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Motorola Xoom
Motorola Xoom
Motorola Xoom
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Motorola Xoom
ManufacturerMotorola Mobility
TypeTablet
ReleasedFebruary 24, 2011 (2011-02-24)
Introductory price$799 GSM and CDMA
$499, £399 Wi-Fi only $299 Australian
Operating systemAndroid 3.0 Honeycomb
Upgradable to Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean"
CPUNvidia Tegra 2 T20, 1 GHz dual-core processor[1][2]
Memory1 GB DDR2 SDRAM[1]
StorageInternal memory: 32 GB
External slot: SDHC microSD card after SW update
Display1280×800 px, aspect ratio 16:10, 10.1 in (260 mm) diagonal, ~46 in2 (~300 cm2), 160 ppi,[2] Gorilla Glass[3][4]
GraphicsTegra 2 T20, ULP GeForce 333 MHz o/c to 400 MHz
SoundStereo[2]
Input
CameraBack: 5.0 MP with 8× digital zoom, autofocus, 720p video capture, 30 fps, dual LED flash
Front: 2.0 MP camera[2]
Connectivity

CDMA version: EVDO Rev. A LTE

GSM version: GSM/EDGE Class 12 UMTS/HSDPA[2]
Power6500 mAh[5]
Dimensions249.1 mm (9.81 in) H
167.8 mm (6.61 in) W
12.9 mm (0.51 in) D
Weight708 g (25.0 oz) Wi-Fi
730 g (26 oz) 3G/4G
SuccessorMotorola Xyboard
Websitewww.motorola.com/xoom

The Motorola Xoom is an Android-based tablet computer by Motorola, introduced at CES 2011 on January 5, 2011. It was the first tablet to be sold with Android Honeycomb. The Motorola Xoom went through the FCC on February 10, 2011[6] only 14 days before release. The 3G version was released on February 24, 2011, and the Wi-Fi version was released March 27, 2011. It was announced concurrently with three other products: the Motorola Atrix, the Motorola Droid Bionic, and the Motorola Cliq 2.[7] CNET named it the "Best of the CES" 2011.[8]

Its successor, the Motorola Xyboard, Xoom 2 in the UK, was announced in October 2011, and released in November.[9][10]

Features

[edit]

The Xoom supports up to 720p video playback.[11] It features a 2 MP front-facing camera for video chatting over Wi-Fi or cellular Internet and a rear-facing 5 MP camera that records 720p video. The Xoom has a 1280×800 pixels widescreen, 10.1-inch display and 3D graphics acceleration, as well as HDMI-out. It features the Gorilla Glass resistant coating.[3][4]

It includes a variety of sensors, including a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, and a barometer. The Xoom uses an Nvidia Tegra 2 SoC T20 chip.[2]

The Xoom reportedly has trouble trying to communicate with the Windows XP operating system via USB cable unless Windows Media Player is updated past version 10. This issue is not present in Windows 7.[12]

Media

[edit]

The Motorola Xoom supports the following formats:[13]

  • Audio: AAC, AAC+, AMR NB, AMRWB, MP3, and XMF
  • Video: H.263, H.264 (Baseline Profile), MPEG4, and VP8

Software

[edit]
Italian Motorola Xoom with Android Market

The Motorola Xoom was the first device to run Google's tablet specific OS, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, which introduced new features including a redesigned, tablet-optimized user interface, a 3D desktop purportedly taken from BumpTop (which Google acquired in April 2010), improved task-switching, a newly redesigned notification system, Google Maps 5 in 3D and browser enhancements including tabbed browsing, form auto-fill and bookmark syncing.[14]

The Canadian Wi-Fi Xoom currently has the 4.0.3 update (and will not get any future updates)[15] and the UK Wi-Fi Xoom had the 3.2 update as of July 2012. On February 23, Motorola Mobility announced that the Motorola Xoom would break its policy of locking down its devices by providing the gadget with an "unlockable/relockable bootloader that will enable developers to access hardware for development."[16]

After Google released the source code to Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich", Motorola announced that a number of its formerly released mobile devices would get the update, including the Xoom.[17] The Android 4.0.3 update for the Wi-Fi Xoom was released in the US on January 18, 2012.[18] The corresponding update to the Verizon-branded Xoom was released on June 4, 2012.[19]

On June 27, 2012 at the Google I/O conference, it was announced that the Xoom would be one of the first devices to receive an upgrade to Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean", along with the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, beginning by the middle of July 2012.[20] The corresponding update to the Verizon Wireless-branded Xoom 4G was released in August 2013.[21]

Accessories

[edit]

The Motorola Xoom supports docking stations for charging and as a stand for viewing video. It also features Bluetooth keyboard support.

Available accessories include the Motorola Xoom portfolio case, dock, HD stereo dock and wireless keyboard.[citation needed]

It was announced that the microSD Card slot would be enabled with the Android 3.2 update.[22][23] The tablet did not support Flash on its initial release. Before release, no official statement indicated whether the microSD slot would support SDHC or SDXC cards. Early on Motorola also touted the ability to upgrade to 4G as a major selling point versus other tablets. However, it was revealed through a leaked internal memo in late July 2011, that the upgrade would not be available until at least September 2011. Many early adopters to the Xoom tablet were upset that the upgrade will not be available more than 6 months after Xoom's debut.[24]

On September 29, 2011 Verizon Wireless began the 4G upgrade process.[25] This upgrade takes approximately six days. Starting October 11, 2011, Verizon began selling the Xoom with 4G pre-installed.[citation needed]

Super Bowl commercial

[edit]

Motorola aired a television spot during Super Bowl XLV (45) in 2011 that was designed as a satire of Apple's landmark Super Bowl ad "1984". Titled "Empower the People", it depicted a dystopia in which all of humanity wears white hoodies and are plugged into iPods, a jab at how Apple products had achieved cult-like status and practically ubiquitous market penetration.[26]

The following week, a minor controversy erupted when Los Angeles filmmaker Mike Sarrow claimed that he had, in fact, originated the commercial's idea first. In 2009, he shot a short film portraying a dystopian world where everyone is plugged into iPods to the point that all human conversation has ceased. The controversy was reported on numerous tech news websites, including CNET and Engadget, though no concrete evidence of intellectual property was presented, merely some suspicious similarities, including a nearly identical ending shot. The filmmaker chose not to pursue Motorola legally, using the similarity only as publicity for his work.[27][28][29][30]

Reception

[edit]

The device's hardware received praise from reviewers; Engadget, PC World and CNET all said that the Xoom's performance was as good as, or superior to, competing products.[31][32][33] The user experience with the installed software was mixed. Android 3.0 was praised for "coming together in a far more cohesive manner than any previous iteration of the software,"[31] according to Engadget, and being "the most polished Google software effort to date,"[33] according to PC World, as many other Android tablets used Android 2.3 which was designed for smartphones while Android 3.0 was intended for tablets. CNET said that in some areas the software seemed overly complex,[32] and Engadget said that "a lot of the new software feels like it isn't quite out of beta."[32]

The Xoom's initial pricing attracted criticism since it was more expensive than its equivalent iPad 2 model. Both Engadget and PC World cited the price as a drawback,[31][33] and CNET said that with the launch pricing, "the Xoom's appeal will be limited to early adopters and Android loyalists."[32]

Sales

[edit]

Xoom was estimated by Deutsche Bank analysts to have sold about 100,000 units during the first 6 weeks of availability. On April 28, 2011, Motorola announced during Q1 2011 earnings conference calls that over 250,000 units of Xoom were shipped to retail channels during the quarter. In July 2011, Motorola lowered the price tag for Xoom Wi-Fi from $600 to $500 and then Xoom 3G from $800 to $600. Motorola revealed through its Q2 2011 earnings report that it shipped 440,000 Xoom units during the prior 3 months.[34] Unit shipment subsequently dropped to 100,000 units in Q3 2011 and rebounded slightly to 200,000 units in Q4 2011.[35] According to a financial statement released on May 1, 2012, Motorola shipped approximately 100,000 units in Q1 2012.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Motorola Xoom

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Motorola Xoom is an Android-based tablet computer developed by Motorola Mobility, introduced on January 5, 2011, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and released in the United States on February 24, 2011, through Verizon Wireless as the carrier's first 3G tablet offering. It holds historical significance as the first consumer tablet to ship with Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system, which was optimized for larger touchscreens with a holographic user interface, multitasking capabilities, and support for Adobe Flash Player. Priced at $599.99 with a two-year service contract (or $799.99 unsubsidized), the device targeted the burgeoning tablet market dominated by Apple's iPad, positioning Motorola as a key Android hardware partner. Key hardware specifications include a 10.1-inch capacitive display with a 1280×800 resolution and 16:10 , powered by an 2 dual-core 1 GHz processor with 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD in later updates). The tablet featured a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of HD video recording with LED flash, a 2-megapixel for video calls, and connectivity options such as , 2.1, micro-USB, mini-HDMI output, and initial 3G EV-DO support upgradable to LTE. Its 24.5 Wh battery provided up to 9 hours of web browsing or 7.5 hours of mixed use, housed in a 730-gram aluminum unibody measuring 249.1 × 167.8 × 12.9 mm. A -only variant followed on March 27, 2011, for $599. The Xoom's launch marked Motorola's entry into the tablet segment amid high expectations for Android's tablet , though it faced criticism for software bugs, limited app availability at launch, and the need for post-release updates to enable features like full Flash support and 4G compatibility. Android 3.0 was later upgradable to version 4.1.2 , after which the device received no further major OS updates. Despite mixed reviews on performance and ecosystem maturity, the Xoom helped establish Android as a viable alternative and influenced subsequent tablet designs from and its partners.

Development and launch

Development

Motorola collaborated closely with during the development of the Xoom to optimize Android 3.0 for tablet form factors, marking it as the lead device for the new OS with a custom adapted for larger screens. Teams from both companies worked together to integrate hardware and software, ensuring a "pure experience" that addressed the limitations of prior Android versions on tablets. Development of the Xoom coincided with Motorola's broader push into Android devices amid growing concerns over OS fragmentation across varying screen sizes and hardware. Engineers focused on integrating NVIDIA's 2 chipset to deliver dual-core performance suitable for tablet applications, while tackling early challenges in adapting the mobile-oriented Android ecosystem to tablet-specific needs like multitasking and media playback. A key engineering decision was selecting a 10.1-inch display in a 16:10 , optimized for landscape orientation to enhance and tasks on a tablet. NVIDIA played a pivotal role by supplying the Tegra 2 system-on-chip, which provided the foundational dual-core processor and GPU for the Xoom's graphics capabilities.

Announcement

The Xoom was publicly unveiled by at a press event during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2011 in on January 5, 2011. During the announcement, CEO Sanjay Jha introduced the device as the world's first tablet powered by Android 3.0 , a version of the operating system specifically optimized for larger screens. Demonstrations at the event showcased Honeycomb's tablet-optimized interface, featuring a holographic 3D with smooth animations and multi-tasking capabilities, such as resizable widgets and simultaneous app usage. Initial specifications highlighted included a 10.1-inch HD display with 1280x800 resolution and a dual-core 1 GHz 2 processor, positioning the Xoom as a premium competitor to Apple's with superior multitasking and media playback features like full support. Google provided strong endorsement during CES, with a surprise demonstration of Honeycomb on the Xoom at the opening keynote, emphasizing its role as the reference device for the new Android version designed for tablets. This collaboration underscored the Xoom's importance in showcasing Honeycomb's innovations, including enhanced 5.0 with 3D navigation. Immediate media coverage from outlets like and praised the Xoom's hardware and software integration as a credible rival, noting its larger screen and cameras as advantages for video calling and content consumption. Analysts, including those from Forrester Research, predicted strong growth for Android tablets like the Xoom in 2011 but forecasted Apple's would maintain market dominance due to its mature app ecosystem, with the Xoom potentially capturing early adopters seeking an open alternative.

Release and pricing

The Motorola Xoom launched in the United States on February 24, 2011, exclusively through Verizon Wireless as the carrier partner. The device was offered in Wi-Fi-only and / LTE variants, with the initial U.S. model supporting Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network and a free hardware upgrade to LTE later in the year. Pricing for the U.S. launch set the initial model at $599.99 with a two-year service contract that included access to Verizon's data plans starting at $20 per month for 1 GB of usage, or $799.99 unsubsidized. A Wi-Fi-only variant followed on March 27, 2011, priced at $599.99 unsubsidized. Early units were available through retailer partnerships, including stores, which handled initial in-store distribution alongside Verizon locations. The international rollout began in March 2011, starting with Europe and extending to Asia shortly thereafter. In Europe, pricing was adjusted for local markets, with the Wi-Fi model listed at around €599 in the EU and £499.99 in the UK, where it launched in early April through retailers like PC World. In Asia, the device debuted in Singapore on April 22, 2011, as the first Southeast Asian market, with the Wi-Fi variant priced at S$888 and available at major electronics chains including Challenger and Best Denki. Bundling options internationally often included accessories or data plans from local carriers, similar to the U.S. model.

Hardware specifications

Design and display

The Motorola Xoom features an aluminum unibody with a soft-touch rear panel, contributing to its durable yet premium feel. Measuring 9.81 by 6.61 by 0.51 inches (249.1 by 167.8 by 12.9 mm) and weighing 1.6 pounds (730 grams), the tablet strikes a balance between portability and sturdiness, though its heft can make extended handheld use fatiguing. At the center of the design is a 10.1-inch capacitive display with a of 1280 by 800 pixels and a 16:10 , delivering clear visuals suitable for and . The screen is protected by Corning , enhancing resistance to scratches and minor impacts. The overall layout prioritizes landscape orientation for optimal interaction, with the and carrier logos positioned along the longer edge and the 2-megapixel centered at the top in horizontal mode. Ergonomics are supported by a button arrangement tailored to two-handed landscape grip: the power button sits on the right edge for easy thumb access, while volume rocker keys are on the left side; there is no physical button, relying instead on on-screen . speakers are integrated into the rear panel near the top corners, providing decent audio output but often criticized for becoming muffled when the device is held or placed flat on a surface. The sizable bezels—approximately 1 inch thick around the display—offer a secure hold without accidental touches but drew complaints for underutilizing the front real estate and contributing to the tablet's bulkier profile. Notably, did not include a protective case in the retail package, leaving users to purchase one separately for added safeguard against daily wear.

Processor and performance

The Motorola Xoom is powered by the system-on-chip, featuring a dual-core processor clocked at 1 GHz paired with an ultra-low power (ULP) GPU designed for mobile graphics rendering. This configuration represented an early adoption of dual-core processing in tablets, enabling smoother operation compared to single-core predecessors, though it was outpaced by later devices. The device includes 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, which supported basic multitasking but could lead to occasional under heavy loads in its initial software environment. Storage consists of 32 GB of internal eMMC in the base model, which was non-expandable at launch but gained microSD card support via a software update to Android 3.2. Battery capacity is rated at approximately 6500 mAh (24.5 Wh), providing up to 10 hours of continuous video playback or 9 hours of talk time under optimal conditions. Real-world endurance varied with usage, often falling short during intensive tasks like graphics-heavy applications due to the power demands of the 2 chipset. In early benchmarks, the Xoom achieved Quadrant scores of around 1800–2100, reflecting solid CPU and GPU performance for its era, comparable to other 2 devices like the . Graphics tests such as NenaMark yielded about 30.4 frames per second in 2.0 scenarios, demonstrating capable but not exceptional rendering speeds, particularly when factoring in the display's 1280x800 resolution. For multitasking, the hardware handled web browsing, media playback, and light productivity apps effectively, though transitions between multiple open applications occasionally showed minor delays.

Cameras and connectivity

The Motorola Xoom featured a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera equipped with a dual-LED flash, capable of capturing photos and recording video at resolution at 30 frames per second. A front-facing 2-megapixel camera was included primarily for video calling and conferencing over or cellular connections. For wireless connectivity, the device supported 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capability and hotspot functionality, alongside 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) and A2DP profiles for audio streaming. It also included GPS with A-GPS support for location services, and a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio output. Cellular connectivity was optional, with the Verizon variant (model MZ600) offering CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and upgradable to LTE via a free hardware upgrade. The Xoom's port configuration centered on a micro-USB 2.0 interface that supported (OTG) for connecting peripherals like keyboards or storage drives, though charging speeds were limited to standard USB 2.0 rates of approximately 500 mA, resulting in relatively slow recharge times compared to later devices. Additionally, a micro-HDMI port enabled output to external displays at up to resolution for video mirroring. The tablet lacked (NFC) capabilities, which were absent in its hardware design.

Software

Initial Android version

The Motorola Xoom launched with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, marking the first major release of the Android operating system specifically optimized for tablet devices with larger screens. This version introduced a redesigned user interface tailored to the tablet form factor, featuring holographic 3D elements and enhanced multitasking capabilities to leverage the expanded display real estate. Key tablet-specific enhancements included customizable widgets that could be resized and made scrollable, allowing users to place dynamic content such as calendars or email previews directly on the home screen for quick access. The system bar provided persistent navigation and notification controls at the bottom of the screen, while the action bar at the top offered contextual app options, streamlining interaction on the device's 10.1-inch panel. Honeycomb supported multi-pane application layouts through the introduction of Fragments, enabling developers to create apps with simultaneous views—such as a list pane alongside a detail pane—ideal for productivity tasks on tablets. Pre-installed applications emphasized core services integrated seamlessly with the OS, including for email management, for navigation, and for video streaming, all adapted to utilize the Xoom's 16:10 for immersive viewing. Media players, such as the built-in music and video apps, were optimized for the format, supporting full-screen playback and hardware-accelerated rendering to enhance consumption without black bars or distortion. While Motorola's MotoBlur interface was absent at launch to preserve the pure experience, basic system services like contacts and syncing were included, drawing from 's rather than heavy customization overlays. Security in Android 3.0 was bolstered with enterprise-grade features suitable for tablet deployment, including full-disk to protect user data on internal storage, configurable via device administration policies. This allowed IT administrators to enforce remotely, ensuring sensitive information remained secure even if the device was lost or stolen, with the process requiring a one-time setup that could take up to an hour for initial key generation. Customization options in catered to the tablet's larger form factor, with support for live wallpapers and multiple panes—up to five configurable panels—allowing users to organize icons, shortcuts, and widgets for personalized layouts. settings were enhanced for broader usability, including high-contrast themes and improved integration to assist users with visual or motor impairments on the expansive interface. These features, combined with theme-like adjustments via widget styles and color schemes in system apps, provided flexibility without requiring third-party modifications.

Updates and support

The Motorola Xoom received its first major software update via over-the-air (OTA) rollout to Android 3.2 in July 2011, which activated the previously disabled microSD card slot for expandable storage and enhanced USB host mode capabilities for better accessory compatibility. In March 2012, the Wi-Fi variant began receiving the OTA upgrade to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, introducing a refined with increased customization options, though the rollout was delayed several months after the OS's initial public release in late 2011. The device was subsequently updated to Android 4.1 , with Wi-Fi models receiving Android 4.1.1 via OTA in July 2012 and the 4G LTE variant getting Android 4.1.2 in August 2013; this version incorporated for contextual search and improved notification handling, marking the final official update from . Official support concluded in 2014 following Motorola's acquisition by , with no further OS upgrades promised beyond Android 4.1.2, leaving the tablet vulnerable to emerging threats without patches. Community-driven custom ROMs, such as 9 (based on ) in 2012 and later versions up to 10.1 (Android 4.2.1) in 2013, offered unofficial extensions to the device's software lifecycle for enthusiasts willing to unlock the and flash modifications.

Accessories and variants

Official accessories

Motorola offered a range of branded accessories tailored for the Xoom tablet to enhance its portability, protection, and capabilities. The Speaker HD Dock functioned as a station, featuring built-in speakers for audio output, an port for connecting to televisions, and integrated charging to keep the device powered during use. This accessory allowed users to enjoy hands-free video chats, movies, music, and apps on a larger screen while docked at home or in an office setting. The Protective Portfolio Case provided robust protection against bumps and scratches, constructed from a durable leather-like material with soft bumpers and a cloth finish. It included a built-in stand with multiple adjustable viewing angles for typing, reading, or watching content, and was designed to be compatible with the Xoom's standard and speaker docks without removal. Although some cases featured a holder for a , did not include a stylus with the accessory. For mobile use, Motorola provided a car charger accessory that delivered power to the Xoom via its micro-USB port while driving, supporting extended GPS navigation sessions without draining the battery. This was particularly useful given the tablet's built-in GPS hardware for turn-by-turn directions.

Carrier-specific variants

The Xoom was offered in carrier-specific variants primarily tailored for the U.S. market through Verizon Wireless, with the model designated as MZ600 for the initial version and MZ602 for the subsequent LTE upgrade. The Verizon variant featured an integrated CDMA supporting EV-DO Rev. A for connectivity, which could be upgraded to LTE by shipping the device to for a hardware replacement. This LTE enabled access to Verizon's 700 MHz Band 13, restricting compatibility to U.S.-specific frequencies and rendering it incompatible with international LTE networks without modifications. Unlike some carrier devices, the Verizon Xoom did not include additional bloatware from the carrier; it shipped with only the standard suite of Google Android applications, such as and Maps, which was highlighted as a key advantage over typical subsidized hardware. However, the was locked by default to enforce carrier policies and prevent unauthorized software changes, though users could unlock it via Motorola's tools at the cost of voiding the warranty. The device was subsidized under a two-year Verizon contract at $599.99, significantly lower than the unsubsidized price of $799.99, to encourage adoption within the carrier's ecosystem. In contrast, the Wi-Fi-only variant (MZ604) was designed for international markets, including and , and lacked any cellular radio while retaining identical core specifications like the 1 GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 10.1-inch display, and 5 MP rear camera. This model supported global standards (802.11 a/b/g/n) without regional cellular dependencies, making it suitable for non-U.S. consumers who relied on home or public networks. A separate GSM variant (MZ601) was available for select international carriers supporting HSPA, but it saw limited distribution compared to the Verizon and Wi-Fi models. All variants shared the same 3250 mAh battery capacity, with no enlargement for the cellular models despite the added radio.

Marketing

Super Bowl commercial

The Motorola Xoom was prominently featured in a 60-second titled "Empower the People," which aired during the second quarter of on February 6, 2011. The spot, created by the advertising agency Anomaly New York, depicted a dystopian, Orwellian-inspired world where conformist figures in white attire—implicitly representing Apple users—move in unison, until a rebellious individual uses the Xoom tablet running Android 3.0 Honeycomb to introduce creativity and animation, such as animating flowers to attract a woman from the crowd. This narrative positioned the Xoom as a liberating device fostering innovation and freedom, in contrast to the perceived uniformity of competing tablets. Production of the commercial drew inspiration from Apple's iconic 1984 Super Bowl ad directed by , but adapted to critique the iPad's market dominance, which stood at around 75% at the time. Anomaly New York's creative team, including executive Mike Byrne and Richard Mulder, handled the concept, emphasizing the Xoom's features like multitasking and integration in brief on-screen demonstrations. The ad's futuristic tone highlighted Honeycomb's tablet-optimized interface as a premium Android alternative, aligning with the device's impending U.S. launch on February 24, 2011, via Verizon Wireless. Motorola allocated significant resources to the campaign as part of its broader push for the Xoom, with the slot costing approximately $6 million for the 60-second airing, amid reports of the company's overall 2011 marketing efforts generating over $60 million in value from the exposure. The commercial reached an estimated 111 million viewers, the largest audience to date, and achieved notable recall in post-game surveys, scoring 5.91 on USA Today's Ad Meter on a 10-point scale. While praised for its bold anti-Apple messaging and visual flair, it faced for over-relying on sci-fi exaggeration and echoing the ad too closely, with one independent filmmaker alleging conceptual similarities to his 2009 "Do Not Disconnect." Despite mixed reviews, the spot contributed to heightened buzz, helping position the Xoom as a challenger in the tablet market shortly before its retail debut.

Promotional campaigns

Motorola partnered with major retailers such as to promote the Xoom through exclusive launch availability and bundled offerings starting in February 2011. served as the primary U.S. distributor, enabling in-store pre-orders and displays of the device alongside accessory bundles including portfolio cases, charging docks, and speaker docks to enhance consumer hands-on experience and purchase incentives. The company executed digital marketing efforts emphasizing the Xoom's Android 3.0 interface, featuring demo videos on that showcased multitasking, video calling, and web browsing capabilities. These videos, produced in collaboration with , highlighted the tablet's optimized tablet-specific features to build pre-launch excitement among tech enthusiasts. Additionally, the broader campaign incorporated and online promotions to drive traffic to the official product page, positioning the Xoom as a versatile alternative to existing tablets. Motorola's advertising strategy included TV commercials and a multimillion-dollar push across media channels, with ads created by Ogilvy depicting a laptop dramatically breaking apart to reveal the Xoom, accompanied by the slogan "Everything a tablet should be." This campaign, which extended to outdoor and digital formats, focused on the device's superior performance and features like Adobe Flash support. Complementing these efforts, Motorola conducted influencer outreach by providing pre-launch access to tech bloggers and reviewers at events like CES 2011, resulting in early hands-on impressions from outlets such as Engadget and CNET. The promotional initiatives also featured a prominent Super Bowl commercial as a centerpiece to amplify national awareness.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

The Motorola Xoom garnered mixed critical reception upon its February 2011 launch, with reviewers praising its robust hardware construction and the groundbreaking tablet-optimized Android 3.0 operating system while frequently critiquing its premium pricing and early software limitations. highlighted the device's premium build quality, featuring a solid aluminum frame without flex or creaks, and commended the vibrant 10.1-inch 1280x800 capacitive display for its sharpness and color accuracy, ideal for . The review also celebrated 's innovative interface, including 3D animations, customizable widgets, and multitasking capabilities, positioning the Xoom as a strong rival in performance and future-proofing via upgradable connectivity. CNET echoed these sentiments, awarding the Xoom 7/10 for its high-end hardware, including the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor that delivered snappy performance for web browsing and video playback, and the display's widescreen format that enhanced Honeycomb's immersive experience. The outlet noted the OS's fresh design elements, such as holographic UI effects and integrated enhancements, as a significant step forward for Android tablets. Criticisms were prominent regarding the $800 unsubsidized price tag, which exceeded comparable models, alongside underwhelming camera performance. Wired scored it 6/10, faulting the 5-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras for producing mediocre images with poor low-light capabilities and awkward due to the rear-facing power button interfering with use. The review also pointed to Honeycomb's bugs, including inconsistent app scaling and navigation glitches, which made the software feel unpolished. Ars Technica similarly emphasized software drawbacks, describing the launch version as "incomplete" with app compatibility issues—many phone-optimized Android apps appeared stretched or non-functional on the larger screen—and delays in features like full video chat support, despite the hardware's potential for superior multitasking. In head-to-head comparisons with the , the Xoom was lauded for superior web browsing thanks to native support, enabling seamless access to full desktop sites, but fell short in ecosystem maturity, with fewer optimized apps and a less intuitive content discovery process compared to Apple's . User feedback aggregated on Amazon averaged 3.5 out of 5 stars from hundreds of reviews, with common complaints focusing on rapid battery drain during intensive use and frustrations over delayed software updates that left early units vulnerable to bugs.

Commercial performance and discontinuation

The Motorola Xoom achieved modest commercial success following its February 2011 launch, with Motorola shipping approximately 250,000 units in the first quarter of 2011 and 440,000 in the second quarter, though sales declined to 100,000 units in the third quarter, indicating modest total sales for the year—a figure dwarfed by the Apple iPad's 32 million units sold in fiscal year 2011. This underperformance was exacerbated by the Xoom's premium unsubsidized price of $799 for the 32GB 3G model, which was initially exclusive to Verizon Wireless, restricting broader market access compared to the more affordable and widely available iPad. Intensifying competition from the , released in March 2011 at a starting price of $499, coupled with the limited app ecosystem, further challenged the Xoom's market position. In response, slashed prices throughout 2011, reducing the model's cost from $600 to $500 by mid-year and introducing discounted editions like the $379 Family Edition by , alongside promotions bringing some configurations to around $400 to stimulate demand. By 2012, amid persistently weak sales and inventory buildup, Motorola discontinued production of the original Xoom, shifting focus to clearance sales while the subsequent Xoom 2, launched in late , failed to reverse the trend and sold even fewer units. Over the longer term, the Xoom played a pivotal role in establishing Android tablet conventions as the inaugural device but also exposed early platform fragmentation challenges, including delayed updates and inconsistent hardware optimization that deterred developers and consumers.

References

  1. https://www.zdnet.com/article/ces-motorola-xoom-tablet-specs/
  2. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/motorola-xoom-available-feb-24-from-verizon-600-with-contract/
  3. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/03/ars-reviews-the-motorola-xoom/
  4. https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/wi-fi-only-xoom-launching-march-27-for-599/
  5. https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_xoom_mz604-3833.php
  6. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2011/01/motorola-xoom-is-the-official-honeycomb-product-from-googlethe-nexus-of-tablets.html
  7. https://www.pcworld.com/article/495135/motorola_xoom-2.html
  8. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2011/03/motorola-not-worried-about-android-fragmentation.html
  9. https://www.eweek.com/pc-hardware/motorola-toshiba-samsung-rim-made-ces-into-tablet-showcase/
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAseudjhvD0
  11. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2011/jan/06/ces-motorola-android-smartphones-tablets
  12. https://androidcommunity.com/verizon-ceo-demos-android-honeycomb-on-motorola-xoom-at-ces-2011-keynote-20110106/
  13. https://www.eweek.com/pc-hardware/ipad-to-lead-android-in-2011-tablet-sales-forrester/
  14. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tablet-debuts-dominate-ces-2011/
  15. https://www.engadget.com/2011-02-06-best-buy-ad-prices-motorola-xoom-at-800-affirms-february-24th.html
  16. https://www.wired.com/2011/02/motorola-xoom-launches-without-flash/
  17. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/technology-blog/story/2011-02-22/motorola-xoom-tablet-arrives-thursday-starting-at-600-no-flash-on-day-1
  18. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/motorola-xoom-wi-fi-tablet-will-match-ipad-2-uk-price-at-500/
  19. https://www.engadget.com/2011-03-01-motorola-prices-wifi-only-xoom-at-450-in-the-uk-undercuts-32gb.html
  20. https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-motorola-xoom-wi-fi-debut-singapore-april-22
  21. https://www.mobiletechreview.com/phones/Motorola-Xoom.htm
  22. https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Motorola-XOOM_id5221
  23. https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_xoom_mz601-3834.php
  24. https://www.cnet.com/reviews/motorola-xoom-4g-lte-verizon-wireless-review/
  25. https://www.engadget.com/2011-02-23-motorola-xoom-review.html
  26. https://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/05/motorola-xoom-android-3-0-review-sweet-as-honey/
  27. https://www.fonearena.com/blog/28669/motorola-xoom-specs.html
  28. https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Motorola-XOOM-Review_id2664
  29. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759029-REG/Motorola_00001NARGNLX_Xoom_Wi_Fi_10_1_Tablet.html
  30. https://www.engadget.com/2011-04-13-motorola-xoom-sees-microsd-card-support-enabled-in-latest-versio.html
  31. https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_xoom_mz600-3832.php
  32. https://www.anandtech.com/show/4191/motorola-xoom-review-first-honeycomb-tablet-arrives/14
  33. https://www.phonearena.com/news/Motorola-XOOM-benchmark-results_id17138
  34. https://www.legitreviews.com/motorola-xoom-wi-fi-verizon-wireless-tablet-pc-review_1562/4
  35. https://uk.pcmag.com/tablets/20850/motorola-xoom-verizon-wireless
  36. https://www.dpreview.com/products/motorola/tablets/motorola_xoom/specifications
  37. https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Motorola-Xoom-WiFi-UMTS-Tablet-MID.55671.0.html
  38. https://www.phonemore.com/specs/motorola/xoom/wifi-mz604-32gb/
  39. https://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-3.0-highlights
  40. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2011/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-android-3-0-honeycomb.html
  41. https://www.cnet.com/pictures/motorola-xoom-running-android-3-0-honeycomb-photos/
  42. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/motorola-xoom-tablet-to-get-blurred-with-motoblur-update-updated/
  43. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2011/02/03/android-3-0-five-features-your-enterprise-it-manager-will-love/
  44. https://www.engadget.com/2011-02-02-android-3-0-honeycomb-can-encrypt-all-your-data-needs-a-full.html
  45. https://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-3.0-Honeycomb-Walkthrough_id17276
  46. https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006564?hl=en
  47. https://liliputing.com/how-to-install-and-root-android-3-2-on-the-motorola-xoom/
  48. https://www.droid-life.com/2011/07/12/android-3-2-update-for-xoom-will-finally-add-sd-card-support/
  49. https://phandroid.com/2012/03/28/motorola-xoom-wifi-receiving-android-4-0-4-update-imm76-brings-new-tweaks-and-fixes/
  50. https://www.androidpolice.com/2012/09/22/motorola-software-upgrade-timeline-updated-many-ics-otas-delayed/
  51. https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/27/3192649/motorola-xoom-android-4-1-1-update-ota
  52. https://androidcommunity.com/motorola-xoom-4g-lte-on-verizon-getting-android-4-1-2-update-today-20130806/
  53. https://www.phonearena.com/news/Motorola-delays-or-cancels-Android-4.0-update-for-some-devices_id34788
  54. https://www.droid-life.com/2012/05/14/motorola-xoom-4g-receives-cyanogenmod-9-nightly-goodness-sayonara-honeycomb/
  55. https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/install-android421-jellybean-cm101-rom-motorola-xoom-422227
  56. https://www.ebay.com/itm/388647494938
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fVf9IAvUGg
  58. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759548-REG/Motorola_89448N_Portfolio_Case_for_Motorola.html
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  60. https://www.phonearena.com/news/Accessories-for-Motorola-XOOM-now-found-on-Verizons-inventory-system_id16147
  61. https://xdaforums.com/t/xoom-versions.2015409/
  62. https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/GNeR7/motorola-xoom-mz600
  63. https://www.pcworld.com/article/495170/motorola_xoom_is_free_from_verizon_bloatware.html
  64. https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-unlocking-re-locking-the-motorola-xoom-for-flashing.967065/
  65. https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3833&idPhone2=3832
  66. https://www.wired.com/2011/02/motorola-apple-1984-superbowl/
  67. https://phandroid.com/2011/02/04/a-piece-of-motorolas-super-bowl-ad-for-the-xoom-video/
  68. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/motorola-xoom-release-price_n_819857
  69. https://www.splendad.com/ads/show/3928-Motorola-XOOM-Empower-the-People.html
  70. https://www.forbes.com/2011/02/10/motorola-super-bowl-leadership-cmo-network-winner.html
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  72. https://hothardware.com/news/filmmaker-laments-that-mot-copied-his-film-for-xoom-ad
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  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uevCASzegBk
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  81. https://www.cnet.com/pictures/ipad-2-vs-motorola-xoom-in-pictures/
  82. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/oct/28/motorola-xoom-tablet-sales
  83. https://www.cnet.com/culture/apples-fiscal-2011-by-the-numbers/
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