September 25th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio
Well it took three years, but Rockbox 3.0 has finally made it on the scene, with a major overhaul in the sound decoding department and support for several new players. This open source firmware replacement is chock full of tasty new features, including codec support for over 15 formats like FLAC and Ogg, 5-band parametric EQ, MPEG video, multilingual interface, Doom and a pile of other games, not to mention freedom from iTunes. Oh yeah, and it can talk to you via a spoken interface — which comes in handy for not driving off bridges and what not. iPod, iriver, Sansa, iAudio, Gigabeat and Archos models are all supported, though Archos didn’t get many of the major 3.0 improvements like expanded codecs.
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Posted in ipod, gigabeat, mp3 player, Mp3Player, mp3, firmware, iriver, sansa, archos, iaudio, rockbox, Rockbox 3.0, Rockbox3.0 | No Comments »
September 18th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Archos’ Generation 5 players may have been left in the dust by the shiny new Generation 6 players, but they still have quite the fan following, some of whom have been busily doing their best to get around Archos’ stock software offerings. Now it seems that one of them, a member of the ArchosFans forums, has finally managed to crack things open by hacking the bootloader, which opens up a number of possibilities including the ability to remove the hard drive volume limitation. It also seems to have had the “side effect” of revealing a few plug-ins that had been previously hidden, including “Screen,” and “C” (for Core) above, although they don’t appear to be of much use. The workaround apparently won’t work on players with a firmware version higher than 1.7.13 though, and there aren’t exactly any clear instructions for modding your own just yet, but those that really know what they’re doing can try to follow along by hitting up the read link below.
[Via Archos Lounge]
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Posted in archos, archos generation 5, ArchosGeneration5, generation 5, Generation5 | No Comments »
September 7th, 2008 by
Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Archos fan-site Archos Lounge lived up to its name this week and threw down a 300,000 page review on the new Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet. We won’t tear down the whole thing here, but the primary takeaway seems to be mixed. Apparently the new processor on board really souped up the thing, but Archos skimped on the software, shipping what basically amounts to a buggy beta. That’s no small criticism for Archos from its number one fans, so let’s hope the company gets its act together fast. The review is in French, but there’s an unboxing vid after the break, in that universal language of nerdery.
Continue reading Archos 5 series reviewed in French
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Posted in review, archos, archos 5, Archos5 | No Comments »
September 6th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
You know you want one. Sure, Archos isn’t tops when it comes to sexy, but there’s enough technical doohickery in these new Archos 5 “Internet Media Tablets” to keep you busy for a while — and they’re now shipping. C’mon, live a little. It’s only $350 for 60GB of fun, $400 for 120GB and $450 for 250GB. They’re practically giving these things away.
[Thanks, Pierre B.]
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Posted in pmp, shipping, archos, archos 5, Archos5, internet media tablet, InternetMediaTablet | No Comments »
August 22nd, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
It’s just been a few short days since Archos took the wraps off its new Archos 5 and Archos 7 “internet media tablets,” but if you’re already sold, you can now get your order in for one of ‘em on Amazon (and no doubt plenty of other places shortly). Prices start at $350 for the lowest-end 60GB Archos 5, and go all the way up to $550 for a 320GB Archos 7. You can also take your pick from a range of accessories, including a DVR Snap-On or more full-fledged DVR Station ($80 and $100, respectively), a Battery Dock for $50, a Mini Dock for $30, and even a Helmet Camcorder for $130. Just don’t expect any of that to arrive right away — everything’s listed with a two to four week shipping estimate.
[Via I4U News]
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Posted in archos, archos 5, Archos5, internet media tablet, InternetMediaTablet, archos 7, Archos7 | No Comments »
August 19th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Archos has only just taken the wraps off its new Generation 6 “internet media tablets” but, right on cue, the folks at Generation MP3 have already turned out a pretty extensive hands-on with one of ‘em, the Archos 5. One thing that was immediately apparent to them is that the device’s shiny new black casing is a lot more prone to fingerprints than the metal casing of the Archos 605 that it replaces but, as they point out, the near lack of buttons (just three on top) at least means there’s less of that casing to get smudged up. They also found that the screen is not as “soft” as the 605 but, unfortunately, it’s not multi-touch, and there’s no accelerometer to allow for quick changes of orientation. Of course, if it’s pics your looking for, they’ve also got plenty of those, and you can find ‘em at the link below.
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Posted in archos, archos 5, archos generation 6, Archos5, ArchosGeneration6, generation 6, Generation6, internet media tablet, InternetMediaTablet | No Comments »
August 19th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
So Archos still seems to be struggling a bit matching the design curve of the industry, but boy oh boy can they pile on those specs. The new Archos 5 and Archos 7 “generation 6″ players offer capacities as high as 320GB, well-res’d screens and just about every codec we’d ever need — plus available plug-ins to cover the rest. But that’s not even the exciting part. The Archos 5g adds in that 3.5 HSDPA data we were hearing about, providing true on-the-go surfing, and all three players sport WiFi as well. Sizes start off at 30GB for the Archos 5g, which runs a 800 x 480 4.8-inch touchscreen. The Archos 5 bumps that up to 60-250GB, while the Archos 7 does up 160GB and 320GB, with a 7-inch touchscreen that sadly matches the 5 series’ resolution exactly. All three players can record VGA video through an optional DVR Station dock or the DVR snap-on accessory, and Archos will have plenty of other accessories in the offing as well. As for player design, Archos has made considerable strides in thinness, with the Archos 7 at 0.63-inches thick, and the Archos 5 as slim as 0.5-inches, depending on drive size, but we’re not crazy about the new look — though we’re sure opinions will vary. No word on price or availability just yet, but stay tuned.
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Posted in breaking news, BreakingNews, archos, archos 5, Archos5, archos 5g, archos 7, Archos5g, Archos7 | No Comments »
April 25th, 2008 by
Filed under: Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Portable Video
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]
Continue reading Archos TV+ TVportation plug-in shifts your TV to 605 / 705 PMP
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Posted in software, tv, placeshifting, archos, plug-in, 705, archos tv, ArchosTv, timeshifting, 605, 605 wifi, 605Wifi, plug in, PlugIn, archos 605, Archos605, timeshift, tv portation, TVPortation | No Comments »
April 22nd, 2008 by
Filed under: GPS, Peripherals, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Archos just launched its new GPS In-Car Holder for the Archos 605 WiFi. True to its name, the unit holds the 605 in your car and pipes steaming hot GPS data into the unit. With that 4.3-inch LCD to view the maps it’s certainly a fitting match, and features include full voice navigation. There are three versions of the device, one for Europe, one for North America and one for China, and all of them will work with all sizes of the 605 WiFi. It’ll be available in May for $130, or bundled with a 30GB 605 for $400.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Posted in gps, archos, 605 wifi, 605Wifi | No Comments »
March 12th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
We’d already heard about Archos’ deal with France’s SFR to build 3G+ into upcoming players, but the folks at PC INPact have now turned up what appears to be some of the firmest details yet of those plans, and the first player to support ‘em. That player is supposedly the Archos 606, which is described as being the same size as the Archos 605, but with a screen 1-2 centimeters bigger and a casing that’s entirely black (it’s also said to boast a 30GB hard drive). Unfortunately, there’s no official pictures of the device just yet, but the folks at Archos Lounge have put together the mockup above to feed the speculation in the meantime. As for SFR’s plans, it’ll apparently offer three different subscription options coming in at €14.90, €19.90, and €29.90 a month ($22 to $46), each of which will let you purchase the device for €249, €199, or €149 ($380, $305, or $230), respectively, or you can simply the player without a plan for €290, or about $460.
[Via Archos Lounge, thanks John]
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Posted in archos, archos 606, Archos606, SFR | No Comments »
February 7th, 2008 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
The Archos 405 got a little heftier this afternoon, with a capacity bump to 30GB. Archos went old-school in getting to that size, using a hard drive instead of flash — but the upside is that drives are cheap, which means the 30GB 405 is just €199 ($293). European customers can apparently score this at the end of the month, but there’s no word on a North American release yet.
[Via ArchosLounge]
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Posted in archos, 405, archos 405, Archos405 | No Comments »
January 3rd, 2008 by
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Don’t act surprised — you knew good and well this thing was a-comin’, and it seems launch day has finally arrived. Highlighted now on the firm’s website, the TV+ DVR still rocks that WiFi goodness we knew would be included, with options for an 80GB or 250GB hard drive and the ability to schedule, record and stream content at will. Additionally, you can sync your recorded shows with your Archos PMP, flip through songs / photos and even view PDFs. You know by now if this one is still lingering on your must-have list, and if so, you can snag one for $229 (80GB) or $349 (250GB).
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Posted in dvr, wifi, tv, archos, tv plus, wifi dvr, WifiDvr | No Comments »
December 31st, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Ah, how we do love a good root-hacking resulting in the ability to run homebrew code. And being that we also have a soft spot in our heart for Archos’s 605 and 705 series players, ARCwelder ought to do our kind and yours quite nicely. If yours is running firmware 1.7.13, check it out, it should get you root access to the device’s Linux shell, enabling you to do all kinds of fun things, like develop and run your own apps, or see how long it’ll take to break the DRM on downloaded media. Did we say that?
[Thanks, Justin and Nathan]
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Posted in hacks, archos, 705, 605 wifi, 605Wifi, arcwelder | No Comments »
December 18th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
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]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in dish network, DishNetwork, archos, dish, 605, vip622, vip722 | No Comments »
November 14th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wireless
There’s not a whole lot to go on here, but according to France’s Challenges magazine, Archos is set to further expand its linup-up of players next year with some new SIM card-equipped models. While there’s no indication that the devices will actually double as a phone, you will apparently be able to at least get in some 3G-enhanced web browsing, which would certainly be more convenient (albeit pricier) than tracking down WiFi hotspots each time you’re out and about. Also according to Challenges, it seems that both France’s SFR and Neuf-Cegetel are “starting to look very closely” at Archos’ gear, although that’s obviously still as up in the air as the rumored device itself.
[Via Archos Lounge, thanks JohnBe]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in sim, sim card, SimCard, france, archos | No Comments »
November 8th, 2007 by
Filed under: Home Entertainment
We already knew it was coming, but it looks like the Archos TV Plus (now known as the Archos TV+) has just cleared one of its final hurdles on the way to a release, with the device now making its all-important debut at the FCC. Of course, there’s not a whole lot of surprises given that Archos already spilled all the details on the device, but the FCC has kindly provided plenty of pictures of the set-top box, including a peek at the its innards, which you can check out in the gallery below. As you can see, not much has changed from the prototype we got to check out first hand, and the specs appear to have remained the same as well, including integrated 802.11g WiFi, video recording at no more than VGA resolution, and a full complement of ports including composite, s-video, component and HDMI outputs, and composite, s-video and component inputs (plus USB, of course). Assuming nothing else has changed since the announcement, you can expect this one to set you back $200 or $350 for the 80GB or 250GB versions, respectively.
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in archos, archos tv, ArchosTv | No Comments »
November 6th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Those who’ve yet to jump on the Archos bandwagon — but have been yearning to do so ever since taking a glance at that all-too-positive 705 review — need wait no longer. Effective immediately, interested consumers can snag their own 705 WiFi courtesy of Amazon. The 80GB and 160GB versions are both available for $399.99 and $499.99, respectively, but the current ship date is pegged at November 27th. Whatcha waiting for? Hit one of the read links below to claim your spot in line, and don’t be scared to let us know if yours ships early.
[Via PlayerBites]
Read - Archos 705 WiFi (80GB)
Read - Archos 705 WiFi (160GB)
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in pmp, amazon, pre-order, sale, on sale, OnSale, archos, 705, 705 wifi, 705Wifi, archos 705, Archos705, order | No Comments »
October 12th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Archos’ AV420 hit the market quite some time ago, but that apparently didn’t stop the Nanjing Panda Information Industry Company from trying to sneak one by us. The HDD-based V503 claims to feature a 3.6-inch LCD, rechargeable battery pack, FM tuner, USB 2.0 connectivity and support for DivX, AVI, MP3, WMA and VCD formats. Additionally, users can load in a 1.8-inch hard drive and take advantage of the AV output, integrated microphone and text viewer. Per usual, there’s no price listed, but considering that this thing just looks old fashioned, we’d advise on passing, anyway.
[Via PMPToday, thanks Brian B.]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in dap, knockoff, china, kirf, archos, av420, copycat, Nanjing Pand, NanjingPand, v503 | No Comments »
