Archos have announced plans to develop an Internet Media Tablet that will use the Android platform for wireless connectivity, voice and applications. Based on Texas Instruments’ OMAP 3 platform, the device – which has been described as ultra-thin at just 10mm- will support high-definition video playback as well as run the standard applications available for download through the Android Market.
In effect, Archos are creating the first Android MID. That means a high-resolution 5-inch touchscreen, DivX playback, TiVo-style video recording with possibly DVB-SH digital TV, full-screen Adobe Flash and Flash video support, and large-capacity storage. Archos appear to be using a traditional hard-drive, as in their current Internet Media Tablet range, with up to 500GB mentioned. Battery life should be good for 7hrs video playback, and the device will have 3.5G/7.2Mbps HSUPA.
TI are providing the OMAP3440 applications processor (for “laptop-like” performance), connectivity and analog products, and that Archos is aiming to get the device to the market fast. The Archos Android Internet Media Tablet – which is yet to have a definite name – is expected to launch in Q3 2009.
[Thanks Charbax!]
Press Release:
ARCHOS combines its multimedia framework and Android telephony stack to deliver a new type of breakthrough Internet Media Tablet
The new IMT will integrate voice capabilities to deliver robust, powerful mobile phone tablets addressing both entertainment and communications needs
DALLAS and IGNY, France, Feb. 9 — Providing new ways for consumers to access feature-rich content and connect with others, ARCHOS, an award-winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, announced plans to extend its product line with a new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet (IMT) combined with a mobile phone, by merging Google’s Android telephony stack and the ARCHOS’ multimedia framework. This new IMT will also incorporate the OMAP(TM) 3 platform from Texas Instruments, Incorporated (TI) .
Android provides the IMT with all the functionalities of a premium smartphone and access to its fast-developing applications environment with ARCHOS’ rich and proven multimedia framework will deliver the best entertainment and web-browsing experience.
With the integration of voice, ARCHOS is looking to expand beyond portable media players to provide solutions for the converged space, where a foundation in high-quality video content delivery is a benefit. In addition to Android functionality and voice support, the new ARCHOS’ IMT will offer:
ARCHOS selected TI’s OMAP 3 applications processor, connectivity and analog products not only for offering low-power, high performance solutions, but to leverage the company’s experience in developing compelling, highly-competitive products based on the Android telephony platform. The level of software investment made by TI on the Android platform allows ARCHOS to quickly and cost effectively deliver an Android-based device that supports advanced features such as the newly integrated voice capabilities.
“ARCHOS was proud to announce the introduction of its ARCHOS 5 HSDPA IMT last year with SFR. We are continuing to advance our efforts in the IMT space with the introduction of this new product,” said Henri Crohas, CEO and ARCHOS founder. “Support for an Android-based device represents a historical opportunity for ARCHOS to combine all the best of our IMTs with a phone in a single device delivering high quality video and a full web experience in true mobility.”
“TI remains committed to helping ARCHOS advance its product line and deliver a new class of devices that builds on a history of delivering rich multimedia experiences,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president and general manager for TI’s OMAP platform business unit. “The OMAP 3 platform, with its support for the Android OS, is a powerful tool to support HD video, high quality multimedia and connectivity anytime and anywhere. ARCHOS’ use of TI technologies, including connectivity and analog solutions, helps to push the boundaries with new products and as we see today, new business models, to be a leading innovator with its new IMTs.”
ARCHOS is marrying its rich digital media history with voice functionality to tackle new markets. ARCHOS’ new Android-based IMT with voice functionality will be released in 3Q 2009.
ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionised consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players.
ARCHOS have also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range – the 5, 5g and 7 – offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV.
Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. .www.archos.com
Texas Instruments helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to .www.ti.com
OMAP is a trademark of Texas Instruments Inc. All other registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Couple of thoughts:
Any idea about carriers? Could this be carrier agnostic? Naturally, you would have to run the HSUPA off of someone's 3G network. What about WiFi?
What level of functionality will Android be given? All that is mentioned is the telephony stack and access to the Market. Will Android be used to operate the device? Maybe someone familiar with Archos products could help by letting us in on other OS's used and their ratio of functionality/transparency. I personally imagine the familiar Android home page with an icon to launch the Archos media suite the way you would any application on your Android phone.
What about hardware? Capacitive touch? Accelerometer? The obligatory Android buttons?
Price?
That, with a 7" screen, and a physical keyboard, would be dreamy.
Omap3440 and Android OS (both) are the best choice in hardware and in software solution, it deliver amazing feature and rich media application in one compact device .
omap3440 have built-in Arm Cortex A8 cpu that run at amazing speed of 800mhz as well Iva 2+ (graphic accelerator) deliver rich and complex graphic up to 720p resolution to encode/decode video .
stay tuned!
PS: sorry for my bad english , i am italian user .
I returned the G-1 and one issue was the "real" keyboard being an also included feature, not up on top ...did not fit my text filling quirks. I Agree, this would be a real dream with a keyboard- beat going to a carry around eee which is what I feel is the only logical choice open to me, word based fiend that i am, and believer that the real gold standard is pen and paper convenience of carry and use. put a phone inside and a 7 in screen outside. Am I near heaven?