MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet (Wi-Fi)

Redefining the tablet by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends and stay productive on the go, the Motorola XOOM boasts a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, and ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking. Winner of the Best of Show award at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the XOOM also offers support for Adobe Flash Player--enabling you to view the web without compromise.

Dual-core processing, Android 3.0 Honeycomb platform, and 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display (see larger image).

Front-facing camera for video chats, and rear 5-megapixel camera for HD 720p video capture (see larger image).

It runs Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system, which offers a multi-touch, holographic user interface that improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It also offers the latest Google Mobile innovations, including Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction, access to over 3 million Google eBooks and Google Talk with video and voice chat.
The Motorola XOOM features a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Wi-Fi via Google Talk, as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera (with LED flash for stills) that captures video in 720p HD. The 10.1-inch display delivers console-like gaming performance on its 1280 x 800-pixel display, and it features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer, and adaptive lighting for new types of applications.
Other features include a 32 GB internal memory, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (with future software upgrade), 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, access to personal and corporate e-mail, HD 1080p video playback, HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or monitor, and a 3250 mAh battery for up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi internet browsing.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Specifically optimized for devices with larger screen sizes such as tablets, the Android 3.0 platform (dubbed Honeycomb) introduces a brand new, truly virtual and "holographic" UI design.  With five customizable home screens, you can easily access your favorite live widgets or application shortcuts. Each screen features a familiar launcher to access to all installed applications, as well as a Search box for universal search of apps, contacts, media files, web content, and more.

Multitasking in Android 3.0 is easier than ever, and you can use the Recent Apps list in the System Bar to see the tasks underway and quickly jump from one application context to another. You'll even see a snapshot of the last screen viewed in that app as a visual reminder. The Android onscreen keyboard has also been redesigned to make entering text fast and accurate on larger screen sizes.
Other features in Android 3.0 Honeycomb include:

Scrollable and stackable widgets.

• Scrollable and stacked widgets let you scroll or flick through content within the widget itself, on the home page, without opening the application.
• Unobtrusive notification system displays icons for different notifications (messages, downloads, system updates, etc.) in the lower right corner. Just touch the digital time display to open the entire notification panel.
• Redesigned YouTube application with a cool 3D gallery.
• Android Market for Android 3.0 is your one-stop-shop for eBooks, games, and applications.

Power Accessories beyond the Charger

The Motorola XOOM has a wide range of optional accessories to expand its power and capabilities. The "smart docks" are no longer just a place to charge your device; they make Motorola XOOM a portable play and work station that fits your lifestyle. The Standard Dock can be used for watching video content or listening to music through external speakers as the device charges. The Speaker HD Dock allows you to send HD content directly to your TV or blast your tunes without attaching external speakers.

Connectivity

• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.
• Onboard GPS for navigation and location services.
• Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street, satellite, and three-dimensional landscape views.

Optional speaker dock.

Now Upgradable to Android 3.1

• Support for the new Android Market Movie rentals service with thousands of titles available for immediate viewing on the Motorola XOOM's high-resolution display or on a larger screen via HDMI.
• Full support for the new release of Adobe Flash Player 10.2 delivering significant performance enhancements when viewing rich Flash content on the web.
• Resizable widgets to enable further customization of home screens.
• Support for USB-connected peripherals and accessories such as keyboards, mice, game controllers and digital cameras.
• Expanded Bluetooth features to support Bluetooth headsets in Google Talk^TM video chats and Bluetooth mouse support in addition to additional shortcut keys with the Bluetooth keyboard
• Picture Transfer Protocol Feature support to enable easier transfer of photo files to your PC without the need for drivers.

Communications & Internet

• Video chat on Google Talk with any other Google Talk-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or PC).
• Access to personal and corporate e-mail (including support for Exchange and push Gmail).
• Desktop-like web browser (HTML5-based Android Webkit) with tabbed browsing and Chrome bookmark sync.

Design and Hardware

• 1 GHz dual-core processor enables web browsing at unprecedented speed and accelerated multi-tasking.
• Integrated NVIDIA graphics delivers smooth, full frame-rate 1080p HD video playback
• 1 GB of DDR2 RAM
• 10.1-inch multi-touch HD display (1280 x 800 pixels; 150p per inch) with 720p video capture and pinch-to-zoom navigation.
• Onscreen keyboard

Memory

• 32 GB internal memory
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade).

More Features

• HDMI audio/video port enables you to output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (1080p) via HDMI cable (sold separately).
• Micro USB port (not for charging)
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Data encryption ensures the privacy and security of data on your

Camera

• 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for optimized resolution when capturing photos on the go. Includes dual-LED flash, auto-focus, and digital zoom.
• 2-megapixel front-facing web cam for video chats. Includes indicator light when used.
• HD 720p video capture capabilities
• Instantly upload video to sharing sites or view and edit on the fly.

Multimedia

• Music player compatible with MP3 and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
• Video player compatible with MPEG4 and H.264/H.263

See larger image.

Vital Statistics

The Motorola XOOM weighs 25 ounces and measures 9.8 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches. Its 3250 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10 hours of video playback, up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing, and up to 3.3 days of MP3 playback.

What's in the Box

Motorola XOOM handset, charger, data cable, quick start guide, user manual

Technical Details

• Next-generation tablet with 10.1-inch HD display, Android 3.0 platform, and ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi connectivity
• Powered by NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core mobile processor; support for Adobe Flash for viewing web sites, movies, games, and more
• Front-facing 2-megapixel camera and microphone for video chats; rear 5-megapixel camera with LED flash for high-res stills and HD 720p video
• 32 GB internal memory; HDMI output; microSD expansion (with software upgrade)
• Up to 10 hours of video playback/Wi-Fi web browsing

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Motorola Charm Android Phone, Cabernet (T-Mobile)

Offering the power of an Android 2.1 smartphone in a pocketable design, the Motorola CHARM for T-Mobile is great for on-the-go social networking thanks to the enhanced MOTOBLUR functionality--the only service that continuously syncs and merges all your friends, e-mails, contacts, messages, and Facebook, MySpace, Twitter feeds and happenings.

The Motorola CHARM in cabernet (see larger image).

The BACKTRACK navigation pad, located to the right of the camera on the back, is similar to a laptop touchpad (see larger image).

You'll enjoy a complete Web experience from the 2.8-inch touch-enabled display, which offers pinch and zoom capabilities (in photo gallery and Web browser). Adobe Flash Lite enables rich media content such as banners and videos. Navigation is enhanced with another Motorola innovation--the BACTRACK rear navigation pad, which simulates a PC experience and makes scrolling and surfing effortless. With the rear BACKTRACK touch pad, you can flick through photos or Web pages for your friends without your fingers obscuring the home screen.
Enabled for T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, the CHARM offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites. And the 3G-enabled CHARM will benefit from the enhanced speeds of T-Mobile's upgraded HSPA+ network, which is being rolled out nationwide to reach up to 185 million people by the end of the year and offers speeds close to 4G connectivity (read more about HSPA+ below).
With integrated Google technology, the Motorola CHARM brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. The CHARM also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.
Other features include a physical full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (up to 32 GB in size; a 2 GB card is included), 3-megapixel camera/camcorder, integrated GPS with navigation capabilities, Visual Voicemail functionality, and up to 9 hours of talk time (with included extended battery).

The Power of Android and MOTOBLUR

The Motorola CHARM runs the Android operating system, which provides easy access to a wide assortment of messaging tools and Google apps. With Android, you're able to richly personalize the entire theme of the Motorola CHARM with new widgets, icons and wallpapers--which can be added directly on the home screen--in order to truly make it your own.
Developed by Motorola, MOTOBLUR is an innovative solution that manages and integrates communications--from work e-mail to social networking activity--on your CHARM. Updates to contacts, posts, messages, photos and more are streamed together and synced from sources including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Gmail, and work and personal e-mail. MOTOBLUR automatically delivers these updates to the home screen in easy-to-view streams so there is no need to open and close different mobile applications to keep up with the latest content.
MOTOBLUR filters can be selected from a single social networking account, contacts, group or messaging account so that you can select only the information you want to stream live to the Happenings and Messages widgets. You can move and resize pre-loaded home screen widgets to personalize up to seven home screen panels for an even more custom experience.
Contacts in MOTOBLUR are automatically synced to the phone from personal and work e-mail and social network accounts. MOTOBLUR provides convenience and peace of mind, as lost devices can be located from a secure personal information portal and even remotely erased if necessary. In addition, one user name and password brings back contacts, messages and connectivity to previously configured networks and e-mail providers.
Finally, Moto Phone Portal enables you to access and manage your phone's data from any browser through a USB or Wi-Fi connection. Edit content and view important phone information while at home or on-the-go. Leave pictures on a friend's PC, share a video at the local Internet cafe, or share a presentation during an important business meeting.

Key Features

• Fast 3G connectivity via T-Mobile's HSDPA/UMTS network. (1700/2100 MHz bands, UMTS/HSDPA; see more about T-Mobile's 3G service below)
• Powered by the Android 2.1 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• Innovative widget-based MOTOBLUR overlay to Android automatically delivers Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Gmail, and corporate and personal e-mail updates to the home screen in easy-to-view streams so there is no need to open and close different mobile applications.
• Update Facebook, MySpace and Twitter at once instead of opening individual apps with MOTOBLUR as well as upload your photos to Facebook, MySpace, Picasa, and Photobucket.
• Customize your home screen with your favorite widgets and short cuts.

  The enhanced MOTOBLUR syncs contacts, posts, messages, photos, and much more into easy-to-manage streams (see larger image).

• 3-megapixel camera/camcorder with up to 8x digital zoom, multi-shot capabilities, multiple shooting modes, and 24 fps video capture rate.
• Kodak Perfect Touch technology for better, brighter pictures
• CrystalTalk PLUS for enhanced audio and call quality with a second microphone for increased voice quality while filtering out background noise.
• Built-in GPS for real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more (additional charges may apply)
• Google Maps Navigation (Beta) provides free, pre-loaded turn-by-turn voice guidance. Powered by Google and requiring an Internet connection, it enables you to simply say "Navigate to [your destination]" to get on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
• Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone.
• YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
• Visual Voicemail allows you to listen to your voice-mail messages in any order, respond in one click and easily manage your inbox without ever dialing in to the network.
• Voice-activated dialing lets you call someone with simple voice commands when your hands are busy.

Specifications

• 2.8-inch touch-enabled display (320 x 240 pixels)
• Physical full QWERTY keyboard
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• 2 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
• Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
• Access to popular instant messaging services
• Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
• Music player compatible with MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA
• FM radio
• Video player compatible with MPEG4,
• Flash Lite 4 support providing compatibility with a majority of Flash Player 10.1 content.
• Organizer tools including calendar, tasks, and calculator
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• MicroUSB connector with mass storage and charging capabilities
• 3.5mm headset/headphone jack
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3

Vital Statistics

The Motorola Charm weighs 3.9 ounces and measures 3.9 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches. Its 1420 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile's 3G network (1700/2100 MHz).

What's in the Box

Motorola Charm handset, 2 GB microSD memory card, extended battery with back door cover, charger, USB cable, quick start guide

T-Mobile Services

High-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G network: In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web. In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.
Activities that work well on EDGE or 3G networks:

• E-mail, instant messaging, and texting
• Downloading ringtones, CallerTunes, wallpaper, light data files
• Sending photographs via e-mail or picture messaging

Activities that work best on a 3G network:

• Viewing content-heavy websites (lots of images or videos playing)
• Viewing YouTube and other video files (they will play on EDGE, but require loading time)
• Uploading large files (photos, videos, presentations) to sharing websites
• Downloading large files from an e-mail or a website

T-Mobile's 3G network is currently available in more than 220 cities nationwide and covers more than 160 million people.

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Motorola Droid X2 First-Look Review: Blazing Fast

The X2 is, rather obviously, the successor to the Motorola Droid X released on Verizon last summer. Physically the two are almost identical: same design, same dimensions, even the same weight. The only way to tell the difference between them is to read the model name on the back battery cover. Like its predecessor, the X2 is somewhat broad and flat, although not as much as competing models like the Samsung Infuse 4G. It also features aluminum trim around the screen, which gives it a bit of a hefty, solid feel.

The Droid X was originally one of the forerunners of the "big-screen smartphone" trend, and the new version has the same size display -- although it's since been surpassed by models like the Infuse and Dell Streak. That said, its 4.3 inch screen still puts it in the top tier in this area, and it's now been upgraded from the "old" WVGA (800 x 480) to a cutting edge qHD (960 x 540) resolution. This change is definitely visible when you're looking at icons and zoomed web pages, although it's not as major a shift as going from the older HVGA (320 x 480) Android devices to the current standard WVGA.

PERFORMANCE
Once you get to the internals you really start to see the differences between the X2 and its predecessor. The Droid X2 has been upgraded with a dual-core processor for more speed, and it really delivers -- if processor power is important to you, the Droid X2 has it in spades. Not only does it outperform it's predecessor on benchmarks, it does so by a more than two to one margin.

The processor is definitely the main draw though, as the X2 has the same internal memory, same wireless options, and almost the same specs in every other way as the older Droid X. I would go so far as to call it more of an update than an upgrade, providing a few software benefits and improved performance, but otherwise providing nothing too revolutionary.

PRELIMINARY CONCULSION
If you were about to buy a Droid X, there's certainly no reason not to choose the Motorola Droid X2, although I'm withholding judgment as to whether it outpaces similar competing models until I've had more time with it. That will come with the full review, available soon, along with full benchmarks, more photos, battery life tests, and the works.

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