Xoom 4G LTE starts shipping Oct. 13 for $499
We're starting to get word that the Motorola Xoom is finally getting ready for its upgrade to 4G LTE on Verizon. If you'll recall, the Xoom was the first Honeycomb tablet, announced at CES in January. At the time, we knew it was going to launch as a 3G-only device, with a hardware upgrade to come sometime later. And later. And later.
Many moons came and went. Scores of other excellent Honeycomb tablets have been released. Samsung released a 4G LTE version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on Verizon. And there still sat the Xoom, with its promise of an upgrade looking more and more tarnished. Add to that the fact that you'll still have to actually relenquish your Xoom and send it in for the upgrade, and the whole thing was looking even sillier than it did at first blush.
But that brings us back to now. Starting Thursday, you can go to Verizon's website for complete instructions on how to get your upgrade. You'll have to part with your Xoom for six days. The upgrade is free, and you don't have to change your data plan.
Also of note: Motorola Xooms with 4G LTE baked in -- aptly named the Xoom 4G LTE -- will start shipping Oct. 13 for $499.
Full press release is after the break.
More: Motorola Xoom forums
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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
Data plans:
Motorola XOOM customers will have the option to choose one of the following mobile broadband data plans:
$30 monthly access for 2GB monthly allowance
$50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance
$80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE for more information about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.
Reader comments
Motorola Xoom finally getting its 4G LTE upgrade starting Sept. 29
Wow, that was quick! Ok.......just joking.
What a joke... Intentionally lied to buyers talking about "Soon" Good thing I didn't fall for that one.
Moto did not say the da, they will get the update for the xoom users. You are an idiot.
I guess better late than never. Glad I never bought a Xoom.
I got one in July. Salesman told me it would be within a month. Months must have gotten longer.
I saw a tweet from droid life saying that someone complained about their Xoom not getting LTE and received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4G in exchange. May be worth looking into.
My question is, since the slot for the 4G seems to be on the WiFi version, could it be upgraded as well?
I have a WiFi version and could easily add it to my Verizon account.
Sure is a shot in the dark but who knows.
No, when the WiFi first came out, people wondered, but its not possible because the radios are missing
I hear you, but isn't it the radio they are replacing? If so they could just add it right?
I know they never will but I can hope right? Worst case I give my current Xoom to my Wife or Daughter and get a new 4G tab.
Oh well.
Remove the two screws from the bottom of the Xoom on each side of the little gloss black piece then you can slide down the cover. IF the wifi version has the capability you will have an open expansion slot there where the 4G radio is supposed to go.
What a joke, nice job verizon.
Stop crying you fool
I still dont understand what u would use LTE for when u only got 2 GB of data. If u wanna take advantage of high def video ur going to blow ur cap in 1 day.
Here is the Motorola press release. Not sure why it wasnt posted as a source.
http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Press-Releases/Motorola-XOOM-4G-LTE-Upgr...
Bought mine in March, Verizon salesperson said LTE would be in my market within two weeks. I get disgusted everytime I hear of any Xoom upgrades. Fool me once-shame on you Verizon/Moto! However I realize this is a first world problem, and go on with my day.
If moto and v wanted to retain customers based on their "when" foibles, they'd offer a 1:1 exchange to the new "2" or other tab/4g of choice.
I for one will get mine upgraded, will have a good time with it and will move on - never giving moto one more bloody cent from my fist clenched fingers. V is complicit in this crime against customer, unfortunately these two together equals doom for the people who buy their crap thinking they will be treated fairly.
Say what you will about Moto. It's still better than buying any samsung product.
How long did it take Sammy to release Froyo for their Fascinate?
Or fix the GPS issues (did they even fix that?)
A salesman told these fools, moto will update within weeks and they got it into their heads
I say to all, if the product that you buy is not as advertised please return it immediately. This will make companies release only working products in the future.
Upgrade site is up and running. Just input my data for my upgrade.