Xoom gets USB host functionality, unofficially
A hack has been posted online which lets Xoom users add USB host functionality to the Xoom. This allows you to connect USB drives, external hard drives etc to the Xoom with an adapter cable that turns the microUSB port into a full sized USB port. This is sure to come as a blessing to those who have used up the 32GB of memory on the Xoom as even though it has a microSD slot, that slot doesn’t work (missing a software update, apparently, you just gotta love Motorola’s premature launch issues!). The hack requires you to root the device though, so it’s not for everyone.
This puts the Xoom on pair with the iPad which has had the same functionality since shortly after it was released by means of a jailbreak. Jailbreaking and rooting are basically each OS’ “hacker mode” so neither hack is something mainstream consumers will attempt. The iPad has alternative ways of doing it though thanks to some accessories, so maybe we’ll see similar accessories for the Xoom.
[Slatedroid via Engadget]
