Motorola XOOM Android 3.1 update this week; WiFi XOOM “within the next several weeks”

Motorola has confirmed a timescale for the XOOM Android 3.1 upgrade, announced earlier this week at Google IO. As expected, the Verizon version of the XOOM will get the update first, with the new software rolling out this week.

As for those with WiFi-only XOOM tablets, or those with the 3G version but on carriers other than Verizon Wireless, they’ll be getting Android 3.1 “within the next several weeks.” That staggered release schedule is likely to come as something of a disappointment.

The OS will be pushed out in phases, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get it at the same time as all your XOOM-owning friends. Among the changes will be support for Android Market movie rentals, Flash Player 10.2 support, resizable widgets, USB peripheral support and boosted Bluetooth support. More details in the video below:

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Update: Interestingly, despite Motorola’s warnings that WiFi XOOM owners will have to wait, there are reports from owners on XDA-developers that in fact the Android 3.1 update is rolling out now. [Thanks Ben!]

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Press Release:

Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) Software Update, Coming First to Motorola XOOM™, Delivers Support for Android Market Movie Rentals and Numerous Other Enhancements

Over-the-air software update rolling out this week to Motorola XOOM tablets on Verizon Wireless

Motorola XOOM users on the Verizon Wireless network will soon be able to rent movies, use a Bluetooth® headset during video chats, resize their widgets and more with an over-the-air software update for Android™ 3.1 (Honeycomb) that makes the Motorola XOOM experience even more powerful than before. The software update, coming first to Motorola XOOM and rolling out this week, delivers a wide range of new features and expanded functionality, including:

Support for the new Android Market movie rentals service with thousands of titles available for immediate viewing on the Motorola XOOM’s high-resolution display or on a larger screen via HDMI
Full support for the final release of Adobe® Flash® Player 10.2, delivering significant performance enhancements when viewing rich Flash content on the web
Resizable widgets to enable further customization of home screens
Support for USB-connected peripherals and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers and digital cameras
Expanded Bluetooth features to support Bluetooth headsets in Google Talk™ video chats and Bluetooth mouse support in addition to additional shortcut keys with the Bluetooth keyboard
Picture Transfer Protocol Feature support to enable easier transfer of photo files to your PC without the need for drivers
Motorola XOOM with Wi-Fi tablets and other variants of Motorola XOOM will receive the update within the next several weeks. If users have questions or need support, they can visit www.motorola.com/myxoom or www.motorola.com/support, or get help from other owners on our online community at https://supportforums.motorola.com.

Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Specific functionality and features with each software version of Android may vary. Contact your service provider for details.