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Archos 5 Internet Tablet gets game-changing OpenGL support in 2.0.15 update (video)
Speedy browser aside, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet started as the runt of the Android litter, but the ugly duckling is headed towards swanhood -- while officially, it's still stuck with Android 1.6, the tablet's French manufacturer has just transformed the media machine into what looks like a stellar Android game system as well. Archos' 2.0.15 update gives the Archos 5 support for OpenGL, letting it run games like Speed Forge 3D and Raging Thunder II at a fantastic clip. Best of all, you won't have to wait two shakes to test it out for yourself; there's a 89MB download with your name on it at our source link. Video after the break. [Thanks, Tom]
Sean Hollister06.04.2010
Archos 8 Home Tablet just a 7-inch display according to FCC docs
Get a load of that bezel. With chunk like that we can only be looking at the Archos 8 Home tablet, a device that just lumbered its way through the FCC in a rather unflattering (even for the FCC) photo spread. Archos calls its Model 7800 an Android MID throughout the government docs, but given the bezel-to-display ratio we're guessing it'll pull primary duty as a $199 picture frame with the ability to track down the occasional recipe over WiFi. Other details include the same plodding Rockchip RK2808 SoC found in the Archos 7 Home Tablet and a HSD070IDW1 resistive touchscreen display from Hannstar with 800x480 pixel resolution, 25ms response, 500:1 contrast, 200/300 nits brightness, and poor 140-degree left-right and 110-degree up-down viewing angles -- easy to see where Archos cut out the cost, eh? Oh, and get this, Hannstar says that its display is 7-inches, not 8-inches as Archos claims. Either Archos made a mistake in its FCC submission or the company is hoping to mask reality with that giant plastic border.
Thomas Ricker05.26.2010
Archos 7 Home Tablet now shipping, days ahead of schedule
Looking for a cheap Android tablet that's neither KIRF nor vaporware? You could do worse than the $199 Archos 7 Home Tablet, now shipping from Amazon a full week ahead of its "early June" release window. For three Benjamins less than that other slate, you'll get a thin, spacious device that serves as an excellent media player, coupled with a sub-par Android 1.5 experience and a resistive touchscreen. If the lack of Android Market isn't a dealbreaker, you can slap down your bills right after the break, but we'd recommend reading through our full review to see it in action (complete with video) and find out exactly what you're getting yourself into.
Sean Hollister05.25.2010
Engadget Podcast 196 - 05.14.2010
What's up, yo? Oh, sorry, we meant, what's up, FroYo? The Engadget Podcasteers dig deep on the new version of the Android Cellular Telephone And Other Connected Devices Operating System as the line between telephone and computer becomes less and less important. And Joanna Stern, Supreme Laptop Knowledge Warrior Princess, becomes the first and last female to ever be on a technology podcast in the Great Tech Journalist Civil Rights Movement of May 14-15th, 2010.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerSpecial guest: Joanna SternProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Never Gonna Give You UpHear the podcast02:57 - Android 2.2 'Froyo' and Flash run like butter on Nexus One (update)07:22 - Android 2.2 'Froyo' to include USB tethering, WiFi hotspot functionality10:28 - Sprint selling HTC EVO 4G on June 4 for $19911:35 - Sprint's HTC EVO 4G put through its bandwidth-sucking paces21:55 - NPD: Android ousts iPhone OS for second place in US smartphone market28:45 - HTC files patent complaint against Apple, asks for ban on iPhone, iPad, and iPod29:22 - HTC's complaint against Apple examined38:00 - AMD promises better battery life and thermals with new Neo CPUs, more power with Phenom II platform42:15 - Lenovo officially rolls out new IdeaPad Z Series43:14 - HP unleashes seven new ProBooks, cuddles up with AMD44:10 - HP Envy 14 and 17 officially official, Envy 13 slowly waves goodbye46:25 - Sony VAIO P Series gets an accelerometer, touchpad (Updated: starts at $799)49:45 - Archos 7 Home Tablet reviewSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Trent Wolbe05.14.2010
Archos 7 Home Tablet review
Upon first look is there anything not to love about the Archos 7 Home Tablet? It's .5-inches thick, has a seven-inch touchscreen, runs Android, and wait for it...only costs $199. It's all sounded pretty great to us since its CeBIT unveil, but then small, yet saddening details began to emerge about the device: it has a resistive touchscreen, lacks an accelerometer, and doesn't have access to the Android Market -- and worst of all, it runs Android 1.5. Sure, you get what you pay for, but can the Archos 7 rise above those shortcomings and persuade us to dig $199 out of our piggy banks? We've spent the last week with the tablet, so you'll just have to click on to find out. %Gallery-92888%
Joanna Stern05.13.2010
Archos 5 shown running Maemo, Android 2.0, but no Windows 3.11 yet (video)
With the Archos 5 we were shown that Android can be a legitimate media powerhouse. But, it's tough for a player to be stuck with 1.6 while other devices have already broken in their 2.1 shoes. Fear not, as the device is showing to be generally receptive to tweaks, first being an install of Maemo that seemingly runs quite well but, with no WiFi support, is something of a non-starter at this point. Also now booting is Android 2.0, a clean port that was apparently quite easily installed on the device but, sadly, doesn't work with the touchscreen, meaning it is even more useless at this point. Maybe if you're willing to lend a hand you can help to get one or the other rather more functional -- or maybe 1.6 doesn't look so bad anymore. Videos of both alt-OSes are after the break, and installation instructions are at the source links.
Tim Stevens05.12.2010Archos 7 Home Tablet ships to Android lovers in June
So you go and pre-order the Archos 7 Home Tablet, thinking it would ship by the end of April. Our deepest apologizes, but according to the official press release below, the 7-inch, Android 1.6 tablet won't be shipping in the US until early June -- though an Archos spokesperson told us that those who pre-ordered may get units before the end of May if they count their lucky stars. The rest of the release doesn't reveal much, but does confirms that the resistive touchscreen device won't have access to the Android Marketplace. Instead -- and as you can see in the unboxing pictures below -- it comes with Archos' AppsLib store and is preloaded with a few apps, including eBuddy and Aldiko's e-reader software. Still, we know the $199.99 tablet sounds tempting, but our review should be up in the next few days. In other words, you should probably hold off on sliding that credit card out -- after all, she ain't shipping 'til June. %Gallery-92466%
Joanna Stern05.06.2010
Archos Vision 3 with VGA cam arriving this summer
Oh, we see what you're doing here with the updated Vision 3, Archos -- going straight for the $149 iPod Nano's jugular by pricing the 8GB, VGA cam-toting player under $100. Pretty clever, and after spending a few minutes with the small PMP, we have reason to believe that Archos may just have better luck than ever before. The 3-inch touchscreen on the Vision A30VC is responsive and the interface easy to navigate, and though the 640×480-resolution camera won't capture award-winning footage, you can tap to record video and snap some stills. Sure, the plastic body feels much cheaper than the iPod's anodized aluminum back, but at under $100 we're not complaining. Check out some hands-on pics of the gadget below, and look for the little guy to hit retailers in late summer. %Gallery-92368%
Joanna Stern05.05.2010
Archos 7 Home Tablet up for pre-order on Amazon for $199
The Archos 7 Home Tablet already went up for pre-order overseas last month, but it's now finally available to order over here as well courtesy of Amazon, with more retailers undoubtedly set to follow soon. While there's still no word on an exact release date (Archos has only said the "end of April"), the 7-inch tablet can now be ordered for $199.99, which is one of the more inexpensive ways to get a taste of Android without having to sign a contract. Still not sure what you might be getting into? Then be sure to check out our hands-on for a quick overview of the device. [Thanks, Ron]
Donald Melanson04.22.2010
Archos promises six Internet Tablets this summer for hands of all sizes
If you're suffering from Goldilocks Syndrome, unable to find the perfect portable device, Archos is releasing a suite of suite of Internet Tablets this summer and surely one of them will be just right for your choosy tastes. The company looks poised to launch six of the things according to a slide that slipped out from a presentation given by Archos CEO Henri Crohas. The slide (above) shows a mockup image of six separate tablets, which are said to range in price from $100 to $350 with processors ranging from 800MHz up to 1GHz and screens from 3- to 10-inches. This single slide is all that we have to go on at this point, so go ahead and eat your porridge already before it gets too cold. We'll bring you more news on these when we have it.
Tim Stevens04.12.2010
Archos 7 Home Tablet sized up by FCC
Now that everyone and their grandpappy's thoroughly caught up in tablet frenzy, it's time for some of the lesser beasts to start coming out of the woodwork. Next up? The Archos 7 Home Tablet, which just garnered the last bit of FCC approval it needs to see a late April release. With a comparatively slow 600 MHz Rockchip RK2808 inside, don't expect the Home Tablet to set speed records like its younger brother, but do look forward to a reasonably competitive price when the video-friendly Android device arrives stateside. See what it looks like with a paintjob (and sans "Ewe" logo) in our video from CeBIT after the break, or peek pics of an government-sponsored teardown at the source link.
Sean Hollister04.09.2010Archos 7 Home Tablet up for pre-order, could ship first week of April
The first week of April is going to be a good one for prospective tablet owners. If a certain highly talked-about slate isn't to your liking, it seems that Archos 7 Home Tablet we spent some time with earlier this month will soon be making its debut as well. Both Redcoon.de ("usually ships in two weeks") and Amazon.de ("soon") have the 8GB model available for pre-order, for €180 and €200 (or about $240 and $270) respectively. Not the most stunning hardware, to be sure, but for less than $300 you can't really complain. Hit the source link to see for yourself. Updated: We heard from Archos and it plans to launch the the 7 Home Tablet here in the US at the end of April.
Joseph L. Flatley03.29.2010
Updated Archos 13 laptop to roll out next month
This one looks to have largely gotten lost among the hubbub of CeBIT earlier this month, but it seems like Archos quietly announced a followup to its Archos 13 laptop, which is now set to debut sometime next month. Complete details are still a bit light unfortunately, but the revised model will sport that always desirably "classy look," along with an Atom D510, Windows 7 Home Premium for an OS and, presumably, a 13.3-inch display. No word on pricing just yet, but the original Archos 13 came in at an even $800.
Donald Melanson03.17.2010
Archos's budget Vision A43VB PMP caught on camera making kittens sad (video)
It's been a few months since we last heard of Archos's supposed new player lineup, as all the talk lately has been tablet-this and tablet-that, but we finally have some video of a new Vision device, the A43VB. Somewhat tragically, though, it apparently is not a real Archos device at all, rather a re-branded discount media player given the Archos silkscreen and a UI refresh. The good news is this means a low cost -- just €99 (or $135) -- for this 8GB model with a 4.3-inch screen and microSD expansion, but the bad news is that the result is slightly janky. The plastic looks rough and the UI far from intuitive, leaving our friendly video guide below to decry "I cannot exit the cats." That said, this is not a final device we're looking at here, so with any luck things will be a bit cleaned up inside and out before retail. Just don't go hoping for a surprise infusion of Android before then.
Tim Stevens03.08.2010
Archos Phone Tablet shelved due to lack of carrier support?
We'd already heard that Archos' Android-based phone tablet might be in trouble if the company wasn't able to line up at least two carriers to support it, and it looks like that unfortunate end may have now come to pass. While Archos itself still isn't saying anything, French daily Les Echos is reporting that the company has indeed shelved its plans for the phone, and is apparently returning its focus to its line of non-phone internet tablets. Of course, the phone does still exist, so there's always a slight chance that it could make a comeback, but the word out of CeBIT seems to be painting a pretty grim picture. [Thanks, Chris]
Donald Melanson03.04.2010
Archos announces new line of internet tablets for summer 2010
You thought that the Archos gang were goin' wild with the svelte 7 Home Tablet (and its self-conscious digiframe-esque sibling), but believe us -- the Android funfest is far from over. According to the company, this summer will see the range expand significantly, with new models featuring ARM Cortex processors (up to 1GHz) and "a richer set of features with screen sizes from 3- to 10-inches." One thing that we probably won't be seeing "any time soon," at least according to the kind man we cornered at the Archos booth at CeBIT? An Archos phone. But that's OK -- we don't even know how we'd find time to talk on the phone with all those tomatoes we have to slice. [Thanks, Michael]
Joseph L. Flatley03.04.2010
Archos 7 Home Tablet (and PMPs) hands-on
Why hello there, Archos. My, what nice Android you have there. Tucked away in a little booth at CeBIT, the PMP maker was showcasing its latest 7-inch Home Tablet. Unfortunately, it was pretty barebones as far as content goes, but the vanilla Android 1.6 was running smooth, and if company precedence indicates anything, the video playback is still fairly solid. The selling point here, really, is a decent screen and that $200 or so price tag. No dice on espying Archos 8, though; we've passed by the company's booth twice now, and both times it had yet to be sent to the show floor. Instead, on hand were the A14VG and AV15VS, but there isn't a lot to say about music players with the same feature set you'd find in PMPs sold at grocery stores -- there's definitely a market, but it's targeted at your wallet more than your desire for cutting edge goods. Video of Archos 7 after the break. %Gallery-86988% %Gallery-87152%
Ross Miller03.03.2010
Archos 7 and 8 Home Tablets are cheap, but you get what you pay for
Archos has just announced its brand new 7- and 8-inch Home Tablets, which both run Android and cost €149 ($203). For that layout, you'll get a 600MHz ARM 9 processor, which won't be breaking any (positive) records, but the Archos 7 you see above is a very svelte 12mm thin and weighs only 350g, making it an ideal web reading device if not a particularly potent multimedia consumer. You also get WiFi, 2GB of integrated memory on the cheaper versions and a battery that will last for seven hours of video or 44 hours of audio playback. The Archos 8 (pictured after the break) comes with a huge old bezel, hinting at its ability to double up as a picture frame, while sharing the 7's other features, including price and thickness. The smaller device will be coming out in Europe this April, to be followed by its larger sibling in May.
Vlad Savov03.01.2010
Archos Home Slate set to grace CeBIT with its family-friendly presence
Watch out now, Archos is about to bestow a whole new category of electronic device upon us. It'll still be a tablet to the knowledgeable among us, but the rest of the world will know the Home Slate as an FDA -- a family digital assistant. Listed on CeBIT's exhibitor guide, this new multimedia player cum home organizer will offer WiFi connectivity and a web browser along with the usual suite of photo, video and music playback options. We'd heard earlier that Archos was planning new tablets aimed specifically at in-home use, and the A70HB model number here would suggest that this might be the rumored Archos 7 Android tablet pictured above. Whether it be 7 inches or 17, you can rest assured we'll be digging this up at CeBIT shortly to figure out if those family-assisting features are worthy of the highfalutin marketing that accompanies them. [Thanks, David V.]
Vlad Savov03.01.2010
Archos said to have two new Android tablets on track for CeBIT
We've already seen a whole slew of Archos renders leak ahead of CeBIT, and it looks like the company itself has now confirmed that it'll have at least two new devices on hand at the show. Details are still pretty light, of course, but the company's German PR firm has reportedly said that Archos will debut two new "low-cost" Android tablets that are "specifically designed for use at home." One of those is rumored to be a new Archos 7 tablet, while the other remains a bit of a mystery -- although the combination of "low-cost" and "home use" seems to suggest that 3G might be out of the question for either of them.
Donald Melanson02.19.2010