Motorola XOOM 4G LTE Update Available Today

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News of the Motorola Xoom update are going through the rumor mill lately, but what about the original Motorola Xoom? Xoom owners would be glad to learn that Motorola is providing a firmware update to the first-gen Xoom to provide 4G LTE access.

While we tech writers are getting excited over the upcoming 8- and 10-inch Motorola Xoom and Xoom Media Edition, Verizon has news that will get first-gen Xoom owners excited, as well. Verizon and Motorola are providing a free firmware update that activates 4G LTE on the Xoom. However, this will require tablets to be shipped back for the upgrade.

Initially available for a limited set of beta testers, the upgrade will be open to all Verizon XOOM owners today. This requires the installation of an LTE radio as well as flashing of a new firmware, so be sure to backup your data before shipping your tablet back to Verizon. Verizon promises to return updated XOOM tablets within six business days. The update is free, and users will not have to change or upgrade their existing data plans to enjoy higher speed access via 4G LTE.

The faster Xoom experience entails download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps, with upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps. The tablet will automatically switch to 3G access while outside 4G LTE coverage areas.

Aside from the upgrade option, Verizon also announced that that 4G LTE enabled Xoom tablets will start shipping October 13 for $499.99. Users have the option to choose among three data plans:

• $30 monthly for 2GB;
• $50 monthly for 5GB;
• $80 monthly for 8GB.

4G LTE offers faster speeds, but with Motorola coming up with the XOOM 2 sometime in the near future, will it still be worth to buy a $499.99 XOOM at this point?