Google this week updated its Honeycomb operating system for the Motorola Xoom tablet to version 3.1., according to zdnet.com.
The Xoom was launched with a great deal of expectation but landed with a thud, very much like other tablets hoping to compete with Apple’s iPad.
The main problem here seems to be timing, as Apple has a huge headstart on other tablet makers. Branding also seems to be a difficulty for iPad competitors, as so far only Apple has demonstrated a strong demand for its tablet or pad product.
Apple would do well not to get too comfortable, however. As I’ve said before, the first tablet to appear that is priced significantly lower than the iPad and that solves a specific need well could become a strong seller also. No one is likely to push the iPad aside, but there is plenty of room for creativity in this area.
-Zdnet also reviewed an attractive service this week called Ninite. The site makes installing several programs at one time very simple and powerful. Basically, you select several programs you desire from a list, and Ninite builds a custom installer program to do all the work for you. I have not tried the service yet, but if it works as described, it’s a huge timesaver for those of us who need to keep several programs current and updated.