When the Motorola Xoom was launched by Verizon Wireless, it was faster than the iPad and didn't come with 4G LTE access. In the fall, the Motorola Xoom received a hardware update to 4G LTE. And now the Verizon Wireless Motorola Xoom is sold-out, while the 4G LTE network adds five new metros.
On Black Friday, Verizon reduced the price of Motorola Xoom down to $199 and must have sold much of its inventory. While perusing the Verizon Wireless website we couldn't find a new Motorola Xoom any where. Verizon Wireless is still selling the CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Motorola Xoom for $299.99.
We contacted Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney who confirmed that the Motorola Xoom is sold-out:
"Verizon introduced two new Motorola tablets, the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 by MOTOROLA 16GB, 32GB and 64GB; and the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 by MOTOROLA 16GB & 32GB. Customers have plenty of options to the Motorola Xoom which is sold out."
The Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi is getting an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, as of this publication. The Verizon version should be getting an update after testing.
Our bargain scouts on Black Friday, noted that the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Motorola Xoom would be updated to Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) at some point because Google now owns Motorola. Motorola also promised updates within six weeks of receiving the code from Google. The Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi models getting the update are a very good sign.
Verizon Xoom owners received an update in November that will allow for a prepaid option, which many be a good option when Verizon contracts run out.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich combines tablet and smartphone functions and adds advanced features to Android such as face unlock, multitasking and ability for tablets to use smartphone apps in a smaller windows (see all features).
The Motorola Xoom received good reviews and there are some neat tips and tricks for it. We named it the Best Carrier-Supported Deal Tablet of 2011.