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Archos debuts four new tablets at CES 2013, dubbed the Titanium line
In Archos' ongoing initiative to create way, way more tablets than anyone else, the company this morning unveiled four new tablets in what it's calling the "Titanium" line (not to be confused with the Platinum line, of course). That name doesn't refer to the actual materials these tablets are made of, but rather their tech prowess -- all four feature high-def IPS capacitive multi-touch screens with dual-core 1.6GHz CPUs and an unnamed quad-core GPU, running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. They come in a range of sizes, from 7-inches ($119) all the way through 10.1-inches ($199). We'll be going hands-on with the newly revealed tablets in the coming hours, so keep an eye out for more detailed impressions and some snappy images (would you expect any less?). For the full pricing on all four tablets, head past the break for the official word from Archos.
Hands-on with Archos TV Connect (video)
Archos first announced its TV Connect ahead of CES 2013, which detailed a two-device approach to bringing the Android experience to televisions. On one end is an HD camera mounted either to the top of your television or set up as a stand, and at the other end is an enormous remote control -- what Archos is calling the "TV Touch remote." The camera end of things also contains a 1.5GHz "multi-core" CPU, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage, all of which powers the experience. Sadly, with a mess of WiFi signals and Bluetooth devices at the Las Vegas Convention Center (TV Connect included), navigating TV Connect's Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean interface could only be done via physical buttons -- the TV Touch remote is otherwise advertised to interact with the camera by placing a cursor on screen, navigable by physically pointing the giant remote at your screen. In our hands-on time, not only was the cursor bugging out, but the Bluetooth connection dropped altogether at one point. It's possible that this was just a measure of the demo area's constraints, of course; we're reserving judgment until we can test it in our own homes. When it was working, it operated like you'd expect Android to operate. We were able to jump quickly from Google Maps to a game just as easily as you would on any standard Android device, albeit on the big screen. And that's quite a promising concept -- pushing not only apps like YouTube and Netflix to the TV, but more importantly, Google's Play store. That means games (controllable with the TV Touch remote), media, and more. Whether it's as exciting as it sounds remains to be seen, but we'll be sure to find out before it arrives at retail this February for $130. Take a peek at TV Connect in use in our hands-on video, just below.
Engadget goes hands-on with the Archos Gamepad
After exploring Epic Citadel with the Oculus Rift, Engadget's strangely familiar Ben Gilbert got his hands on Archos's 7-inch Android gaming tablet. The Archos GamePad arrived in Europe late last year, and as the CES rep notes it's coming to retail in North America this month, priced at $169.99.
Hands-on with Archos' two iPad lookalike tablets, the Archos Platinum 97 and 80
What to make of two Archos-branded tablets that look almost exactly like Apple's ubiquitous iPad and iPad Mini? We weren't quite sure, honestly, but after spending some brief time with both Archos' Platinum 97 and 80, it's easy to understand why Archos went with that look -- the two Android tablets are beautiful, simple, and sleek. But looks only go so far, and when we actually spent some time using the device, we were a bit less impressed. While the 9.7 and 8-inch IPS touchscreens are perfectly serviceable, the physical buttons on each device feels junky and unresponsive. It's not for a lack of power: both tablets feature a quad-core 1.2GHz CPU and an unnamed "eight core GPU," pushing 2048 x 1536 resolution on the 97 and 1024 x 768 on the 80 Platinum. Jumping from application to application was quick and slick, but we couldn't help but remain disappointed by a power button that chose to work only sometimes and some relatively low-grade front- and rear-facing cameras: just 2MP apiece. Of course, we'll reserve our full judgment until the Archos Platinum line arrives at retail in March (and in our hands); the Platinum 97 runs $329, while the 80 costs $199.%Gallery-175386%
Hands-on with the Archos Gamepad, an Android gaming tablet with tactile buttons
The Archos Gamepad went up for sale in Europe back in October, but the 7-inch Android gaming tablet (with built-in physical controls, no less) is just arriving in North America this month. That's a full year after the US launch of Sony's dedicated gaming handheld, the PlayStation Vita, and the same quarter when Wikipad's expected to launch. To put it lightly, the Archos GamePad has some pretty stiff competition, both in the dedicated gaming handheld market and in the Android gaming tablet market. It's certainly got the internals to stand up to the competition -- Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean running on a dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz and a quad-core Mali 400 MP GPU, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card slot, up to 64GB). You can even output video to your HDMI-enabled TV via mini HDMI out, should that 7-inch screen not be enough real estate for you. The twist with the Gamepad is an application Archos built for its gaming device which maps any game with virtual buttons to the physical buttons on the Gamepad. And while those buttons feel a bit on the cheap side, it's certainly a better experience than virtualized buttons. Of course, you'd have to be into playing Android games exclusively, and not mind that the full library of Android games won't necessarily work with the GamePad's built in controls (including juggernauts like Angry Birds); Archos says it'll work with "over a thousand" titles, and a rep today updated that number with "over 6,500 titles." Issues aside with swipe-based games, we were excited to get our first hands-on with yet another high-profile Android gaming tablet featuring physical controls. Thankfully, unlike its competition, the Gamepad is delightfully light -- a great selling point when the alternatives are significantly less comfy for long-term gaming. We'll have a more in-depth look at the Gamepad in the coming weeks as it arrives at retail in North America for $169.99.%Gallery-175355%
Archos reveals Android-powered TV Connect, puts Play store on your big screen
There are plenty of ways to get Android on your TV -- from smartphone docks, to dongles and even the officially sanctioned Google TV. But most of them are missing something, be it a simple way to control them or access to the full Play store. Archos is aiming to solve those conundrums with its new TV Connect, an Android computer, complete with HD camera and a handheld remote with a pair pointer sticks used to simulate a multitouch screen. Under the hood is a 1.5GHz "multi core" CPU, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage. For networking you can go old school and plug in an Ethernet line or lose the cables and rely on WiFi. The remote has more control options than you could possibly desire crammed in a form factor that's more than a little reminiscent of a certain failed Atari console. In addition to the pair of pointer sticks, there's a full QWERTY keypad, a directional pad, four game buttons, the standard Android keys and volume controls -- not to mention you can move an onscreen cursor simply by pointing the remote at your TV. The strongest selling point of the TV Connect, however, is its unfettered access to the Google Play store. That means its vast repositories of music, movies and TV shows are available to you but, more importantly, so are the hundreds of thousands of apps like Netflix, Google Talk and Skype. The Jelly Bean running set top box will be hitting shelves in February for $130. For a bit more check out the gallery below and the PR after the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Archos 97 Titanium HD tablet combines Retina display prowess with an obtuse name
Can a single company produce too many Android tablets? Archos surely doesn't think so. Earlier today, the French electronics maker unveiled its awkwardly named 97 Titanium HD. Aside from a kooky moniker, the company's forthcoming slab features a 9.7-inch 2,048 x 1,536 IPS display, a 1.6GHz dual-core A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, microSD support (up to 64GB), a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Absent from today's big reveal were details about price and availability. While its Retina-like display sounds promising, the device's other specs scream budget-friendly. In the meantime, we'll reserve our excitement until Archos tells us how much this thing actually costs.
Archos Video Player app comes to all recent Android devices
Archos has been big on custom, exclusive software as a selling point for its mobile devices, even into Android models where the extra work isn't strictly necessary. It's giving the rest of us a taste by allowing everyone to download its Video Player app from Google Play. Any phone or tablet running Android 4.0 or later can use the app to play "most" movie formats, the company says. The app primarily touts a larger amount of network intelligence than some of its peers, including SMB and UPnP sharing, device-to-device playback syncing and internet retrieval of movie details like subtitles. While Archos isn't exactly giving away the keys to the kingdom with a $5 asking price, we at least won't have to switch to new hardware to see what we've been missing.
Archos GamePad now shipping for £130: Android 4.1, 1.6GHz CPU and a bona fide D-pad
You've waited long enough, haven't you? The low-cost PMP leader has kept the mantra alive with its GamePad, which is now shipping to those interested for £129.99. Put simply, it's a widescreen gaming handheld that runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), replete with a 1.6GHz dual-core processor and Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. There's a 1,024 x 600 resolution touchpanel, physical control buttons and analog sticks, and the whole thing checks in at just 0.3-inches thick. Unfortunately, there's no word on battery life, but even the optimist in us can't predict a number that'd be worthy of boasting about. Hit up the source link to make plans for purchase, or click past the break for the full presser. Update: Anandtech reports the device will come within range of US gaming thumbs early next year, though there's no dollar price to go with that information.
Archos' £275 13.3-inch FamilyPad designed to encourage family time
Three months after we spied the Archos FamilyPad on the FCC, it's finally making its debut just in time for the holiday shopping season. As its name suggests, the 13.3-inch tablet is designed for a whole family to gather around -- though we doubt it would be very comfortable if your family has more than four people. With 10x multitouch support, Archos claims families can use it to watch movies, keep organized, share pictures and play digital board games; the company even pre-installed a few of the latter to get your family started. The FamilyPad doesn't have the best of specs, with a 1,280x800 HD display, 8GB flash memory, a microSD card slot, a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU, HDMI output and a front and rear camera that are 2-megapixels each. It does run Ice Cream Sandwich and would offer "a variety of email accounts for each family member." Those in the UK can purchase it for £274.99 ($438) when it's available in December, while US residents might have to wait a little longer. Maybe you can give your kids some ChildPads to play on their own instead; they might appreciate it more than enforced togetherness.
Archos adds the 80 Cobalt to its ICS tablet range: 8-inch screen, 1.6GHz CPU and 1GB of RAM
The FCC may have spoiled the surprise months ago, but Archos has taken to Facebook to officially reveal the new member of its Elements range -- the Archos 80 Cobalt. As you may have guessed from the familiar size codification, the WiFi-only slate sports an 8-inch capacitive screen filled with 1024 x 768 pixels, supporting 1080p video playback. The other specs you'll want to know include the dual-core processor running at 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM and 8 gigs of on-board storage, expandable with a microSD card of up to 64GB. Modest 2-megapixel and 0.3-megapixel shooters occupy the back and front of the 0.48-inch (12mm) thick tablet, respectively, which weighs in at a solid one pound (470g). There's no word on a release date or pricing for this ICS device, but we'd imagine the answers are "soon" and "under $200." Any more than that, and we can't see people choosing it over, say, a Nexus 7, even if it does have an extra inch on the competition. %Gallery-169788%
Archos Arnova GBook gets quiet introduction, reveals its humble powers
Its routine FCC appearance from a few months back hinted that it would be officially launching sooner rather than later -- and today, our dear friends, marks the day the GBook formally joins the Archos Arnova family. The 7-inch, Ice Cream Sandwich tablet / eReader likely won't excite many with its run-of-the-mill spec sheet, which consists of a 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU, 1GB RAM, 4GB of built-in storage, 1080p video playback and a meek screen resolution of 800 x 480. In addition to those features, the company's placing a lot of focus on the device's eReading capabilities, announcing it'll offer support for any EPUB and PDF files -- including "those using Adobe DRM." Speaking of which, folks will have to purchase all content from Archos' own store, given that the GBook does not posses the required credentials to access Google Play. Meanwhile, pricing and availability deets are still unknown, but we'll be sure to keep you in the loop as soon as we find out. In the meantime, there's some eye candy down below for you to freely enjoy.
Archos 101 XS available in Europe for £300 via the company's online store
The Archos 101 XS, a 10-inch ICS tablet packing a magnetically attached keyboard dock, is now available for purchase via the company's European websites. The slate, with 16GB of internal storage, is going for £300 (about $487). No word yet on when this guy will make it to North America. Check out our review for the full lowdown on this unique, productivity-minded tablet, and non-stateside types can click through to the Archos site to nab one for themselves.
Archos reveals 7-inch Android GamePad tablet
It seems like tablets geared toward gaming are all the rage these days. With the Wikipad slated to arrive in time for the holidays, Archos has announced its own gaming tablet, simply named GamePad. The GamePad sports a 7-inch screen and physical controls, including face buttons, shoulder buttons, a D-pad and what appear to be a pair of adorable analog nubbins.As for specs, the tablet comes packing Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. The unit also features a patented technology that allows virtual controls to be mapped to the physical controls, with Archos boasting that "over a thousand" Android apps are already compatible.The GamePad will be available by the end of the year for less than €150 ($188). Engadget reports that it will ship simultaneously in both Europe and the US.
Archos unveils 7-inch GamePad with physical controls, Ice Cream Sandwich for 'less than 150 euros'
Archos already has its hands in the kiddie-tablet market, with its 7-inch Arnova Child Pad, and it's taking on the productivity-minded crowd with its keyboard-toting 101 XS. Now the company is going after another niche segment with the just-announced GamePad. The 7-inch slate runs Android 4.0 with a dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz and a quad-core Mali 400 MP GPU, and it sports physical gaming controls in addition to the standard touchscreen. Archos includes its own "game recognition and mapping tools," which ensure that the physical buttons are compatible with Android games that use virtual controls (some 1,000 titles are apparently compatible with the GamePad at this point). Of course, this is an internet-enabled device as well, and it will include full access to the Play market and WiFi connectivity when it goes on sale at the end of October. Other specs include 8GB of internal storage, plus a microSD card slot that adds up to 64GB. There's also a mini-HDMI connection for outputting content to your TV. For now, Archos is only announcing pricing as "less than €150", and the device will drop in the US and Europe at the same time. For now, the below-the-break press release will have to satisfy your curiosity.
Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet
Archos' new Coverboard-decked 101 XS tablet isn't the end of its Android efforts for 2012. During our briefing, the manufacturer revealed that it has both a 9.7- and 8-inch model incoming. The duo are set to arrive before the end of the year, and will, aside from dimensions, pack the same list of features we saw on the bigger model. Each will come with its own, perfectly-sized keyboard cover and what's likely to be the same raft of connectivity options seen on Archos' first XS tablet. The 8-inch model (80 XS) will pack a 1,024 x 768 resolution screen, while the larger 9.7-inch slab (97 XS) will house a 1,280 x 800 16:10 screen, a ratio that differentiates it, if only a little, from the slightly bigger model unveiled today. Archos is keeping some vital points -- like pricing -- a secret for now, but we'll update with more details as soon as we hear them.
Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage
More Info Archos outs G10 xs tablet line, readies Transformer Prime contenders Archos teases G10 xs with first press shot, vows launch in three weeks Archos 80 G9 review Archos has had its hand in the slate game since the early days of "internet media tablets," and while its products don't have quite the same brand recognition as, say, Samsung's, we've found the French company's devices to be some of the best-value tablets available. Budget-minded prices and innovation don't usually go hand in hand, but in the case of its new 101 XS Android 4.0 tablet, Archos has a few tricks up its sleeve. The slate boasts a keyboard cover and kickstand, along with a magnetic hinge allowing the lid to attach to the display. Arriving in November for $400, the Archos 101 XS is a productivity-minded take on slates, complete with a full set of keys and a bundled copy of OfficeSuite Pro. Do the hardware and software add up to a killer combo? Read on to find out. %Gallery-163130%
Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400
Archos recently dropped a few hints about a Gen 10 tablet, and, just as promised, three weeks later the device is getting its official unveiling. Meet the Archos 101 XS, a 10-inch slate running Ice Cream Sandwich and a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor. Staying true to the company's budget-friendly rep, the 101 XS will go for $400 when it drops in November, and that includes the tablet's main attraction: a keyboard dock that also acts as a cover to protect the 1,280 x 800 display. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet's body magnetically, and there's a dock for securing the device when you want to type. The Coverboard sports a full QWERTY layout along with home, back and recently open buttons for navigating the Android OS. Speaking of which, Archos says the XS will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Other key specs include 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam and a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick design. To complement its new slab, Archos has also announced several new docks and covers. The Boombox speaker dock will charge your 101 XS while you soak up 32 watts of music playback. If you'd prefer to hook it up to your existing system, the Cradle dock has audio-out ports alongside a pair of USB sockets that can be connected to portable hard drives -- and more music. A selection of pouches and sleeves will also be up for grabs for anyone who's willing to leave that Coverboard behind. Pricing info for these accessories is yet to come. For more info, head past the break for the press release (and photos). We also have a full review of the 101 XS -- check it out here. Jamie Rigg contributed to this report.
Archos MW13 'FamilyPad' opens up to the FCC, bares its 13-inch soul
Archos has already been targeting kids with its Child Pad slate, and now it looks like it's going after mom and pop, too. A recent FCC filing of a slate emblazoned with "Family Pad" shows a large tablet (13.3-inches according to the manual) that will apparently come in other -- hopefully smaller -- sizes. Likewise, there appears to be 8- and 16GB variants, 802.11n wireless, and an Allwinner A10 processor. The Android tablet also has a memory card slot for adding up to another 32GB, as well as a pair of USB ports, HDMI, and front- and rear-facing cameras. This choice of processor suggests it'll be reasonably gentle on the pocket whenever it comes out, which considering it's at the FCC, could be soon.
Archos Child Pad gets capacitive screen upgrade, minor price hike to $140
Parents who've already purchased Archos' 7-inch Child Pad may be feeling somewhat miffed, as its screen's been upgraded from resistive to capacitive just two months after launch. There's no such thing as free multi-touch, so you'll have to fork out another ten bucks on top of the original asking price for the new version of the ICS slate, bringing the total to a cent under $140. Other internals are identical, so customers can still expect a 1GHz ARM processor, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of expandable storage, with some exclusive chipmunk-based content to boot. Just remember to let the kids have a go once in a while.
