Archos' WiFi-capable 604 slips by the FCC

So Archos is getting into the WiFi PMP game. With as much buzz as devices like the Zune and the eternally unconfirmed wireless iPod get, you'd think it's the absolute holy grail of the PMP. But in truth you need some spankin' good software to back up the 802.11, or you're just wasting a chip. From the looks of the documentation of the Archos 604 WiFi, they've at least got it half right. The new version, which we spotted last week, includes not only 802.11b/g connectivity, but replaces the 4.3-inch 480 x 272 screen with a touchscreen version. As reported, they've packed in an Archos-specific version of the Opera browser, making the device much more akin to Nokia's 770 tablet than the Zune. Along with tabbed browsing and other touchscreen-based perks, the new 604 has full-fledged Windows file sharing capabilities, and seemingly robust WiFi connection tools. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any snazzy WiFi-based sync, sharing or purchasing capabilities -- all main selling points of the Zune -- so the verdict is still out on how successful this could actually be. Still, we're definitely willing to give it a once over, and a harmless little cage-match-to-the-death between it and our 770 shouldn't go too far amiss. Keep reading for a few pics of the WiFi in action.

[ElectroGeek @ Sep 4th 2006 10:36PM]

Nice. I didn't see a pricepoint listed however. Are they planning on adding a digital camera to this one? I believe Archos has another PMP with a built in 1.3 megapixel camera as well.

[TRobinson @ Sep 21st 2006 9:00PM]

which version has the camera?? thats exactly what i've been looking for

[cmonkey @ Sep 4th 2006 11:00PM]

If it has full SMB (Windows file sharing) capabilities, I assume that means it has an SMB server (Samba, for example), by which two 604s could share files with each other.

[thejoeandchip @ Sep 4th 2006 11:31PM]

so this is defiantely linux, right? it sounds like it, though i dont know what "archos-specific version of the opera browser" means. does that mean its linux opera with an archos logo on it? i wonder how open it will be, homebrew apps are a must for this thing.

[Zach Marshall @ Sep 4th 2006 11:35PM]

Wow. im interested. really. freakin. interested :)

sign me up! wheres the price though :( the WiFi internet access has me hooked as I won't have to lug my laptop to hotels or just to be able to chill on the couch or in my basement with a guitar tab on the screen. oh pure heaven.

[Austintx @ Sep 5th 2006 12:27AM]

You run three networks, two on channel 11 and another on channel 10? Those channels overlap! Assuming you are in the USA, set one network to channel 1, another to 6 and the third to 11. If you are in Japan, you can also use 14.

[Mr. H @ Sep 5th 2006 12:30AM]

I'm wondering the same thing David...

[Jeff Lewis @ Sep 5th 2006 2:51AM]

Very interesting - although we need a price and info in how flexible it will be. One hook for the Nokia is that they made it open development right from the start.

[Adam @ Sep 5th 2006 3:01AM]

While this does look like a cool device it isn't exactly the first time Archos 'got into the wi-fi PMP game'. As an avid fan of my Archos PMA 430 I have been enjoying some great Archos linux based wifi action for a while now. While the device does have some problems every now and again I love the ability to run linux apps (after a bit of playing), browse the web, do e-mail, play videos/mp3 and look at photos, rock the 30 GB hard drive, use it as a usb hub (e.g. to store photos straight from a digital camera) and enjoy all the bright touch screen goodness. It even gets decent battery life: with the ability to swap out the battery and change the brightness an added bonus. Anyways just thought I'd mention it as it really is almost the perfect gadget for me. This is the kind of thing that Microsoft should be doing with the Zune line. Imagine all of those benefits combined with a windows OS. Now that would be something worth buying.

Cheers,

Adam

PS Try to avoid the obvious ‘it would blue screen comments’ lads.

[oven @ Sep 5th 2006 8:31AM]

whats the resolution on this screen?

[PDubNYC @ Sep 5th 2006 10:02AM]

"You run three networks, two on channel 11 and another on channel 10? Those channels overlap! Assuming you are in the USA, set one network to channel 1, another to 6 and the third to 11. If you are in Japan, you can also use 14."

Austintx, maybe they don't control the other networks, ever think of that? Or did you just have an uncontrollable urge to show all of us how much you know about wireless networks?

sorry, guess I am a little cranky this am.

[antwon" notorio" martin @ Sep 5th 2006 8:06PM]

yo ,, ive been on the site http://www.archos.com/products/video/archos_604/mailto.html?country=global&lang=en
and theres nothing there bout the wifi,,,w#t$f!... get at me if im wrong,,, i see it here but no mention in the specs of the device...paz...

[stallen @ Sep 5th 2006 11:09PM]

Yo antwon, that's because you are looking at the Archos 604" that was released a month ago not the Archos 604 WiFi that will be released around Christmas. Here is a video that shows the device in use... http://ifa2006.net/archos-604-wifi/

[David Li @ Sep 6th 2006 6:22PM]

Just out of curiosity, whatever happened to the cleaning out the closet contest?

[frabgod @ Sep 7th 2006 1:08AM]

The Christmas release date puts it behind Zune (if Microsoft holds to its schedule).
However the Archo's web browsing capabilities make it a bona fide "Wi-Fi" device... better than the limited Zune-to-Zune Wi-Fi offering that is expected with the first Zune product this fall.

frabgod

http://www.Zunerama.com

[Kinsman @ Sep 7th 2006 5:58PM]

Really interested in this device - but one question, if anyone can answer it yet: will the wifi connection allow you to stream video or audio from the internet that is normally accessed by Windows Media Player on your PC (ie WMA/WMV streams)?

[Demi Adejuyigbe @ Sep 7th 2006 8:20PM]

Holy crap!
According to Cnet, the price is TBD, but the PMA430, which is close, but with a touchscreen, at 800. Thats for everyone who want's a touchscreen iPod. Not gonna happen.

But Archos is smart, so the WiFi604 will probably be... 399.

Wink wink.

[tmx @ Oct 9th 2006 12:16PM]

The 404cc has camera, which release date is also due to announce, or sometime same as the 604wifi. Nut it is only 1.3mp, so I dont think it would worth it, I heard cellphones these day can do above 3mp. Also the 604wifi is the only one that will have internet. I'm disapointed in the fact that they dont make a player with all features in one, instead of all these craazy mixtures so you cant get all features unless you spend more money and the docking device for recording is $100 which I think is expensive.

[David @ Oct 13th 2006 11:37PM]

TMX they're not making the features all in one because they would then end up with something bulky. For them not to include the docking station is to keep the prices down. I still think this thing will be priced around 500.

[billybobjoe @ Oct 14th 2006 5:38PM]

I've been using an Archos Gmini for a year, and if it weren't for the Zune, I'd stick with Archos.

http://www.zunescene.com

[tmx @ Oct 16th 2006 10:31AM]

Yes I was going to follow up with the price. Gmini400.com said the 604wifi is going to be release in the Uk late October, at 320pounds, which is $600USD. I hope this is not the case, but I know realistic it'll be atleast more thn $450.Again, I don't think they are trying to keep the price down by discluding the dock, I mean the Gmini400 can connect directly to TV, and the AV series can direct record. And It wouldn't cost that much to manufacture the dock.But yes I think 5x3inch is bulky anyway to start with, good thing it is thin (for what it does). Size really matters nowaday. I mean people email and paypal me using their cellphone.

Lastly the 404cc is really useless if its going to just have a 1.3mp camera, which is really low quality.

[Newman @ Oct 25th 2006 4:38PM]

this looks sweet. but i really want to see the price tag. and also if im not into linux really will i be able to adjust fairly easy to this. or should i wait for the true video ipod or a better zune????

[tom Thomas @ Mar 26th 2007 12:38AM]

can someone please tell me what is a good screen protector for the 604 wifi? thanks