The XOOM tablet PC might have landed several months ago (more than 7 months) and we are already talking of a sequel to it but its not all over for the original XOOM yet. For the tablet was launched with one key feature missing — 4G LTE connectivity and Verizon has announced it is now ready for carrying over the XOOM tablet PCs to the next higher strata of wireless connectivity. The upgrade for the Motorola XOOM would be available to users starting today as per an official tweet issued by Motorola.
The upgrade process is a bit tiresome though as it involves parting with your beloved piece of Honeycomb running device for 6 business days. Which means if there are holidays in between, the wait will be longer. Verizon has issued instructions on how to pack off the XOOM tablet and the entire thing will not make any more holes in the pocket of XOOM users other than what the price of XOOM already has done. But then of course, the 4G LTE service is not free. Also, Verizon has priced the 4G enabled XOOM at $499.99 which involves a two year contract.
Also, there are the usual precautionary steps to be taken which includes backing up all data as well as encrypting the data that one stores on the tablet to prevent nasty surprises later on. The world’s first tablet to run Android Honeycomb, again the first OS optimized for tablet operation had started out with a lot of hype. Unfortunately, so was the price and that is also being blamed for the XOOM to be relegated to the loser’s side in its battle against the iPad. The price was subsequently brought down and now, here comes the 4G upgrade and it remains of to be seen if the new 4G enabled XOOM tablet PCs find favor with the consumers who now have the choice of a cheap tablet from Amazon.
Click here for instructions on how to pack off your XOOM tablet while the Press Release below will enlighten you further.
Also, XOOM owners looking for the upgrade to 4G will not be required to be physically present at Verizon stores with their XOOM. Seems like online route is the only road to 4G LTE for the XOOMs.
[showhide type=’pressrelease’]MOTOROLA XOOM 4G LTE UPGRADE AVAILABLE TOMORROW
Upgrade to Add the Speed of the Largest 4G LTE Network in America
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today announced the Motorola XOOM 4G LTE upgrade will be available for existing Motorola XOOM customers beginning tomorrow. The Motorola XOOM 4G LTE will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 13 for $499.99 with a new two-year contract.
Starting tomorrow, Motorola XOOM customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/Xoom4GLTEupgrade for complete instructions and to begin the 4G LTE upgrade process. Customers who signed up for email alerts will receive an email notification with instructions tomorrow. Customers should expect to get their updated Motorola XOOM with 4G LTE back in approximately six business days. The 4G LTE upgrade is free of charge and customers do not have to change their current data plan when upgrading to 4G LTE. Customers are encouraged to back up any personal information prior to shipping.
Faster speeds and connections enhance the Motorola XOOM experience, allowing customers to download songs in seconds and movies in minutes. Customers should expect average download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, the Motorola XOOM automatically connects to the Verizon Wireless 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.
Key features:
· 10.1-inch widescreen HD display
· 32 GB built-in storage (actual formatted capacity is less), with microSD card slot supporting additional 32 GB
· Android™ 3.2 Honeycomb – supports Google™ Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™, Google Movies™, Google Books™ and Android Market™
· Dual-core 1 GHz processor
· Adobe® Flash® 10- enabling the delivery of rich Flash based web content including videos, casual games and applications
· 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats over 4G LTE, 3G and WiFi
· 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash
· Wi-Fi networks are generally short ranged and provide wireless Internet access to localized public areas (often called hotspots) such as airports, hotels, and coffee shops.
Data plans:
· Motorola XOOM customers will have the option to choose one of the following mobile broadband data plans:
o $30 monthly access for 2GB monthly allowance
o $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance
o $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance
[/showhide]
via cnet
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
