Motorola XOOM Android Tablet review

Motorola has redefined the tablet PC by opening more ways to stay entertained, connect with friends and also to stay productive on the go. Motorola XOOM Android Tablet boasts a dual core processor, each core running at 1 GHz processing speed. It includes 10.1-inch wide screen HD display. It comes with ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking. Offering support for Adobe Flash Player, Motorola XOOM enables you to view the full web content without any compromise. Powered by Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system it offers a multi touch and holographic user interface that improves on some of the Android favorites like multi-tasking, browsing, widgets, notifications and customization. XOOM provides the latest Google Mobile innovations that include Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction, Google Talk with video and voice chat and access to more than 3 million Google eBooks.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

• Android 3.0 Honeycomb is specially designed for the large screen devices like tablet PCs. Android 3.0 platform has come up with an innovative User Interface which is absolutely virtual and holographic.
• It provides five customizable home screens which give you easy access to your favorite live widgets and application shortcuts. Each screen provides a launcher to access any installed application and a Search box for universal search of applications, contacts, web content, media files, and more.
• Multitasking in Android 3.0 is more efficient than ever. The Recent Apps list in the System Bar can be used to see the tasks to be done and you can instantly switch from one application to another. You will also see a snapshot of the last screen viewed in the same application which works as a visual reminder.
• The Android onscreen keyboard is redesigned to facilitate faster and accurate text input on larger screen sizes. Scrollable and stored widgets allow you to go through the content within the widget itself right on the home page and that too without opening the application.
• Self-effacing notification system displays icons for various notifications, downloads, system updates, messages, etc. in the lower right corner of the screen.
• A single tap on digital time display will open the entire notification panel.
• The tablet offers a redesigned YouTube application with the innovative 3D gallery.
• Android 3.0 provides access to the one-stop-shop, the Android Store for eBooks, games, and applications.
• You can choose from the vast collection of ebooks and latest games and fun applications whichever suits you.

Connectivity

• It provides Ultra-fast 802.11b/g/n Wireless N Wi-Fi network for easy access to home and corporate networks as well as the Wi-Fi hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth version 2.1connectivity offers different profiles for communication headset and hands-free car kits. It also offers the A2 DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.
• XOOM offers onboard GPS for live navigation and map services. Just think of the destination and your tablet will find the shortest route for you.
• It is provided with Integrated Google Map System which provides turn by turn navigation, street, satellite, and the three-dimensional landscape views.

Camera

• The tablet comes with a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for optimum resolution which is really good for capturing photos on the go.
• It includes dual LED flash, digital zoom and auto-focus.
• The 2-megapixel front facing web cam is good for video chats which includes indicator light when in use.
• The camera offers HD 720p video capture.
• You can immediately upload the video to sharing web sites or view and edit them on the fly.

Communications & Internet

• It facilitates video chat on G Talk with any other Google Talk enabled device like smart phones, tablets, or PC.
• It gives access to personal and corporate e-mail and provides support for Exchange and push Gmail.
• It provides a web browser HTML5-based Android Webkit which is similar to that of the desktop. Along with this you get tabbed browsing and Chrome bookmark sync.

Technical Specifications:

Pros

• Motorola XOOM’s quality build is good for rough use.
• Android 3.0 gives great flexibility to customize your tablet.
• Front and rare cameras do a wonderful job for video chatting and taking snaps as well.
• The fully loaded WiFi version comes with integrated GPS, gyro and even a barometer.
• Superb graphics and brilliant display.
• Easy to set up and install.

Cons

• The screen is not smudge free. Finger prints remain on the screen.
• It lacks support for a few applications.

Conclusion

I have reviewed Apple iPad 2 and I thought that Apple needs to improve on many aspects which would make it a better android tablet. But after going through Motorola XOOM Android Tablet, I think, Android and XOOM are on the right track to deliver the best product to the users. XOOM has exponentially improved on various grounds to make the tablet best match for Android 3.0. The five home screens let you design your device the way you want. Costing around $599, the device seems to be fair from the price point and will definitely satisfy all the gadget freaks.