Motorola's Xoom tablet to be priced at $800; HTC Thunderbolt at $249

The minimal advertised price (MAP) of the Motorola Xoom, considered by many to be the first real iPad rival, has been leaked in images obtained by Android Central from a Verizon source. The price, even given the specs, is a rather jaw-dropping $799.99.

Jaws drop, however, because of apples-to-oranges comparisons. Whenever a price comparison is made, most use the iPad's minimum price, of $499. Compared to the Xoom, this looks like a $300 difference. However, with the Xoom' specs, it should really be compared with the 32GB iPad 3G model, which is priced at $729.

Realistically, it could be compared to the 64GB model ($829), as the Xoom has a microSD card slot adding still more storage. Additionally, the Xoom's specs are superior to the current iPad. They include:

• Android 3.0
• 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display
• Dual Core 1Ghz NVIDIA Tegra 2
• 1GB RAM
• 32 GB internal memory with microSD Card slot
• 10 hr video playback battery life
• 5 MP Rear camera with Flash and 720p HD video capture
• supports 1080p HD video and HDMI output
• 2MP video calling camera
• Accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer
• 802.11n wi-fi with hotspot capability
• Bluetooth 2.1
• 3G (upgradeable to 4G, later)
• 4G (later model, will come in Q2)

Despite the superior specs and a pretty good apples-to-apples comparison in pricing, many commenters criticize the pricing. There is some justification for their reasoning: Apple has a big lead with the iPad, and in order to catch up with the first really powerful alternative to it, pricing adjustments might need to be considered.

Still, this appears to be unsubsidized pricing, without a contract. It's unclear if subsidized pricing will be offered. There are also many other tablets coming, in a wave that is bound to see many successes --- and many failures. Finally, we still don't have an exact date, although it is supposed to be  sometime in Q1 for the 3G version, later upgradeable to 4G, and Q2 for the 4G version.

The same images, by the way, out the HTC Thunderbolt's pricing at $249, which sounds subsidized. It's a little more than the $199 that we're used to seeing for most handsets, but a 4G premium is probably there. It's expected to be Verizon's first 4G handset to hit the market.

You can watch a Xoom teaser below.

Motorola apologizes for bootloader comment gaffe, promises change

Motorola's bootloader policy on its recent Android phones hasn't been received well by Android fans who love custom ROMs and rooting. A recent response to a comment on Motorola's YouTube account inflamed things more, and Motorola responded on Wednesday with an apology on Facebook.

A locked bootloader pretty much prevent customs ROMs on Motorola devices.  Rooting is still possible, but custom ROMs are popular among many on Android.  The original FUBAR occurred when a Motorola employee responded on their YouTube account (the comment has been replaced with something apologetic):

@tdcrooks if you want to do custom roms, then buy elsewhere, we’ll continue with our strategy that is working thanks.

Considering Motorola Nobility is only now making a comeback from its doldrums, it hardly seems good to direct them to another company. Their Facebook apology reads:

We apologize for the feedback we provided regarding our bootloader policy. The response does not reflect the views of Motorola.

We are working closely with our partners to offer a bootloader solution that will enable developers to use our devices as a development platform while still protecting our users' interests. More detailed information will follow as we get closer to availability.

The edited comment at YouTube, while not word-for-word the same, provides pretty much the same answer.

While we doubt there will be many, or any, changes to older devices, it will be interesting to see how and if Motorola follows through with this. The upcoming Atrix 4G and its dock attachments were well received at CES, with the only problem for us being AT&T as the carrier.

Best Buy Motorola Xoom launch to be Feb. 17; $699.99 price leaked

Is the Motorola Xoom going to launch, right after Valentine's day? That's the impression given by a leaked Best Buy document.

The newly leaked document answers the question of "when" which was asked after the other question of how much seemed to have been answered a few days ago. It's still unclear if that $800 price for the 10-inch Motorola Xoom, which has been called the first real competition for the iPad, will be accompanied by a lower subsidized price, as well.

In fact, the same tipster who leaked the launch date has found a different price.  The unnamed source says that the price point will be $699.99.  It's possible the other $800 price is unsubsidized, with the new price subsidized; it's still unclear.

Motorola has previously said the 3G version of the Xoom will launch "sometime in Q1 2011).  The 4G version will arrive in Q2, and the 3G model will be upgradeable, though exactly how is not clear.  While this still fits the rumor category, it does follow the normal Verizon strategy of Thursday launches.

While there is much angst over the alleged $800 (or even $700) price, most are comparing that price with the $499 price for the wi-fi only iPad that has only 16GB of storage. It should be remembered that this model has 3G, as well, will be upgradeable to 4G, has NVIDIA's dual-core Tegra 2, as well as 32GB of storage (reportedly).

That said, it doesn't mean that a lower price wouldn't be better. It does mean, however, that people comparing these models are not making fair comparisons.

Cook channels Jobs: slams Android tablets as 'bizarre'

Tim Cook has shown himself to be a fine substitute for Steve Jobs in terms of day-to-day operations. He also does well at channeling Steve Jobs when it comes to slamming competitive products.

On Tuesday's post-earnings conference call, COO Tim Cook, when asked about competitive tablets, said the following:

Q: What about iPad competitors?

TC: There’s not much out there as you know. There are two kinds of groups today (in the market) — the ones using a Windows-based operating system. They’re big, heavy and expensive. Weak battery life. Need keyboard or stylus. From our point of view, customers aren’t interested in that.

Then you have the Android tablets. The variety shipping today, the OS wasn’t designed for a tablet — but Google said this. So you wind up having the size of a tablet that’s less than reasonable. Or one that’s not even a real tablet experience. It’s a “scaled-up smartphone” – that’s a bizarre product in our view. Those are what is shipping today. If you do a side-by-side with an iPad, some enormous percentage are going to pick the iPad. We have no concern there.

In terms of next generation. There’s nothing shipping yet. So I don’t know. “Today they’re vapor.” However, we’re not sitting still. We have a huge first-mover advantage. And a huge user advantage from iTunes to the App Store. Huge number of apps and an ecosystem. We’re very confident entering into a fight with anyone.

That's the kind of speak that Steve Jobs would be proud of. He once said that a 10-inch screen was the minimal size for a tablet to be effective (which we've pointed out is strange since the iPad is only 9.7-inches in size) and that the 7-inch tablets would be DOA. Clearly, they have not been, although they are not selling at iPad rates.

When speaking about the current Android tablets, Cook is correct in that the Samsung Galaxy Tabs, for example, are using a non-tablet-optimized version of Android: 2.2 (upgradeable to 2.3, we expect).

The ones he calls vapor are the ones that Apple needs to be truly worried about. Examples include the Motorola Xoom, which has a slightly larger screen than the iPad (10.1-inch vs. 9.7-inch) and will run Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), which Google says is tablet-only. It's unclear what the Xoom's exact release date is, but it's definitely Q1, with a 4G version coming in Q2.

Brief looks at Honeycomb have impressed many. It's believed, however, that Honeycomb will not run on the current generation of Android tablets.

The Motorola Xoom wins the 2011 CES Best in Show Award

Motorola's Xoom tablet has won the Best in Show Award at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The 10.1-inch tablet will launch in Q1 2011 with 3G functionality, later upgradeable to LTE 4G, and will launch with a LTE 4G model in Q2.

There's always a chance that, Best in Show Award or not, the device will be a flop, but based on the buzz around it, it doesn't seem likely. At the same time, DigiTimes has already indicated that its industry sources say Motorola has ordered 700,000 - 800,000 Xoom tablets, in four different colors, for Q1. Their sources said that Xoom orders could read 1 million in the quarter.

Xoom pricing hasn't been revealed, but the specs have: 10.1-inch touchscreen, 1280 x 800 resolution, 1GB RAM, NVIDIA's Tegra 2 with a 1GHz dual-core processor, 32GB of on-board storage, SD card slot, 3G, 802.11n wi-fi, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p video capture, and 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. It will also carry a gyroscope, e-compass, accelerometer, and in a new addition to mobile devices, a barometer.

Interesting to note from the report is that Google gave priority Honeycomb support to Motorola and Samsung. Honeycomb, Android 3.0, is the first tablet-optimized version of Android. LG Electronics and HTC were next in the list, the report added.

Motorola, Verizon make the Xoom official

Don't you love it when all the great announcements come before an event even begins. CES doesn't start official until tomorrow, and Motorola Mobility and Verizon just announced the long-rumored Motorola tablet, the Xoom.

Steve Jobs can't call this one DOA; it will have a 10.1-inch screen, a dual-core processor running at 1Ghz, 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording, 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 1080p HD support with HDMI-out, wi-fi and 3G connectivity, with an upgrade to 4G coming in Q2.

They also say there will be a Bluetooth keyboard sold, which will be great for some Android users who have found getting a Bluetooth keyboard to work with a Galaxy Tab to be a frustrating experience; they'll know this keyboard will work.

The dock for the device will be at the bottom if the device is in landscape mode; while this differs from the iPad, we'd have to say it's a better location, particularly if watching video.

Finally, the Xoom will run Honeycomb (Android 3.0), the first tablet optimized version of Android. The sneak peek Google has given shows that Honeycomb is no glossed-over "phone OS on a tablet." This could, in fact, be the first real Android iPad-challenger (not killer) and we could begin to see Android's effects on the iPad, much as it has taken market share away from the iPhone.

You can read the full press release below.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility Announce Motorola XOOM™ Tablet on Nation’s Largest and Most Reliable 3G Network

10.1-inch HD Tablet Offers Dual-Core Processing, Google’s Honeycomb Platform, and 1080p HD Video Content Support

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – CES –Jan. 5, 2011 – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today unveiled the innovative new tablet Motorola XOOM™ − the first device on Google’s new Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system designed from the ground up for tablets. The Honeycomb user experience improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization and features the latest Google Mobile innovations. Boasting a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing power, and 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, Motorola XOOM gives Verizon Wireless customers a new type of mobile computing experience on a stylishly thin device that is 4G LTE upgradeable.

Motorola XOOM redefines the tablet device category by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends and stay productive on the go. It allows consumers to experience HD content right on the device, supports 1080p HD video and HDMI output to display content on larger HD screens, and plays video and other rich web content seamlessly with Adobe® Flash® Player. Motorola XOOM features a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G LTE, as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera that captures video in 720p HD. It delivers console-like gaming performance on its 1280×800 display, and features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer and adaptive lighting for new types of applications. It also features Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction and delivers access to over 3 million Google eBooks and thousands of apps from Android Market™.

For working on the go, Motorola XOOM provides constant connectivity − including connecting to Gmail or Exchange email; opening and editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations; and viewing calendars and sending out appointments or meeting notices – with mobile broadband speeds. Its mobile hotspot capability provides an online connection for up to five other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

“Motorola XOOM is a powerful addition to Verizon’s product lineup and builds on our combined leadership with Motorola to deliver innovative mobile devices and service on the Android platform,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Motorola XOOM gives consumers complete access and control of their favorite personal content and work files whether through our nationwide 3G network, or through our lightning-fast 4G LTE network as it rolls out around the country.”

“Light, powerful and fundamentally different than anything else on the market, Motorola XOOM leverages the very best technology available today to redefine what a tablet experience can be,” said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobility. “The first device to feature software designed specifically for tablets, Motorola XOOM goes everywhere you do and delivers everything you need.”

The Motorola XOOM device will launch as a 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled device in Q1 2011 with an upgrade to 4G LTE in Q2. Starting in Q2 2011 the Motorola XOOM will be a 4G LTE/Wi-Fi- enabled device.

Vizio confirms Android-powered phone, tablet, low-cost 3DTVs coming

Vizio chief sales officer Randy Waynick appeared in a Rose Bowl halftime ad yesterday, and teased a tablet PC. The assumption was that it was an Android tablet, although it wasn't confirmed, but now a report in the Wall Street Journal points directly at Google's platform.

Aside from the platform, not much information was given in the WSJ's report, except that both a smartphone and tablet will arrive in the summer. The smartphone will have a 4-inch screen, and will be called the Via Phone, while the 8-inch tablet will be called the Via Tablet. More information will likely be divulged at a Monday press conference planned by Vizio, ahead of CES.

Vizio also plans to announce a lineup of 3DTV sets at CES, with pricing starting at less than $300. You can watch the Vizio Rose Bowl ad below.

Europe nears common phone charger roll-out

It's been discussed over and over again: standardizing on a cell phone and media player charger, to reduce environmental impact, as well as expense. It seems that the E.U., at least, may be nearing implementation of such a standard.

The move to create a common charger began in June of 2009 when the European Commission won pledges from phone firms to back any standards the E.C. drew up. Now, technical specifications for chargers are being backed by 14 phone manufacturers. High profile names among those companies are Apple, Samsung, Nokia, and RIM.

The first chargers produced according to the specs are expected in early 2011. Reportedly, the common chargers will be based around micro-USB technology and could see the end of proprietary power ports on handsets, at least in the E.U.

The inclusion of Apple in the list might surprise many, as Apple continues to eschew the micro-USB standard in its latest devices. However, Apple was among the companies to first sign on in June of 2009.

Many might believe that most smartphones already come with micro-USB ports, Apple's aside. However, those who have tried multiple phones will know that just because a device has a micro-USB port doesn't mean it will charge with a given charger.

Motorola in the U.S. has been criticized for this in the past, as its phones would accept the charger of a different manufacturer in terms of fit into the charging port, yet fail to charge the device.

It's obvious, to most, that the proprietary chargers manufacturers use are to the detriment of their customers, and are done specifically to ensure that customers will have to buy chargers specific to a manufacturer. This is both bad for the environment and bad for the pocketbook.

The new standard can change that. However, it is E.U. specific, and thus, the Commission is speaking to other regulators in hopes of getting the European specifications adopted worldwide.