3G and WiFi Motorola XOOM users receiving Android 3.1 already

When Google unveiled Android 3.1 for tablets yesterday, company officials said it would roll out first to Verizon customers with 3G Motorola XOOM tablet models first. But it turns out that some WiFi-only XOOM users are also reporting that they’ve received the software update.

This is a phased rollout, so if you haven’t received a notification that new software is available yet, just keep checking. You should get the prompt sometime in the next few weeks.

Unfortunately Android 3.0.1 tablets only check for system updates once every day or so. If you want to force the tablet to check, you can bring up the settings menu, go to Date & Time, and manually move the date forward. Then power down your tablet when you turn it back on it should automatically check for an update — although that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be available for your device.

Fortunately Android 3.1 includes a new option that lets you click a button every time you want to check for an update, which should make the process a little less frustrating next time you’re waiting for a new version of Google Android for your tablet.

If you’re the impatient sort, it’s possible to download a leaked copy of the software update and install it yourself — but you’ll need a USB host cable and a little bit of bravery to try this method since Verizon probably won’t cover your back if you leave your tablet in an unbootable state.

You can download the software for a WiFi XOOM from xda-developers, or get the 3G version from Droid Life.

Google Android 3.1 brings enhancements to home screen widgets and the recent apps menu, as well as an improved web browser and support for hardware accelerated graphics, among other things. SOme users are reporting that the tablet feels faster overall after applying the update.