The Motorola Xoom has not exactly been a hit with the consumer market. Although it seemed to take CES 2011 by storm, once it hit the actual consumer market it was more like a chorus of crickets could be heard welcoming it.
With that in mind, it’s not that surprising that the price for the Wi-Fi version of the Xoom started dropping yesterday to what appears to now be a standard $500 at all outlets, and even a bit cheaper some places with coupon codes. The cellular version is maintaing its price, but considering the debacle that has been the LTE upgrade, we’re a bit surprised that price is holding.
Where things get intriguing is that while this is going on, Wireless Goodness dug up an image from the FCC of a Motorola device that just received approval for Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth and CDMA radios. The device is slightly longer and shorter than the Xoom and is labeled as being a tablet.
Remember it wasn’t all that long ago that a mystery tablet appeared in a Verizon ad that had people wondering if it might be the Xoom 2, and now this device shows up at the FCC with final approval. Add in a price drop for the Xoom and … add 2, carry the 1, divide by x … and it looks like the Xoom 2 may be a reality and coming soonish.
You know Motorola has to be stinging from the lackluster performance of what was supposed to be their contender to the iPad, but is rushing a second device in the same product line to market such a great idea? Consumers didn’t swarm to the first one, and those that did might be a little annoyed that they are still waiting for the long promised LTE upgrade when a second device appears to be in full swing. Even disregarding the problems the first one had, is it a wise idea to release a second version of a tablet in the same calendar year? True, we have no hard evidence that is what is happening here, but it sure looks like it to me. If I was a betting man – which I’m not – I’d say the Xoom 2 is going to be out in time for the holiday shopping season, and that may be a very, very unwise move by a company that is already suffering from some negative consumer views.
Again, all of this evidence is circumstantial at this point, but you have to admit it’s enough to make you scratch your chin and go, “hmmm.”
What do you think? Is Motorola preparing for the Xoom 2?
