Motorola Xoom WiFi announced, coming to TELUS for $599 in April

Motorola Mobility will ship a WiFi-only version of the Xoom Android tablet  for a SRT of $599 through Telus who also announced the tiny Motorola Defy which is an Android smartphone that has wireless hotspot features and is being promoted as a companion device to exiting Google smartphones. Hit jump for the full official press release and our early impressions.

TELUS bringing award-winning MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi to Canada

Flagship Android 3.0 powered tablet extends TELUS' Android leadership

TELUS today announced the upcoming release of the MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi tablet, called "the most potentially disruptive technology" by CNET at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. The MOTOROLA XOOM is the first wireless device to run Google's new Android 3.0 platform, which has been optimized for tablets.

Android 3.0 (also known as Honeycomb) features the latest Google Mobile services, including Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction and access to over 150,000 apps from the Android Market. This latest version of Android also takes advantage of the larger screens and the power of tablets to introduce features such as tabbed browsing, visual bookmarks, interactive 3D user interfaces and true multitasking.

The MOTOROLA XOOM showcases all these built-for-tablet innovations offered by Android 3.0 with a product that delivers the power of a laptop in the portability of a tablet. It can be connected to the Internet via a traditional Wi-Fi hotspot, or through data sharing with a Wi-Fi capable smartphone with a data plan for use anywhere you can get a wireless signal. The beautiful 10.1" HD display, with 1280x800 resolution, is ideal for surfing and reading, viewing photos or video and gaming. Content can be projected to an HDTV using the available HDMI cable. A 5-megapixel rear-facing camera captures HD video while a 2-megapixel front-facing camera supports video chats. The MOTOROLA XOOM also comes equipped with a dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB on-board memory to satisfy even the most intensive browsing, gaming and multimedia needs.

"We are thrilled to bring the first Android 3.0 powered tablet to Canadians. Almost by the month, Canadians are doing more through multiple 'screens' which tablets and smartphones provide. They're a dashboard for our busy lives and on-the-go entertainment needs," said David Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer at TELUS. "TELUS is committed to delivering not only multiple screens, but the very best screens for the job. The MOTOROLA XOOM boasts best-in-class features and a rich mobile experience in one breathtaking package. This was worth waiting for."

"Motorola is focused on delivering game-changing, innovative technologies that delight users and enhance their mobile computing experiences," said Jeff Miller, corporate vice president, Motorola Mobility. "The MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi packs the power of a laptop in a tablet, the first tablet to run Google Android 3.0 for unparalleled multi-tasking, HD entertainment, and Adobe Flash PC-like web browsing".

Get the most from your time online

With TELUS Voice and Data Flex plans paired with a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot-enabled smartphone, Canadians can share their 4G mobile internet connection with the MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi wherever they go while knowing they do not have to worry about tracking or limiting their data usage and with no additional fees. Each month, clients start with 1 GB of data and, depending on their usage that month, the Flex Plan will automatically adjust up to 5 GB, helping clients avoid unexpected overage fees.

For more information, please visit: http://www.telusmobility.com/clear_choice_voice_data/

Getting started on a tablet has never been easier

TELUS is committed to helping Canadians navigate their new smartphone and tablet purchases, including the MOTOROLA XOOM. The TELUS Learning Centre is a complimentary learning service designed to provide a unique in-store and online experience for all clients. With an easy and convenient web-based scheduling tool, TELUS clients can book a "how-to" session at 200 TELUS locations across Canada to learn how to get the most out of their MOTOROLA XOOM and other TELUS devices from trained experts.

The perfect pair: MOTOROLA XOOM and Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR

Powered by Android 2.2, the soon-to-be-released Motorola DEFY smartphone from TELUS lets users create their own mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Paired with the MOTOROLA XOOM, the Motorola DEFY creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling users to share access to the web on their tablet on TELUS' blazing fast 4G network anytime and anywhere. This connection also allows for easy data-sharing, file transferring and more.

The Motorola DEFY is a smartphone built for everyday life with a water-resistant, dustproof design, and a scratch-resistant display that can keep up with the many adventures of everyday life. Durable, powerful and versatile, the Motorola DEFY is the perfect complement to the powerhouse MOTOROLA XOOM and a sure-fire solution for keeping users connected no matter where they are.

Stay tuned for pricing and availability of the Motorola DEFY at TELUS.

TELUS will offer the MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi for as little as $599.99. Stay tuned for information on availability.

* available as a free download from Android Market^TM