Motorola Xoom tablet will be one of the first tablets to come with Google’s tablet version of Android, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, and the good news is that it won’t feature Motorola’s Motoblur UI.
Instead, it looks like the Motorola Xoom tablet will come with the standard Android Honeycomb user interface, which is good news as it means that it should be a lot easier and quicker for Motorola to upgrade the Xoom to the next version of Android after Honeycomb when it is released.
To clarify, Motorola XOOM is a Google Experience Device and the first tablet to incorporate Android 3.0 Honeycomb. As such, Motorola Mobility has worked closely with Google to develop and optimize the Honeycomb OS on XOOM, and has no plans to customize the software with MotoBlur.
Advantages of Using Standard Android Honeycomb UI
The decision to use the standard Android Honeycomb UI instead of a custom interface like Motoblur offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures a more consistent user experience across different devices. Users familiar with the standard Android interface will find it easier to navigate and use the Xoom tablet without having to learn a new custom UI. This consistency can be particularly beneficial for users who switch between different Android devices.
Moreover, using the standard UI can significantly reduce the time and effort required for software updates. Custom UIs often require additional development and testing, which can delay the release of updates. By sticking with the standard Honeycomb UI, Motorola can streamline the update process, ensuring that users receive the latest features and security patches more quickly.
Impact on the Tablet Market
It will be interesting to see if other manufacturers follow a similar line, rather than adding custom user interfaces for their new Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets. Using the standard Honeycomb UI would certainly make things a lot simpler. If more manufacturers adopt this approach, it could lead to a more unified and cohesive Android tablet ecosystem.
For example, Samsung, HTC, and other major players in the tablet market have traditionally used custom UIs like TouchWiz and Sense. However, the success of the Motorola Xoom could encourage these companies to reconsider their strategies. A more standardized UI across different tablets could make it easier for developers to create and optimize apps, ultimately benefiting the entire Android ecosystem.
Additionally, a standard UI could enhance the overall user experience by reducing fragmentation. Fragmentation has been a longstanding issue in the Android ecosystem, with different devices running various versions of the OS and custom UIs. A more unified approach could help mitigate this problem, making it easier for users to switch between devices and enjoy a consistent experience.
Future Prospects and Expectations
As the first tablet to feature Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the Motorola Xoom has set a high bar for future Android tablets. Its success could pave the way for more Google Experience Devices, which prioritize a pure Android experience over custom UIs. This trend could lead to a more streamlined and efficient Android ecosystem, benefiting both users and developers.
Furthermore, the collaboration between Motorola and Google on the Xoom tablet highlights the potential for future partnerships. By working closely with Google, manufacturers can ensure that their devices are optimized for the latest Android features and updates. This collaboration could result in more innovative and high-performing devices in the future.
The Motorola Xoom tablet represents a significant step forward for the Android tablet market. By using the standard Android Honeycomb UI, Motorola has set a precedent for other manufacturers to follow. This approach offers numerous advantages, including a more consistent user experience, faster software updates, and reduced fragmentation. As the tablet market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how other manufacturers respond and whether the trend towards a more standardized Android experience gains momentum.
via Euro Droid
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