also the first tablet to use a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2.
A dual-core for a tablet computer? That’s so unreal. Last time, dual-core processor was like the King for computers and laptops. Now, you can even have it in tablet computers. Technology changes so fast these days. Where to find enough $$$ to buy these toys? Ok, back to Motorola Xoom & iPad 2.
With these specs, many claim that this is the best tablet in the market. Of course, that’s before iPad 2 is out. After testing the Motorola Xoom, Engadget says that Motorola Xoom has super fast UI and great battery life; 8 & 1/2 hours of constant multimedia use but it has issues with the software, lack of tablet applications and also buggy OS but great . Engadget gave it 7/10.
I wonder when will Motorola Xoom comes to Malaysia and how much will Motorola Xoom cost in Malaysia. Who will carry it first? DiGi or Maxis? Let’s wait and see. When will Motorola Xoom comes to Singapore? Will it be earlier than Malaysia? How much is Motorola Xoom in Singapore? Will it be more expensive than Malaysia’s Motorola Xoom just like iPad?
What’s your say?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Motorola XOOM (Verizon) Teardown 64 Images
Sixty four images of the Motorola Xoom dissected for our carnal pleasure.
Click here to see all 64 pics *WARNING: GRAPHIC!*
Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Click here to see all 64 pics *WARNING: GRAPHIC!*
Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
How to: Wireless Tether a Motorola XOOM to a DROID X
Click on pics to enlarge if needed
Many of you probably already know how to tether your phone to your brand new Motorola XOOM, but we wanted to make sure that the whole community was covered and whipped up this quick guide. It doesn’t get much easier than this, folks.
Instructions:
2. (Optional) Root your XOOM. [Instructions]
3. Root your DROID X using z4root. [Instructions]
4. Download Wireless Tether from the market and install it on your DROID X.
5. Open Wireless Tether and tap the green WiFi button to start it.
Instructions:
*Note* – If rooting and unlocking the bootloader on your XOOM is something you are not comfortable with, feel free to skip steps 1 and 2. Those were just added as quick reference links for those looking to root their device.1. (Optional) Unlock the bootloader on your XOOM. [Instructions]
2. (Optional) Root your XOOM. [Instructions]
3. Root your DROID X using z4root. [Instructions]
4. Download Wireless Tether from the market and install it on your DROID X.
5. Open Wireless Tether and tap the green WiFi button to start it.
Eight reasons the Motorola Xoom beats the iPad
By Preston Gralla
I bought the Motorola Xoom the day it came out, and have been using it ever since. It's a spectacular tablet and superior to the iPad. Here are eight reasons why. (When specs on the new iPad are released, I'll follow up this post with another one.)
Honeycomb
Android 3.0, called Honeycomb, is a thing of beauty. It's optimized for tablets, and cleaned up some of Android's rough edges. It's as intuitive to use as the iPad's iOS, but far more customizable and feature-rich. Notifications are handled better and multitasking and switching between apps is easier. The widgets are far better than anything in the iOS as well. If you were put off by earlier versions of Android because of a sometimes-confusing interface, you'll be pleased with Honeycomb.
I bought the Motorola Xoom the day it came out, and have been using it ever since. It's a spectacular tablet and superior to the iPad. Here are eight reasons why. (When specs on the new iPad are released, I'll follow up this post with another one.)
Honeycomb
Android 3.0, called Honeycomb, is a thing of beauty. It's optimized for tablets, and cleaned up some of Android's rough edges. It's as intuitive to use as the iPad's iOS, but far more customizable and feature-rich. Notifications are handled better and multitasking and switching between apps is easier. The widgets are far better than anything in the iOS as well. If you were put off by earlier versions of Android because of a sometimes-confusing interface, you'll be pleased with Honeycomb.
Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi Gets a pre-order page from PC World, quickly pulled off
by Arnold Zafra on Mar 1, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Awhile ago PC World has posted a pre-order page for the Wi-Fi version of the upcoming Motorola XOOM. And guess what? They even had a price tag for the said Android tablet and that something around £449.99. That amount was a bit lesser than how much the 3G Motorola XOOM is being sold in the U.S. which was $799.99. So we hope that you were able to pre-order the device if you so wanted to have first dibs on it when it is released this month.
Now, here’s the sad news - the pre-order button on the page is no longer there. PC World has pulled it off with a short note saying that the Motorola XOOM will be available for pre-order pretty soon. The statement also confirmed that the Wi-Fi version of the Motorola XOOM will be exclusively from PC World. What is not clear though is when the pre-order page will be up again.
Meanwhile T-Mobile Germany is also distributing the Motorola XOOM, this time the 3G model. And the price tag of the XOOM 3G goes around €699.95. That price is 95 Euro above the current market price of the XOOM’s closest rival, the iPad.
So, with all the excitement that is being built-up prior to the official release of the Motorola XOOM, do you think that the iPad rival is finally arriving?
via [PC World]
Awhile ago PC World has posted a pre-order page for the Wi-Fi version of the upcoming Motorola XOOM. And guess what? They even had a price tag for the said Android tablet and that something around £449.99. That amount was a bit lesser than how much the 3G Motorola XOOM is being sold in the U.S. which was $799.99. So we hope that you were able to pre-order the device if you so wanted to have first dibs on it when it is released this month.
Now, here’s the sad news - the pre-order button on the page is no longer there. PC World has pulled it off with a short note saying that the Motorola XOOM will be available for pre-order pretty soon. The statement also confirmed that the Wi-Fi version of the Motorola XOOM will be exclusively from PC World. What is not clear though is when the pre-order page will be up again.
Meanwhile T-Mobile Germany is also distributing the Motorola XOOM, this time the 3G model. And the price tag of the XOOM 3G goes around €699.95. That price is 95 Euro above the current market price of the XOOM’s closest rival, the iPad.
So, with all the excitement that is being built-up prior to the official release of the Motorola XOOM, do you think that the iPad rival is finally arriving?
via [PC World]
Motorola prices WiFi-only Xoom at £450 in the UK
Finally Motorola gives us a chance to say something positive about its pricing of the 10.1-inch, Tegra 2-powered Xoom tablet. UK electronics retailer PC World has just put up its Xoom pre-order page, which will surprise many waking Brits with an extremely reasonable £450 ($730) asking price. That's £60 less than the direct competitor 32GB WiFi-only iPad -- the Xoom only has one storage option of 32GB and the model listed here comes without 3G -- and perhaps more importantly, is only £10 more than the 16GB version of Apple's tablet. It's common knowledge that to take on the iPad empire you'll have to at the very least match its price, and Moto is doing even better than that in the UK. There's only one worrying sign, we haven't been able to place a Xoom into our shopping basket yet, as the "Pre-order today" button seems to be malfunctioning, but we're guessing that's a temporary glitch that will be fixed without the price shooting up skywards.
Popular Science March issue comes with AR-enabled Motorola Xoom ad
Is the Motorola Xoom biggest threat yet to iPad?
Nice review here.
Side by side comparsison from self -cofessed iPad addict, Robert Scobel.
See his review HERE!
Side by side comparsison from self -cofessed iPad addict, Robert Scobel.
See his review HERE!
Web surfing speed battle: Motorola Xoom vs. Apple iPad
The tablet wars will be in full swing in the next couple of weeks. Last week, we witnessed the opening salvo with the release of Motorola's Xoom. The Xoom is arguably the first legitimate competitor to the first-generation Apple iPad, so naturally we'd want to conduct as many tests directly comparing them as possible.
Testing
While we'll be running a number of Xoom and iPad tests over the next few weeks, we wanted to provide you with some quick, easy, but still useful tests right away. One of the simplest things to test is site-loading speed, a test many users can immediately relate to. I'm a much greater fan of real-world tests like this one, as opposed to synthetic benchmarks.
We used three different Web sites for the tests: CNET.com, CBSNews.com, and GiantBomb.com. Each tablet was connected to the same closed network with no other devices on it, with the router about 5 feet away. We considered the test to begin the moment we pressed Enter and run to the time the blue progress bar on each tablet disappeared. We used the latest version of iOS for the iPad, and the Xoom is, of course, using Honeycomb, or Android OS 3.0.
Although in the video you'll only see one iteration for each test, we actually ran each test several times; over those runs we got results consistent with what you'll see here. Also, we cleared each tablet's browser cache before each iteration of the tests was run.
Now, as much as we'd love for these tests to be completely relevant for everyone in every situation, that's nearly impossible. We tested these tablets under specific conditions in a "free" environment. The network was closed, but we can't account for noise from other networks interfering. This is a snapshot of performance in our testing environment, and because of that your results may vary.
| Web site | Motorola Xoom | Apple iPad |
|---|---|---|
| CNET.com | 4 seconds | 15 seconds |
| CBSNews.com | 27 seconds | 29 seconds |
| GiantBomb.com | 6 seconds | 9 seconds |
The video You'll notice in the video that CBSNews.com hangs for both tablets. This was something we saw consistently over several runs. To ensure accuracy, we timed each tablet individually. You can even time it yourself using the video if you'd like to make sure.
3D graphics
We used Dungeon Defender to test the performance of each tablet's 3D graphics. The Xoom has a native resolution of 1,280x800 pixels, while the iPad has a lower resolution of 1,024x768 pixels. This is likely the main reason for the difference in 3D game performance you'll see in the video.
We put the camera close to really illustrate the difference in quality between the two. Also in the video, we feature only one character, but we found that aliasing was a consistent problem for the iPad in this game; however, it's not something we likely would have been put off by if it hadn't been sitting right next to the Xoom.
Although the Xoom delivered smoother characters, its colors were not as deep and rich as the iPad's.
Tested specs
| Specs | Motorola Xoom | Apple iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum brightness | 312 cd/m2 | 388 cd/m2 |
| Default brightness | 131 cd/m2 | 161 cd/m2 |
| Maximum black level | 0.26 cd/m2 | 0.44 cd/m2 |
| Default black level | 0.11 cd/m2 | 0.18 cd/m2 |
| Default contrast ratio | 1,190:1 | 894:1 |
| Contrast ratio (nax brightness) | 1,200:1 | 881:1 |
Conclusion Based on the results we got, with the aforementioned caveats, the Motorola Xoom will likely have faster Wi-Fi surfing speed than the iPad. While not all tests showed a huge difference, the Xoom was consistently the faster tablet.
With Dungeon Defender, the Xoom's higher resolution shows that it has the potential to display smoother, less jaggy games; however, the washed-out color could be a problem for some.
We'll be posting more test results from this and (hopefully) other, as yet unreleased, tablets soon.
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