http://blog.connectedplanetonline.com/unfiltered/2011/02/22/will-motorolas-atrix-and-xoom-change-the-mobile-landscape/

I like Motorola’s Atrix platform because of its simplicity.

From a design perspective, I like the notion of using what amounts to a smart network interface device approach; i.e., hardware docks. Very simple and very clever. This design approach allows for device functionality optimization. In other words, a single device does not have to have 10 pounds of stuff jammed into a 5 pound sack.

The downside is the closed or proprietary nature of the peripheral environment. It is a downside because the consumer has no choice but to purchase peripheral devices from Motorola. I dislike limiting consumer choices. Of course, Motorola may be taking the Apple approach; which is closed everything. For now, until Atrix gains traction, this closed perspective will do. I wonder where Motorola hopes to derive most of its revenue from Atrix.

Xoom is a significant step for Motorola’s foray into the wireless/Android tablet sector. Xoom also represents a potential threat to Apple’s iPad. The reality is that Apple should treat every new tablet that comes into the marketplace as a potential threat. Apple was the first to sell (successfully) a tablet and success breeds copycats.

Is any of this Earth-shattering news? No. Right now, there are no wireless technology revolutions on the horizon. However, there are plenty of market opportunities.

Motorola might want to consider implementing the Atrix in the healthcare sector. I cannot think of a sector that is so totally loaded with electronics and in such need of greater access to wireless technology.

The healthcare industry is where the wireless industry needs to go to find new revenue opportunities. From monitoring to diagnosing, the medical sector can certainly make use of wireless technology. Bottom line, healthcare administrators, clinicians, and support personnel have a growing need for wireless technology; and I am not talking about smartphone apps but device and network based applications.

If properly product managed, Xoom and Atrix may represent a first significant step towards an industry sector based application. The Atrix platform’s hardware docking approach may lend itself to a business that relies on using peripheral devices and requires centralized processing of information.

Motorola are you listening?