smartech

You didn’t really think Archos was going to give up the Vision 1 mp3 lineup, after already launching Vision 2 and Vision 3 in the past few months, did you? Well, given the fact a vision 1 device, equipped with 4GB of storage and 1.5-inch LCD display is rumored to be out at the end of this month, we’d surely say “NO”. And, despite the absolute lack of video support inside this 28 grams weight and €30 ($45) money, the added 20 hours battery, pumped in one single charge, would probably give this tiny Frenchi chap an extra fervency value.

Update: Archos 1 is now available around Europe, priced at £24.99 ($40), stores up to 4GB of content and plays almost every common format available around, like MP3, WMA, APE, WAV and FLAC for audio, and JPEG or BMP files for photos. Still no word on a US release.

[via LeJournalDuGeek]

So, what do we have in here? It’s Archos, hitting the online scene again, this time with a brand new Android-based Internet Tablet device, which apparently gets exactly the same looks and specs its 5-inch Archos 5 predecessor packs, only this one unsurprisingly runs a Google Android trendy OS – all over the place – while design wise, it gets darker than ever with a whole black body color, covering both the media tablet itself and its optional $130 DVR docking station. Other than that, it seems that Archos’ new kid on the block just grew up bigger, and now being offered with storage capacities starting at 160GB HDD priced at $320 or a whopping 500GB HDD for merely $420. However, in case you’re into the SSD flavor, you can choose either going with the 16GB SSD version that is listed at B&H for $294 or the 32GB SSD option that will run you back for $370. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see the rest.

Update1: Apparently, the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Tablet just turned official and is now available with prices ranged from $259 – $430 (depends on storage configuration). Other than that, it seems the French have taken the vanilla Android OS and managed to hover it on top of Archos’ own Linux platform. Surprisingly, the combination of both systems works pretty smooth and flawless, then we may have expected. Additionally, Archos also included some neat third-party apps, like ThinkFree Mobile for document editing, Internet browser for net surfing, and some cool navigation features that suppose to take advantage of the full-fledged GPS system inside and help you find your way with local maps, voice over guidance and even 3D landmarks. And while the new Archos 5 doesn’t seems to have any mobile phone pretensions, it still packs some very advanced specs that make it such a fun and usable device for users. You get a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resistive screen, which responds pretty well but not as fast as a multi-touch display. You can also find a 802.11n WiFi connectivity, paired with 800MHz OMAP3440 processor, storage drives which can go up to 500GB capacity, and an optional docking cradle that lets you record your favorite shows into the Archos unit or watch your 720P video files whenever connected to an  LCD TV through the HDMI port. Press release is right after the break, along with three walk-through videos.

Update2: Looks like Amazon has finally listed the Archos 5 “Internet Tablet” device on its online store, running for either $390 (160GB) or $370 (32GB)at your choice (and pocket size).

Update3: Radio Shack seems to have a cheaper version of Archos 5′s Android-based tablet – just $249.99 -  in case those $390 bills are too heavy for you to carry. Besides those 8GB of storage, that the new version packs, you get all the good things its bigger brother has, only with 1/20 of the capacity, but that for itself shouldn’t bother anyone who uses Archos’ device mainly for emails and internet.

[via Archos]

Read more…

While technology world is at its first steps getting into the portable touchscreen era, French corporation Archos was always there first to come out with the most advanced and sophisticated media devices around, and as of now, it seems the company had done it again with yesterday’s interesting announcement of the Archos 9 Windows 7 tablet PC, which is literally a 16mm thick / 800gm of portable netbook device, made in the form of tablet unit that boasts an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen, along with Intel’s Atom Z515 processor, up to 120GB of storage capacity, 802.11b/g WiFi connection, built-in Bluetooth 2.1 antenna, integrated 1.3MP webcam, 10/100 Ethernet port, two stereo speakers, a microphone and even an optional 3.5G HSUPA WWAN support. Official release is scheduled for somewhere around September this year, while prices start at 450 Euros ($630) for basic version and up to 500 Euros ($705) for the premium models. Head forward, after the break, there’s a nice video preview from techvideoblog, together with a full specs table and some first hands-on images.

Update1: Looks like UK fanboys will be able to nab the Archos 9, either with 80GB or 160GB capacities, for 449.99 Euros ($735) and 499.99 Euros ($815), respectively. Still no word from the French about official release dates, but we’re following.

Updatte2: And word just came in, the Archos 9 tablet is said to be released in October 22nd, concurrently with Windows 7, starting at $499.

Update3: Looks like Archos 9 is finally up for a pre-order. With an 8.9-inches display on top and Windows 7 Starter onboard, this $549.99 tablet machine is one awesome portable device that will let you exult and rock.

Update4: We’ve added another Archos 9 image, this time dissected, courtesy of the US FCC that has torn it apart before approving the North American debut.

Update5: Despite previous announcements, it looks like Archos 9 tablet PC is now due for release somewhere around the first quarter of 2010, instead of mid October 2009. We’re not sure what are the reasons for this delay, but guess you will have to take it for granted.

Update6: The good guys at UMPCPortal were lucky to get the Archos 9, a month before official debut, preloaded with a 60GB hard drive and Intel’s 1.1GHz Atom processor inside. Too bad it runs the Windows 7 starter edition which lacks those nifty tablet features you can use in the Premium and Ultimate versions. Nevertheless, checkout their unboxing video after the break.

[Archos]

Read more…

French media corp. Archos has just announced the Archos 3 touchscreen PMP, which suppose to go live somewhere this year for an undetermined price. Regretfully, we’re lack of any core details as of this moment,  but we can definitely say it’ll have 8GB of internal storage, along with 14 hours of audio playback, voice recording, 3-inch  tactile display and a built-in photo viewer with landscape view capabilities. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: More details surface up, moments before a UK release takes place. Apparently, the Archos 3 was re-branded as Archos 3 Vision and the device itself packs a 3-inch touchscreen, along with 8GB of storage, microSDHC card slot, a voice recorder, an FM tuner and a competitive price of £90 ($148). Stay tuned.

[Archos]

After an unsuccessful effort to get into the mp3 players world with the 105 mediocre device, French company Archos is retrying to take a foothold within this category by releasing two flash players out of the blue, to be available in different hues and different capacities. First one, which already is available in Amazon for few hours and known as the Archos 2 packs either 8GB ($60) or 16GB ($92) capacities, together with a 1.8-inch 128 x 160 display, a microSD slot expansion, an FM tuner, a mic and a battery that can play up to 12 audio hours or 4, in case you prefer video files. The second, which is yet to be revealed, also known as the Archos 4, and is expected to have a 4-inch display with up to 32GB capacity inside. Other than that, there are no further details to share, so stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Looks like Archos2 just turned official and is now available for purchasing  at the company’s website, as the 8GB version, which is still in “coming soon” status goes for $59.99, while the 16GB model will set you back for $99.99. Additionally, a blue version should be released somewhere this year, but we have no specific date to share yet.

Update2: Checkout Archos 2 video preview from Charbax, after the break.

Update3: Archos has re-branded both the 2 & 4 players, which are now called 2 Vision and 4 Vision. Both devices will go on a UK sale very shortly, a 1.8-inch display with optional 16GB capacity and a £50 ($80) price tag, and a £20 ($32) release, in case you settle with the 2GB version.

[via ArchosLounge]

Read more…

Those who own Archos 5/7 devices should be pleased knowing the French company has finally uploaded a new firmware update (v1.6.03) that adds the long awaited high-def video support, which includes MPEG-4 ASP and WMV / VC-1 playback compatibility at 720p (24fps, 6Mbps maximum). Besides that, the new firmware also fixes some pesty bugs within the GUI, MP3 tags and few other TV recording slips. To get this one, just hit the link below and start watching your favorite films in sharp mode.

Update: Only two weeks after releasing firmware v1.6.03, which added high-def video compatibility to the Archos 5, the French corp launches another update (v1.6.53) that brings GPS car holder support, so you can use your media tablet device as a navigation system via Archos’ cradle, and find your way in Europe, North America or Russia through TeleAtlas maps, which are included as well. Further more, with the new firmware update you’ll be able to navigate your way from the inside, thanks to the new file browser, coming with drag n’ drop and multi-selection capabilities. The firmware can be downloaded from here.

[Archos]

It’s been a while since Archos first introduced the “Internet Media Tablets” to the world and now, the French corp has finally released the Snap-On TV tuner add-on, which lets you watch live TV from your very own media tablet and record your favorite shows in DVD quality, once connected with the DVR features. The new TV adapter packs 2 antenna receivers in both sides and hooks to the bottom of your PMP device like any other external accessories, available for the Archos 5. Although you won’t be able to watch one channel while recording another, the idea of having a portable TV inside our pockets, should always make us excited, specially when the price stands at �60 ($76) and availability is only couple weeks away.

Update: Checkout the video from Archos Lounge, featuring the Snap-On TV in action (after the break).

[via ArchosLounge]

Read more…

Only a month after releasing its unattractive Archos 10 netbook model, the French corporation is looking forward, announcing a new generation of ultra-portable Mini PCs, which is expected to be released somewhere in April this year. The fresh Archos 10S lineup packs a 20mm chassis together with 3.5G functions, 1GB of RAM and up to 160GB hard drive. In addition to the 10S version, Archos plans to release in 2009 a 9-inch tablet PC with a virtual keyboard plus handwriting recognition feature that will join Intel’s Menlow-based Atom Z5xx processor and the 160GB HDD. Further more, Archos claims that both new portable computers will support high-def video playback, VOD and digital TV, while revolutionary 9″ tablet is said to have even more stronger edition, powered by Intel’s Moorestone MID platform that will presumably make a debut in 2010.

Update1: Archos officially rolls out the 10S  Mini PC and the 9-inch Tablet PC, both to be available somewhere this Fall.  The new 10S netbook will apparently include a 0.866’’ Ultra-thin chassis, packing a 10.2-inch display, an Intel ATOM 1.6 Ghz CPU with 1 GB of RAM, and 80GB hard disk storage.  Price wasn’t given up to this point but we’ve added a new image to the post.

Update2: First video of the Archos 10S is finally up, courtesy of Charbax. Hit the break to take a look.

[Archos][PDF link]

Read more…

Only days after launching the Archos 10 netbook, the guys at ArchosLounge have taken it for a closer roundup. From their impression, it’s just another version of MJ125 Hase, featuring specs like 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 3 cells battery, and 160GB hard drive, along with the usual 10/100 M Ethernet controller, 802.11b/g WiFi, 1.3MP webcam, or a 4-in-one card reader. Nevertheless, the potential is there, specially if you load inside a 6-cells battery and Ubuntu Satanic instead of the dull Windows XP system. Hit the link below for more images.

[via ArchosLounge]

For many of us, the name Archos relates to advanced multimedia players with quality video display and robust frame. But the French brand has already realized that the trends shift to some other directions, binding them to move forward and to be straightened with global tendencies. As a result, the company has joined the overcrowded market, introducing the Archos 10, a 10.2-inch netbook with ordinary specs like 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 3 cells (6 optional) battery, 160 GB hard drive and Windows XP onboard. Nothing special in terms of design, but you also get a 1.3MP webcam, a card reader (4 in 1), 3 USB 2.0 ports, and the usual internet connectivity stuff. Still no word on price or availability, but we sure hope to hear more from this direction.

Update1: Archos 10 is now official and ready to go. The specs remain similar to those we’ve already noted up . In addition, you get 10/100 M Ethernet controller, 802.11b/g WiFi, PCI-E interface, 2 stereo speakers, VGA output, and a mic. Archos also loaded up various software, including Lotus Symphony Working Suite, XnView photo editor, Vtuner Web Radio & TV Player, BitDefender Antivirus 2009 and Parental Filter. As for the numbers, the Archos 10 is priced at $399 for the 3-cell battery version, or $449 in case you’re a 6-cell avid.

Update2: The Archos 10 is now available to order, starting at $399 for the basic package.

Update3: In case you’re keen of Barbie style, the French company has just released a Pink Archos 10 edition, to be available across Europe with the same specs and prices we’ve already mentioned earlier.

Update4: Now you can get even more, as Archos 10 Ubuntu Edition is up and available for 375 Euros (around $525), including the same specs, only with Ubuntu Linux OS inside, paired with 2GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive.

[via archoslounge]

Read more…

Archos aficionados, there are some great news coming ahead, as the French company has finally released firmware version 1.2.05, which brings external keyboard and mouse support to the Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet devices, allowing users to connect them via USB port to the DVR Station or the Battery Dock, whenever they like. This long awaited move, will help Archos fanboys to improve their usability, specially within the typing or gaming areas and literally, will turn the small 5-inch PMP into a portable netbook hybrid – meaning, more options, more functionality and way more comfortable to handle. Checkout the rest of the firmware updates after the break.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox7lsox

[via archoslounge]

Read more…

It’s been a while since Archos first introduced the Archos 5,7 Internet Media Tablets to the world, but the one we’ve been all expecting, the Archos 5 3G+model, was just announced by French wireless carrier SFR, and will make its way to the European market with the same stunning 4.8-inch 800 x 600 touchscreen and the strong ARM Cortex processor, but with a black stylish cover and a shrunken 30GB storage drive (compared to the 60GB/120GB/250GB versions in normal). The new subsidized device boasts an integrated 3G HSDPA modem and new customized SFR menu (We prefer the regular one), coming with monthly data subscriptions of €19.90/$25, in case you’re an existing SFR customer or €24 ($30) for newbies, aside the €249 ($320) you have to pay for the unit itself. Still, no word when this piece of technology is going to hit Stateside, but you can take a look at the video (in French) for the meantime.

[via gmp3]

[image via journaldugeek]

Read more…

Archos fans can be very pleased, as the company has just released firmware update 1.0.87 for the Archos 5 and Archos 7 internet media tablets, coming up with OGG / Flac formats support, after so many years. As an Archos avid, I must admit, it wasn’t expected at all and from my personal knowledge, many media junkies haven’t made any contact with the French players because of that specific reason, so I guess these are great news, wherever you are. Additionally, the new firmware version substantially improves the battery life to 22 hours of audio and 7 hours of video, together with some major bug fixes. It is also been reported that the wifi range was increased and the USB transfer rate has been raised. You can download firmware version 1.0.87 from here.

Meanwhile, we hear that the guys at Pocketables.net have compared websites loading time between the Archos 5, iPhone 3G and the Nokia N810, and the results are truly amazing, as the Archos 5 was the clear winner in every aspect, thanks to the strong 600MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor. Checkout the comparing table after the break.

[via Archos]

Read more…

Following Apple’s steps, French multimedia manufacturer, Archos, has just released a 13 minutes guided tour video, introducing its latest Internet Media Tablet lineup, together with some of the main key features and the optional plugins/accessories you can get, in order to enhance your experience. It is the first time that Archos releases such a video tour, as part of its new global marketing strategy, to push forward the new Archos 5 and the Archos 7 media tablets. Checkout the video after the break.

[Archos]

Read more…

The new Porient H12 UMPC can easily compete head-to-head with the latest Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet, as it comes with a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen and a strong 520MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor. However, the 300gm device packs only 2GB of flash storage, so i guess there’s an obvious winner between the two, having the Archos 5 housing 60/120/250GB capacities onboard. Notwithstanding, the H12 features an SD/MMC card slot, mini-USB port, 802.11b/g WiFi connectivity, built-in GPS navigation system, DAB/DVB-H/DVB-T tuners and assimilated capabilities, including a web browser, RSS reader, multimedia player, voice recording, email, PDF viewer, office software, etc. Still, no word on price or availability, but it seems you can place your order for a bulk of units.

[via pocketables]

Archos has officially unveiled their 6th generation PMPs lineup, known as “Internet Media Tablets”, including Archos 5, Archos 7 and Archos 5G models, to make a debut across the world from September 2008. The 6th Gen comes with new clean sleeky design, as Archos decides to dump the side tactile buttons from the 5th Gen and focus on bigger touchscreen and slim look.

Archos 5 & Archos 7

are equipped with a strong bullet ARM Cortex processor, storage capacities, starting from 60GB up to 320GB, three on top buttons, including power and Volum +/-, high-resolution 800 x 480 touchscreen, as the Archos 5 comes with a 4.8-inch display and the Archos 7 packs a 7-inch screen. In addition, both models feature Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connection, 3.5mm mini jack for headphones, free Opera web browser, built-in speaker, HD video support and DVR station dock/DVR snap-on accessory (optional) to record your favorite TV shows or play 5.1 audio via your stereo Hi-Fi. Mind you, the new DVR station houses an HDMI output to display high-definition 720P video content.

Archos 5G

One of the most interesting devices from the new series, packs 30GB storage capacity, together with 3.5 HSPDA 3G cellular modem that lets you surf the internet wherever you want, without the need to be around a Wi-Fi hotspot. It comes with the same 4.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen (800 x 480) and same video/audio capabilities, supporting MP3, WMA, WMA Pro 5.1, WAV (PCM / ADPCM) for audio, MPEG-4 (ASP @ L5 AVI), WMV, M-JPEG (Motion JPEG video) QVGA resolution, for video and JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, PDF, SRT for the rest.

Estimated shipping dates & prices

Archos 5 – September: 60GB – $350, 120GB – $400, 250GB – $450
Archos 7 – October: 160GB – $450, 320GB – $550
Archos 5G – December: 30GB – $550

The Archos 5g, could be subsidized by carriers.

Checkout the initial video and full specs after the break.

Update: early than expected, the Archos 5 & 7 “internet media tablets” go live on Amazon with a wide range of accessories, including DVR Station ($99), a DVR Snap-On ($80), a Mini Dock ($30), a Battery Dock ($50), a Helmet Camcorder ($130), and more.

[via Archos]

Read more…

Today, after months of speculations, Archos has finally met the expectations and released firmware update 2.0.10 that includes:

• WebTV and Radio (with optional Plug-in).
• GPS (with optional car cradle).
• Alarm Clock.
• Flash 9 support.

There’s no doubt that among the new features above, the most juicy newsworthy one is the Flash 9, which places Archos PMPs at the top of the players and the only ones to support flash 9. The new release enables Archos users to surf the internet seamlessly, without having to miss any web details or applications, as the tendency points to built-in flash 8/9 web services. The new firmware is available to download here, check out the videos after the break.

[via Archos]

Read more…

Big day for Archos, as the company has launched its new GPS device for the Archos 605 player, coming with maps of 22 European countries and equipped with lots of road and traffic services. In addition, Archos has launched 2 revolutionary plugins for the 605 devices, the first is the WebTV & Radio which enables wide variety of TV channels and radio stations, live via WiFi connection on the internet, thanks to a team up with TV Tuner. This plugin is available to purchase from Archos website for $19.99. The second plugin is the TV Portation which enables Archos TV+ owners to stream TV shows, directly from the living room into the Archos 605 PMP, wherever they are, on the go, which turns the TV+ device into a streaming media server, similar to the Sling box. This plugin will be available to purchase from Archos website next month for $49.99, but if you have a registered TV+ device it will be available for free.

Update 1: It will also feature full support for Flash 9 and WMV9 formats, free of charge, at the next firmware update, coming up next month.

Update 2: Check out the plugins demo videos after the break.

[via Archos]

Read more…

Archos announces the release of a new GPS navigation device for its fifth generation PMPs. Equipped with an integrated SiRF Star III chip, the new in-car GPS cradle turns your entertainment 605 player into a full-fledged navigation system, by simply snapping the Archos into the GPS In-Car Holder, which is connected to the car windshield. By doing so, you get an intuitive interface that allows you to easily pick any address, remarkable location or point of interest and find the best way to get there, with a full voice and video navigation system, presenting the sharp, precise and fast solution. The new system provides any road info you want, including traffic assistance, route planning, tunnel simulation, radar locations and even speed control assistance in some countries. The ARCHOS GPS In-Car Holder is compatible with any Archos 605 player and will cost you only $129.99. You can also buy this GPS device bundled with a 30GB Archos 605 player, for $399.99. Both packages will be available in May 2008.

Update: Check out the video preview after the break.

[via Archos]

Read more…

Police motorcyclists squad from Magdalena Colombia, really like the Archos media players, specially the ability to film and record felonies during their ride. The Archos device is their daily instrument to enforce the law, as they attach the camcorder to their helmet, connect it to the media player and go out the roads to catch the criminals. One thing though, someone should tip them there’s a new series of Archos players, its the fifth generation lineup, so they should update their stocks, i’m sure they’ll get a good price. Check the video after the break (in Spanish).

[via ArchosLounge]

Read more…