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Archos TV+ TVportation plug-in shifts your TV to 605 / 705 PMP
Got yourself an Archos TV+? How's about a WiFi-enabled 605 / 705 PMP? Even if you're sadly answering "no" to the latter question, folks with a Windows or Windows Mobile-based machine can still get in on the placeshifting action, as Archos has just announced a swank new TV+ plug-in that brings Slingbox capabilities to those devices. The May-bound TVportation application, which will be available gratis for those who register their Archos TV+ on the firm's website (it's $49.99 otherwise), simply enables users to control their set-top-box from anywhere where WiFi is accessible, giving users the ability to watch live TV on their handheld. Sure, it's more of the same, but for the Archos faithful who refuse to trade in their 605 / 705, it's a dream come true. Check out a lengthy demonstration vid after the break. [Warning: PDF read link] [Thanks, Charbax]
Archos 605 and 705 now support Dish DVR transfers
We've always had an inkling that Archos was making some content moves around its Generation 5 PMPs, and the latest is pretty sweet: a plug-in download from Archos.com now enables the 605 and 705 to transfer shows and movies directly from Dish VIP622 and VIP722 DVRs over USB 2.0. There's no mention of pricing in the press release, so we're assuming it'll be a free download, and the plug-in should be available "today," although we're not currently seeing it. You know, with the Sling relationship and now this deal with Archos, it kind of seems like Dish actually wants customers to view its content as they see fit -- any of the other satellite or cable companies paying attention here?[Warning: PDF read link]
Archos's Generation 5 players are now available worldwide
Yeah, we already knew the 605 and 405 had been loosed Stateside, but Archos is finally ready to unleash the whole family on the world -- pictured above, with convenient comparisons to other players you-may-have-seen-around courtesy of Archos. Unfortunately, the Archos 705 WiFi and Archos TV+ won't actually be available until early next month, but the Archos 105, 405 and 605 WiFi are all out today. The players aren't terribly expensive either, with the 2GB 105 at $89; 2GB 405 at $149; the 4GB, 30GB, 80GB and 160GB 605 WiFi at $199, $299 and $349, $399, respectively; 80GB 705 WiFi at $399, 160GB at $499; 80GB Archos TV+ at $249, and finally the 250GB TV+ at $349. As for those curious about content partnerships, the WiFi models connect wirelessly to the "Archos Content Portal" for PC-free purchasing of premium content, and there are currently over 15 partners worldwide -- with CinemaNow doing the honors in the US.[Thanks, Peter L. Warning: PDF link]
Archos' 605 and 405 go on sale in the US
We already had word that the Archos 605 WiFi would be released tomorrow, but it looks like the company couldn't wait -- the 605 and and 405 just appeared for sale on the Archos website. Pricing is right in line with what we told you earlier: the 160GB 605 is $399, with the 80GB, 30GB and 4GB + SD versions coming in at $349, $299 and $230, respectively, while the 2GB + SD 405 is just $169. Still no word on all those rumored content partnerships, but at least now we can do some digging Stateside, eh?[Thanks, Dimitri]
Archos 605 contains evidence of massive content partnerships?
A couple of lines in a settings file does not a partnership make, but some enterprising hackers at the Archos Community Forums have discovered evidence that Archos is planning at least one large-scale content deal when the super-hot 605 launches in the US. Poking around in the unit's provider.xml file inside the system folder, user Plissken007 discovered pointers to not one, but eight major content partners for wireless media distribution, including some with live holder pages on the Archos website. Notables include Best Buy, Cicuit City, Amazon (for Unbox, probably), MovieLink, Vongo, AOL, and, of course, YouTube. Now, we can't see Best Buy and Circuit City sharing space like this, so Archos is probably hedging their bets a little, but if it's true, it looks like there's finally going to be a major competitor to Apple's iPod / iTunes ecosystem out there, eh?[Disclosure: AOL owns Engadget's parent company.][Via Archos Fans]
Archos' 105 will be matching your outfit in September
For those of you not wanting to go all out with one of Archos' big boys like the 405, 605, or dreaded 705, the company offers a drop-in-your pocket solution known as the 105. Now, if you were hoping to accessorize with the little media player, you're in luck, because the company will be offering the PMP in three "sporty" colors: red, silver, and black. The player offers 2GB of internal storage, a 1.8-inch OLED screen, can play back WMVs at 25 FPS, and does all the usual formats like MP3s, WMAs, and WAVs. The super-fans over at Archos Lounge managed to locate some pics, and word on the street is that the 105 will be out at the beginning of September for the rock-bottom price of $89.99.[Thanks, Tom]
Archos 605 ship date and price point revealed?
The 160GB variant of the Archos 605 has popped up on Amazon, with the price point of $399.99 and an availability date of September 1st. This doesn't appear to be another one of Amazon's dodgy guestimate postings either, as it seems like physical pre-orders at this price / release date are being accepted. So, your choices are either take the plunge, or wait until September. Hopefully we'll have some more solid information before then. [Thanks, Jose]
Archos 605 reviewed: it gives the giddiness, indeed
The French PMP-maniacs over at ArchosLounge gotten their hands on the biggest and baddest of Archos' fifth-generation lineup, the 605 WiFi, and it looks like the device is pretty sweet. The user interface is praised as being exceptional, using 3D effects and the whole of the 4.3-inch touchscreen to make navigation simple. That screen wins high marks for another reason, as well: while it's a tiny bit grainy, the scratch-resistant surface somehow doesn't pick up any fingerprints or get greasy -- the bane of all touch devices. The Opera browser has been refined and now works with more websites (no Flash, though), while video streaming seems to work as advertised, although content is currently a little limited. Other than that, the only downsides seem to be the lack of an IM client and the fact that thinness comes at its usual price: the battery is no longer user-replaceable. We're not complaining, though -- this $300 music-playing, video-streaming, PDF-reading, widgetized wonder seems like a hit to us. Check the read link for the entire massive review, and here's hoping that recent FCC approval means we'll see this thing hit shelves in the States soon.
Archos 605 FM remote pic surfaces
Earlier today ArchosLounge posted a photo of an FM remote/receiver connected to the recently announced 605 WiFi PMP. While the iPod has been there and done that, this is still an interesting addition to the 605's functionality. As is usually the case with these random finds, price and release date have yet to be announced, but you can check the link for all the roughly translated goodness.[Thanks, Tom]
Archos 605 and 405 details, hands-on
We were on Archos's side of town today so we popped by to check out the 605 WiFi and 405 media players. (We were bummed there wasn't a 105 or 705 around, but 705 was no big deal -- according to Archos it's the same device, just made thinner.) We've also got some additional details for you on these devices. 605 will launch for $230 (4GB), $300 (30GB), and $400 (160GB) 405 will launch for $170, not including SD Both are available this summer The 605 is 9.2 ounces, and 4.8 x 3.2 x 0.6-inches on the 4GB (flash) and 30GB model, 0.75-inches thick on the 160GB model The 405 is 4.2 ounces, and 3.9 x 3.1 x 0.5-inches Both 605 and 405 will have 5 hours video, 16 hours audio playback The 605 not only streams video from the internet, it also downloads from a variety of paid and free channels (like CinemaNow, YouTube, BurnLounge, and Archos's own Content Portal, etc.) 605 also features an EPG for recording video Now that we've rounded out the specs, click on for some additional first impressions and a gallery of press shots.%Gallery-3979%
Archos announces 605 WiFi
We're obviously sooo surprised that the device pictured above turns out to be the 605 WiFi -- we're not sure if it's the fact that it was a 5th-gen player being launched that looks like the 604, or that the player has "605 WiFi" emblazoned on the front that tipped us off.605 users can expect a far higher res 800 x 480 4.3-inch touchscreen display (that's 200ppi, take that 160ppi iPhone), WiFi to connect with Archos's new digital content portal and the interweb (including video centric sites), and will be available in 4GB with an SD slot, and 30GB, 80GB, and 160GB drive sizes.[Via ArchosLounge]
Fifth generation Archos rumors intensify
Following up on yesterday's brief glimpse into the potential fifth generation of Archos' PMP lineup, it looks like the rumor mill is reaching full tilt, as a supposed product page detailing the specifications was quickly pulled after "accidentally" hitting the net a bit before its prime. Nevertheless, GenerationMP3 was able to snag a screenshot of more details surrounding the PMPs, so here's what we know now. The 405 will supposedly accept both miniSD and micro SD cards, support MPEG2/3/4, WMV, H.264, and AAC formats, play nice with JPEG, BPM, and PNG photos, and weigh 146 grams. The 605 may end up supporting SDHC, and users could also find themselves choosing between a 30GB, 80GB, or 160GB edition. Of course, we're still taking all of this lightly until official information begins to flow, but be sure and visit the read link for a glimpse at the newly leaked information regardless.