Click here to view the embedded video.

In other non-Galaxy Nexus related news, how about that splash coating that Motorola is putting on all of their products these days? If you were looking for a device that has been released when it was supposed to and not delayed 10 times can withstand a beer spill or a quick splash of your child’s juice, you may want to think about the DROID XYBOARD or RAZR. In the video above, Moto demos their water resistant coating, while reminding you that just one droplet can ruin it all.

Video: Motorola Shows Off Splash Guard Coating on the XYBOARD is a post from: Droid Life

It has been about a year since we saw the first major player in the Android game, the original Samsung Galaxy Tab. That particular slate kicked off the release of the Froyo tablet era followed by the barrage of Honeycomb entries in mid-2011. The world was supposed to gobble up Android tablets by the millions, overtaking the iPad on the way. Well, we all know now that that did not happen. After reading sad story after sad story of Honeycomb tablet disappointments, we are wondering now what the future of the Android tablet game looks like. Ice Cream Sandwich could breathe new life into a platform that struggled throughout much of 2011, but we won’t know until it finally arrives.

Are you still interested in them? Did you go with an iPad instead? Have you ruled out the purchase of one altogether? Will the next batch powered by quad-core processors entice you? Be sure to weigh in through the poll and with your thoughts in the comments.

Wednesday Poll: Is an Android Tablet Still a Part of Your Future? is a post from: Droid Life

In the latest MAP (minimum advertised price) list from Verizon, we get a first look at official on-contract pricing for the new XOOM 2 models that could be in stores during the second week of December. Both the 8″ and 10″ models ranging from 16GB to 64GB are featured at prices starting at $429. The biggest of them all is the 64GB XOOM 2 10″ that will drop in at a whoppin’ $729. Pricing matches up to the current scheme for the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 10.1, in case you were wondering how we came to the conclusion that these weren’t off-contract.

You will notice that the tablet is being referred to as the “Motorola Tablet” which is a pretty good sign that some last minute changes to the name have occurred and they won’t be going with XOOM 2 here in the states. We are now officially worried that DROID XYBOARD has made the final cut.

And below is the mention we just received concerning the release of the Galaxy Nexus. It looks like 11/28 was indeed one of the original targets, but regions are no longer expecting it to land that day. Over the last few days we have seen evidence that December 8 is the new target, so are we assuming that the 28th is completely out of the picture too?  

Update:  Business Insider is claiming to have heard directly from Samsung that the Galaxy Nexus will launch in December. No other details were given, but that certainly matches up to the most recent dates that we have seen.

Cheers ___ and Josh!

New Verizon MAP Shows XOOM 2 On-Contract Pricing, Galaxy Nexus Release Date Mention (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

Say hello to Verizon’s newest tablet-family member’s backside.  PocketNow has uncovered the back of the soon-to-be announced Droid Xyboard 8.2.  We can see a nice aluminum looking back, coupled with Verizon’s 4G LTE logo and of course a Motorola logo.  Seeing those easily accessible screws makes me curious and gives me the urge to open it up too. Anyone else?

So let’s discuss this name real quick.  XOOM 2 wasn’t good enough apparently.  Would the name “XOOM 2 8.2″ and “XOOM 2 10.1″ be too much (too confusing)?  If you already have a name established, why just up and change?  Did the XOOM do that bad as they want to completely remove themselves from it?  The DROID XYBOARD 8.2 and 10.1 are rumored to be announced by month’s end.  Maybe time for a poll on whether you all think “XYBOARD” was a good idea? Let us know.

Via: PocketNow

Motorola DROID XYBOARD 8.2 Pictured For Verizon – “XYBOARD” Name Confirmed? is a post from: Droid Life

Motorola’s MotoPrint received an update in the Market to make it compatible with the XOOM 2 (aka DROID XYBOARD).  Everyone is still waiting to get their hands on the newest version of the first Honeycomb tablet here in the U.S., so knowing that their MotoPrint app will continue to work on their device is always good to know.  MotoPrint allows for users to connect to their Wi-Fi enabled printers and print documents wirelessly with ease.  Perfect for the office.  The device itself is still unannounced here in the states and could carry one of the more ridiculous names of our time. The most recent timeline we have for a release shows that it could hit store shelves on November 30.

Market Link

Cheers Josh!

MotoPrint Receives Update, Now Supports Upcoming XOOM 2 is a post from: Droid Life

If you thought the name “Rezound” that has been attached to HTC’s latest Beast audio device was a little odd, wait until you get a load of the rumor for Motorola’s upcoming next-gen XOOM tablet here in the states. According to the folks at PocketNow, they have seen some “compelling evidence” that when the XOOM 2 lands here in the states, that Verizon is going to brand it as the DROID XYBOARD. Seriously. We’ll assume that’s pronounced ZI-BOARD (yes folks, like Cyborg) and will also recommend that if you buy one, that you never use that name in public or you might be laughed out of the building.

It sounds like a wannabe Android tablet that you can scoop up on Woot each day for $69 plus shipping. It sounds like the name of Van Damme’s newest straight-to-DVD flick. It sounds like the name a high level exec dreamed up on a late night red-eye, passed it off to his 8-year old to see if it was “cool”, got the thumbs up of “Yeah daddy, that name will rock my 3rd grade English class!”, and pushed it forward. Like, really? XYBOARD? XOOM was sort of silly, but at least it was quick, reminded you of speed, and simply worked. XYBOARD? Eh. I think we can attach a promotional quote of “XYBOARD – We’d call it the end of waiting (again), but really we just want it to be the end of the butt of your jokes.”

Thoughts?

Via:  PocketNow

Cheers Stephen!

XOOM 2 on Verizon to be Named the DROID XYBOARD? Please Tell Me It Isn’t True is a post from: Droid Life

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus launching via “web only” on November 21? According to the roadmap we just received and word from a source, that appears to be the case. Dates in the past have suggested that it may launch as earlier as November 17 to match the global release, but if you ask us, it’s pretty obvious that not even Big Red can decide when to put this phone out. And is there a chance they only allow you to order this online? The original Nexus One went live in a similar way, however, the Nexus S was at least available through Best Buy. I’d say that may still be up in the air as well.

Launching on November 21 does sort of make sense though. That’s the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, so at least the phone would be available to those wishing to pick one up during the biggest shopping time of the year.

Oh, and what about the ‘Moto 8″ Tablet’ and ‘Moto 10″ Tablet’ listed there? Those would be the two variations of the new Motorola XOOM 2 that were announced to the UK just last week. The 30th is a Wednesday and seems odd, but Verizon may be ditching that standard Thursday launch schedule that they have been on for the last few years. The Rezound is launching on a Monday after all.

Cheers ___!

Verizon Roadmap Shows Galaxy Nexus Available Online Only 11/21, New XOOM 2 on 11/30? is a post from: Droid Life

Reports out of Pocket Lint  suggest that the Motorola XOOM 2 will come fully loaded with SwiftKey Tablet X. As a tablet keyboard that was first introduced at CES, it was only a matter of time before an OEM picked it up to help differentiate themselves from the rest. One of the running issues with Android tablets has been the fact that there are very little differences between them. We know that HTC and Samsung have taken to skins to set themselves apart and this could be the next step towards Moto doing that with their bigger slates.

We know we have some big SwiftKey fans around here, thanks to a recent poll we ran, but will the presence of the tablet SwiftKey on the newest XOOMs be reason enough for you to go out and buy one? When I get a new device and see that Swype has come pre-loaded I always find myself a little more happy – can’t necessarily say it was one of the deciding factors for purchasing it though.

Via: Pocket Lint

SwiftKey Tablet X To Come Pre-Loaded On Motorola XOOM 2 is a post from: Droid Life

Motorola introduced the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition this morning to the UK and Ireland. Both tablets have been leaked time and time again, but everything is now official. The XOOM 2 will sport a 10.1″ screen that is much brighter and more vibrant than the original XOOM, runs a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, MotoCast, Android 3.2, and has similar styling and splash coating to the DROID RAZR.

The XOOM 2 Media Edition is really just the smaller  version of that with an 8.2″ screen that has 178 degree viewing angles and is as light as they come. It has been optimized for entertainment, while also managing to house dual cameras, 1GB of RAM and that same 1.2GHz processor. Both tablets are WiFi-only.

Neither has a quad-core processor like the new Asus Transformer Prime, but they do seem – at least on paper – to be much improved over the original XOOM. Can they compete with the next gen tablets that are just around the corner? Tough to say.

U.S. availability has not been announced yet – mid-November for the UK and Ireland. We most definitely know that both tablets are headed to at least Verizon in a variety of sizes.

Video and gallery after the break.  

Click here to view the embedded video.

Gallery:

Press Release:

Motorola Mobility Launches Two New Tablets in the UK and Ireland

Motorola XOOM 2^™ and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition^™ are powerful, portable and ready to take on the world

Nov. 03, 2011

LONDON – Nov. 3, 2011 – Building on the success of Motorola XOOM™, Motorola Mobility is rocking the tablet world yet again with two additions that bring enhanced experiences to the European market. Wi-Fi variants of the Motorola XOOM 2™ and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition™ — boasting powerful productivity, rich entertainment and customizable experiences — are now available: the answer to consumers looking for a tablet that can keep up with their lifestyle. Both tablets will be available at Carphone Warehouse in the UK and Ireland, as well as Best Buy, Dixons, PC World and Currys in the UK.

“Tablets are quickly becoming a must-have tool for staying connected, getting work done and having fun at home and on the road,” said Victoria McManus, marketing director UK & Ireland, Motorola Mobility. “We are very excited about these two new additions to our tablet portfolio that build on the success of the original Motorola XOOM to now deliver more powerful tablet experiences to the European market.”

The new Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition both feature Android 3.2, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, brilliant displays with Corning® Gorilla® Glass and a splashguard coating for a go anywhere, do everything attitude. In addition, both tablets include the new MotoCast™ app that lets you stream all your music, photos, videos and documents between your PC or Mac and tablet without any media tools, apps, or cords.

Motorola XOOM 2: Lighter and Brighter

Motorola XOOM 2 with Wi-Fi sports a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and Android 3.2 Honeycomb like its predecessor, but the similarities end there. The display is brighter and more vibrant than before with colour enhancement, and the edges have been strategically designed to make the tablet more comfortable to hold — this tablet is easy on the eyes, and easy on the hands. It is compatible with the optional Motorola Stylus that is great for note-taking, hand-writing emails and sketching. Motorola XOOM 2 is loaded with Business Ready features like VPN support and data encryption.

Motorola XOOM 2 with Wi-Fi features MOTOPRINT integrated into key apps so you can print wirelessly from your tablet. It is approximately 100 grams lighter than the original Motorola XOOM to make it even easier to take on the road, and can withstand poolside use, spilled drinks or dashes out to the car in the rain thanks to its new splash-guard coating. A battery delivering more than 10 hours of video playback means it can go with you wherever you need to be.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition: Beat your Boredom

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition with Wi-Fi is easy to hold with one hand thanks to its 8.2-inch display, and easy to take with you wherever you go, weighing less than the best-selling paperback you’ve been carrying around. Optimised for entertainment, it has a wide, 178 degree viewing angle. Hold it up to someone across the room, or share it with someone sitting next to you, and everyone gets a brilliant view.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition has a 20 percent improvement in graphics performance over the original Motorola XOOM for smoother gaming, features adaptive virtual surround sound with booming bass that’ll delight your ears, and stands out from the crowd with the fastest multi-tasking in its class. It can even be a universal remote control for home AV equipment with the personalized, custom remote control app pre-loaded on the tablet. Lastly, a splash-guard coating provides extra protection against the spills that are bound to happen when you’re having fun.

Accessories to connect to your life easier, from anywhere

With the Work and Play kit, plug your tablet into the HD Multimedia Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers and other peripherals for large-screen entertainment. Get more done, faster with the included keyboard and mouse with Bluetooth technology. Now, when your tablet is docked, the Smart Controller lets you MC the show from the comfort of your couch. For Motorola XOOM 2, no accessory discussion is complete without mentioning the Motorola Stylus with Precision tip – your tablet’s best friend.

Availability

Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition, Wi-Fi variants will be available in the UK and Ireland in mid-November. Carphone Warehouse customers in the UK can pre-register here.

For more information on Motorola XOOM 2 visit www.motorola.com/xoom2; and for Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition visit www.motorola.com/xoom2media

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Motorola Introduces the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition in the UK is a post from: Droid Life

An advertisement depicting the Motorola XOOM 2 has been spotted on a flyer for Car Phone Warehouse based out of Ireland. The 16GB Wi-Fi only version will be going for 399.99 Euros, which will equate to about $545 in US dollars. This version of the XOOM 2 has an 8.2″ display powered with Android 3.2, which is sure to get the bump to Ice Cream Sandwich later down the road – still not to be confused by its 10.1″ counterpart that is said to boast 4G LTE and 64GB of storage.

So which of these versions has you more excited? The 64GB 4G LTE beast, or the smaller, sleeker 8.2″ version?

Via: Engadget

Motorola XOOM 2 Hitting Europe, Just In Time For Christmas is a post from: Droid Life

The new Motorola XOOM2 models are starting to pop up everywhere they should be prior to launch. After we gave the world the first pictures, we then saw them in Verizon Cellebrite as the Pasteur (MZ617) and Fleming (MZ609) and are now seeing them in another system with 4G branding and storage size. The MZ617, we have been told is the actual 10.1″ XOOM2. The MZ609 on the other hand is the smaller “media edition” XOOM2 that has also been floating around.

What do you guys think of having a choice of storage up to 64GB on the big dog? 4G is a nice addition, but that also means carrier pricing issues. I think we all know how well that has gone so far – here’s to hoping they offer WiFi-only versions alongside these.

Cheers ___!

New XOOM2 Models Appear in Verizon System Sporting Storage Up to 64GB and 4G LTE is a post from: Droid Life

A mystery Motorola device just cruised through the FCC and it may have been the XOOM 2. The device is marked with an FCC ID of 56MJ3, which marks it as part of Moto’s flagship tablet line. The documents state the this mystery device will sport a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, HDMI out and have a 1200 x 800 display. Additionally, it will be available in 16, 32 and 64GB models and has both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Could this be the Motorola XOOM 2, or perhaps another variant of the original XOOM? However, the specs due resemble the leaked ones we posted a month ago, feel free to sound off in the comments.

Via: Engadget, FCC

Did The XOOM 2 Just Pass Through The FCC? is a post from: Droid Life

The Motorola “Spyder” (aka DROID RAZR) and XOOM2 are no secret and have been leaked already, however the more pictures the merrier. The Xoom 2, in this case is the 8.2-inch version and is said to be in “better shape” than the earlier leaks.  The Spyder is also sporting what looks to be a rugged backside for enhanced grip.  Interestingly enough, Engadget’s source has said that this particular Spyder is clocked at 1.5GHz, although the final version will indeed be 1.2GHz.

Could we be seeing both of these at the Motorola and Verizon event set for October 18? Feel free to sound off in the comments, and check out the full gallery after the break.

Via: Engadget

Additional Leaked Shots Of The DROID RAZR and XOOM2 Emerge is a post from: Droid Life

Faster. Thinner. Smarter. Stronger. 10.18.2011. If those clues from the video weren’t enough to lead you to believe the DROID RAZR is up next and about to be announced by Motorola and Verizon, then maybe the actual razor cutting through things was.

Rumored all of the place in the last month and once known as the DROID HD, the RAZR marks the return of one of Moto’s most successful brands only this time sporting Android. Rumored to have kevlar and Gorilla Glass as just a couple of its materials, we now know what “stronger” means. Thin we knew from the leaked shots of it back in early August. Faster we get from its 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity. Smarter could mean a variety of things.  

The phone is already in Verizon’s Cellebrite system, something that usually indicates a semi-soon arrival.

Update:  Press invites are going out for a 10/18 event with both VZW and Motorola.

Update 2:  We shouldn’t be so closed-minded to the idea that this is the next generation of XOOM devices. The razor in the teaser along with the kevlar vest allowed us to jump to the idea of it being this phone rather than a tablet. Could be both though!

Update 3:  Moto’s Facebook page is talking about the event as if it is going to be just one product – “Our next big innovation is coming.”

Update 4:  The press image was named “Spyder” – a name we first reported months ago. DROID RAZR incoming.

All I know, is this phone looks amazing.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Mark!

Motorola and Verizon Tease “Next” Line of Products, DROID RAZR Announcement Incoming October 18 is a post from: Droid Life

Over the last week, Verizon’s Cellebrite systems were filled with a handful of devices that we are expecting to see in the coming months.  The Nexus Prime, DROID HD, and HTC Vigor all popped up the other day, but now we are seeing two new XOOM models as well.

The first is MZ617 “Pasteur”, which is the XOOM 2 that we gave you the first photos of a couple of weeks back.  This is the follow-up to the original that will reportedly pack a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of “faster” RAM, record 1080p HD video, and last for up to 11 hours on a single charge.

The next device we are seeing is the MZ609 “Fleming” which we are guessing is the smaller 7″ XOOM 2 “Media Edition.”  We haven’t seen this code name or model number yet, but with photos of a little brother appearing a few times now, we can’t imagine it would be anything else.

So there you go – two new code names to start Googlin’.

Cheers ___!

Two New XOOM Models Appear at Verizon as the “Pasteur” and “Fleming” is a post from: Droid Life