Far be it for Archos to sit idly by and watch Apple, Microsoft, and Creative have all the fun. Today, the company announced its next-generation Archos 5 device, which is perhaps the most fully featured "portable media player" we've seen. In fact, the unit is being marketed as an Internet tablet rather than as a PMP, and that's entirely accurate. The new Archos 5 is running the Android platform, which the device uses for nearly every function besides media playback (that's still handled by Linux). And you know what that means: apps!
There is an interesting caveat here, however. Since the Archos 5 is running at the HD-friendly 720p resolution, which is not approved for Android Cupcake, the selection of apps at start-up will be limited to about 300 (with that number increasing to at least 1,000 by the end of the year), and they are only accessible via the Archos app store. Still, the chances are you'll have the full selection of Android apps by early next year, and we're willing to wait if it means high-res video on the device, something to be fully-appreciated when outputting to a TV (see the gallery for an example).
So what else have we got here? Well, it would be easier to list what the Archos 5 doesn't offer, but we'll give it a shot. Per the Archos legacy, the device offers support for a plethora of codecs--MPEG-4 HD (up to 720p), MPEG-47 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution), H.264 HD (up to 720p), WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution) including WMV protected files, M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in QVGA resolution, MP3, WMA, Protected WMA, WAV (PCM/ADPCM), AAC, AAC+, Flac, OGG Vorbis, JPEG, BMP, PNG, and GIF--except now you won't have to pay extra to add support for any HD video via plug-ins. There's also integrated Wi-Fi for Internet browsing and accessing content on-the-go from services such as CinemaNow or through the integrated Internet radio and Web TV widgets. The device includes Bluetooth, through which you can access the 3G connection of your mobile phone. Out of the box, the Archos 5 will come preloaded with several Android apps, including the eBuddy instant-messaging app, Twidroid for sending and receiving tweets, Craigsphone for posting or accessing classified ads, Thinksfree for viewing Microsoft Office files, Quickpedia, and several others.
In addition, the Archos 5 offers some functionality that is optional via paid extras. If you have the DVR station accessory (or purchase the new one), you'll be able to record video. Also, the device has an excellent integrated GPS (with a neat real-3D option), which you'll be able to access for free for the first month and then will have the option to buy flat out.
The Archos 5 will be available tomorrow in a flash model at 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities (with a MicroSD card slot) and a hard drive version with a choice of 160GB or 500GB. Pricing starts at $249.99 for the 8GB device and maxes out at $439.99 for 500GB.
Yep, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet is running Android.
But since Android is not ideal for media playback,
Archos kept some Linux love aside for that functionality.
Android means apps, and Archos has been kind
enough to include more than a handful on the device out of the box.
There's even one on there that would normally go for about $20--score!
The Archos 5 has a built-in kickstand on the back as well as a
removable stylus, if that's how you prefer to navigate a touch screen.
The player is available in either a flash or hard drive-based model.
The flash version is exceptionally thin, especially considering all the
receivers and transmitters going on inside: FM tuner and transmitter,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS--how did they fit all those?!
A side view with a Mini-USB connection--similar to those found on
cell phones rather than MP3 players--and a standard headphone jack.
The top edge of the device includes a dedicated volume
rocker and power button
Yes, the back plate of the Archos 5 is a total fingerprint magnet. Shiny!
Here, you see the video overlay menu.
You can dive further in for various navigation options.
There are still mini previews for video.
Next up is music. A thumbnail of the album art
for the currently-playing song pops up in the
first level of navigation.
And now games. The Archos 5 supports flash games.
The GPS offers a real 3D map option.
You can only download one city at a time because each
one takes up about 2GB. Basically, it gives you a bird's-eye
view of the city along with directions. And there's an adventure
mode with a compass, for just wandering around a new city.
The two versions of the Archos 5 with the various portable accessories.
There's a battery pack and a portable DVR attachment.
Here's the Archos 5 plugged into the next-generation DVR base station.
Here's a shot of the connections on the back
The Archos 5 looks great when you output it to a TV.
You can control it via an optional Bluetooth keyboard or a
remote control accessory. This is where the HD video
really comes in handy.
source:cnet
