Specifications

UI and Apps

The Xoom 2 disappointingly runs Android Honeycomb, which is now getting to be a no-no on tablets. The system still has plenty of performance issues and unfortunately they ruin what would otherwise be a fairly pleasant tablet to use. Even though the hardware on the Xoom 2 is quite adequate, it’s only after using the tablet for a while do you realize it’s the poor Android platform that brings the device down. An upgrade to ICS would be nice, but again I won’t be using this tablet long enough to wait for one to be available.

App-wise, Motorola have dubbed on some of their own creations which you can also find on their Razr phones. There’s MotoCast, which is a software that lets you connect your Xoom 2 to your PC remotely, so you can access files and media wherever you are through an Internet or data connection. There are other media streaming apps available of course, including the bundled Twonky Player, so you don’t have to use MotoCast if you don’t want to.

There’s the usual bevy of business apps such as GoToMeeting and Citrix Connect, as well as a Notes application that sits permanently in the lower right corner for instant note taking. It’s not the most accurate thing to use as it’s hard to write a legible note with your finger, so it’s best switching to text mode instead. There’s also a rather interesting app called Dijit, which turns your Xoom 2 into a Universal Remote Controller, thanks to the hidden IR transmitter at the top of the device. You simply select a type of device and manufacturer, and you’re presented with a list of preconfigured remote controls to choose from. Sadly the list isn’t very populated, and there’s no way for you to program your own remote controller such as in the Sony Tablet. But it’s a cute gimmick, and can pull off some basic controls at least, though you have to keep the Xoom 2 pointed fairly close to the device you want to operate.