Motorola Xoom will require hardware upgrade for 4G, software patch for microSD use
During our hands-on time with the Motorola Xoom, we learned a little more about the 3G to 4G conversion process, as well as a bit of news about the microSD card slot. Starting sometime in the second quarter of 2011, users will be able to bring their Motorola Xoom into Verizon and have the hardware upgrade from 3G to LTE performed. This makes a lot of sense, as LTE will require different hardware and nobody wants to wait a few more months for the Xoom to release while it all gets hashed out.
We also found out that as shipped, the Xoom will not have access to external storage via microSD cards. This will require a software upgrade from Motorola to get it all up and running. It sounds a little odd, but again -- the alternative is to hold back release until things are sorted. I'm sure Motorola and Verizon will tell us more once things at CES wind down.
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Jerry is an amateur woodworker and struggling shade tree mechanic. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him writing and speaking his loud opinion on Android Central and occasionally on Threads.