Motorola Xoom Ready to Battle iPad 2: Android 3.0, Dual-Core Power, 4G Capable

The first Android 3.0 tablet is coming to Verizon Wireless. This powerhouse sports a dual-core processor, HD widescreen (1280 x 800), HD camcorder, and webcam for video calls. It will be 3G out of the gate (launching in 1st quarter), but Motorola says the device will be upgradeable to 4G.

Motorola emphasized that the interface was designed from the ground up for tablets, and it’s definitely optimized for multitasking. You can easily switch between apps via a tab-based interface, and the browser has tabs, too. You’ll also find a brand-new YouTube app and video chat support via Google Talk.

During a brief hands-on demo here at CES, the device felt solid in the hand (thanks to a soft touch finish), and the 1280 x 800 screen was sharp and colorful. An HD demo video played smoothly, as did videos of the UI in action. That’s right, the software isn’t finished yet.

More details and lots of photos  below.

The Motorola Xoom will run Google Maps 5.0, complete with 3D buildings and Street View, as well as Google eBook support. The front-facing camera is 2-MP, and the one in back is 5-MP with 720p video recording. Overall, the interface is a nice departure from Android tablet running the phone-based software, and we can’t wait to test this device out.

Check out the hands-on video below.