The new Motorola Xoom has powerful wireless networking capabilities, allowing you to connect to a local Wi-FI network or configure the device as a wireless hub!
Wireless Networking on the Motorola Xoom Tablet
If you have got your hands on a new Motorola Xoom tablet, one of the first things that you will want to do is activate wireless networking so that you can enjoy websites, access the Android Market, etc.
The new Honeycomb versions of the Android operating system is optimised for tablets, and makes activating and configuring wireless settings extremely easy. Thanks to a new notifications section on the home screen you can easily spot whether or not your device is connected, and if it is not then it only takes a couple of taps to make sure that it is.
Image credit: Motorola Mobility Media Center, https://mediacenter.motorola.com
Importance of Wi-Fi to the Xoom
There are two versions of the Motorola Xoom. The first is the basic Wi-Fi version, which features wireless networking capabilities, whereas the second offers 3G connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi.
As such, Wi-Fi is likely to be the main way for you to enjoy access to the web from your tablet, although with the 3G option you have the added bonus of accessing mobile Internet.
In fact there are two ways in which you can use the Motorola Xoom for wireless Internet. The first is to set up a standard wireless connection and use this to browse the web, send emails, access the Android Market , etc. The second is to use your 3G Xoom as a wireless hotspot, taking advantage of the mobile Internet connection and sharing it!
Activating Wi-Fi on the Motorola Xoom
To check if Wi-Fi is active on your Xoom, look in the notification area in the lower-right corner, where any connectivity options you have active will be displayed alongside the battery status. Tap the icon to expand to a full menu where you will see a switch for activating and deactivating wireless, as well as a meter for signal strength.
You can also enable and disable Wi-Fi via Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi, where you should find the full set of wireless networking tools. To find a new wireless network, tap Menu > Scan, and any networks within range of your device will be listed.
All you need to do to connect to a network is tap its listed name and SSID , and then input any required details such as a password, and tap Connect. The wireless connection indicator will display in the status bar when your tablet is connected.
Wireless Hotspot on the Motorola Xoom
On a 3G Xoom you can turn the device into a wireless hotspot pretty easily. Begin by ensuring that Wi-Fi is disabled, via Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi. Next, browse to the Apps > Settings > Wireless & Networks > Tethering & portable hotspot menu and tap Wi-Fi hotspot to enable this feature.
Tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings to change the hotspot security; this allows you to setup a password and SSID to help ensure your Wi-Fi hotspot stays private. Enter a Network SSID, then tap Next to configure security type (Open or WPA2 PSK) and if appropriate a password. Remember to Save your changes.
Once complete, other Wi-Fi devices will be able to use your Xoom as a wireless hotspot, accessing the web via the Xoom’s 3G connection!
References
Motorola Xoom User Guide, https://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Consumers/xoom-android-tablet/us-en/resources/global/flash _content/downloads/MOTOROLA%20XOOM-UMTS-MOTOROLA-XOOM-WiFi-User-Guide.pdf
Author’s own experience
