QR Codes and Other Barcodes

You usually see them in advertisements, on websites, or on product packages: those small square barcodes that look a little different than the traditional one-dimensional barcode that you're used to seeing.

Short for Quick Response code, a QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can hold vastly more data than traditional one-dimensional barcodes can. For mobile device users, QR codes can provide a fast and easy method of data entry for things like contact information or website addresses.

This is the same data expressed as a QR code (top) and a Code 39 barcode (bottom).

Scanning a QR code or Other Barcode

Barcode Scanner is available for free from Android Market. It uses your device's camera to capture a barcode. Once the barcode is scanned, the app will give you the appropriate options for the information read (URLs will allow you to navigate to a web address, product bar codes will allow you do a product search, file download links will allow you to download a file, etc.)

Line up a barcode...

...and get the information from it, with options for what to do with it!

Barcode scanner also allows you to share information with other tablets and smartphones by creating a barcode on your screen that another device can scan.

Barcode Scanner is available for free from the Android Market:

Get Barcode Scanner via Android Market

Evernote: More than Simple Note Taking

If you are looking for productivity apps for your Xoom, Evernote is a great place to start. Remarkably intuitive and incredibly useful, there are few apps that are as essential for a serious tablet user.  

What is Evernote?

Evernote is a software/service combination that allows users to take notes in various formats like typed text, handwritten text, pictures, web pages, or voice recordings). These notes can be titled, annotated, edited, tagged, and have files attached. The notes can then be synchronized to Evernote’s cloud storage platform. Once synchronized, notes can be accessed from internet connected PCs, laptops, phones, or tablets running Evernote. There are Evernote apps for Android, Windows, Mac OS, iOS, WebOS, and Chrome OS. 

Android tablet version of Evernote

Unfortunately, there is not a video tutorial for the tablet version of evernote, but the functionality is similar to the Android phone version.

Evernote Android Phone Tutorial Video

Evernote is available for free from the Android Market:

Get Evernote via Android Market

Xoom Basic Operation

The basic operation of your Motorola Xoom is something you will become familiar with rather quickly via experimentation. If, however, you would like a guided overview of some of the basic functionality, take a look at the following videos from Motorola.

Using Your Tablet

Using The Keypad

Taking And Editing Pictures

Using Video Chat feature

Creating Google Documents

Monitoring Data Usage on Your Verizon Tablet

Want a handy way to monitor your mobile data usage on your Verizon Xoom, XYboard, or other Verizon tablet? Who doesn't?!

For the consumer user, it's easy. Follow the instructions below to install the My Verizon for Tablets app to monitor and manage your entire account.

For a business user though, things are a bit different. Calls to Verizon Wireless business support have confirmed that there is no officially supported method for business tablet users to monitor their own data usage. Such information is only accessible to those who have account management privileges, and even then, is not available through an app.

So, what is a mobile data conscious business user to do? The answer, simply, is to install the consumer account management app. The app itself is utterly useless for a business account holder or user, but the data monitoring widget included with the app still accurately reports data usage!

Data Usage Monitored!

Installation - Quick Steps

1. Enable Wi-Fi
2. Install My Verizon for Tablets from Android Market
3. Disable Wi-Fi (do not skip this step)
4. Add the My Verizon Data widget from the widget gallery to the Home Screen of your choice
5. Once the widget displays your data usage, you can re-enable Wi-Fi

Installation - Detailed Steps

If you need a little more guidance, here are the detailed steps:

1. Enable Wi-Fi, if available and not already enabled (Settings -> Wireless and Networks -> Wi-Fi checkbox) 
2. Open Android Market
3. In the Market, click the search icon at the top right (looks like a magnifying glass)
4. Type My Verizon for Tablets into the search field and hit the enter/search button on your on-screen keyboard
5. Tap My Verizon for Tablets in the app list
6. Tap Download
7. Tap Accept and Download
8. After the app downloads, hit the Home button (house shaped button on the bottom left of your screen)
9. Disable Wi-Fi if it is enabled (Settings -> Wireless and Networks -> Wi-Fi checkbox)
10. From your Home Screen, tap the + icon in the top right corner to bring up the Widgets Gallery
11. Swipe horizontally through the pages of the Widgets Gallery until you see the My Verizon Data widget
12. Drag the My Verizon Data widget to your Home Screen
13. The My Verizon Data widget will take some time to connect to Verizon, but after a short while, it will display your total data usage out of your monthly limit.
14. Re-enable Wi-Fi 

Thanks to Dave C. for this tip!

Welcome to Getting More From Your Xoom!

Getting More from your Xoom (GMX) is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your Motorola Xoom. Of course, much of this information will apply to all Android 3.0 or 4.0 tablets, so feel free to share these tips, tricks, and recommendations with other Android tablet users.

If you have any Android tablet related information you would like to see featured on GMX, email it to us at: