We’ll admit, we were so intrigued by ViewSonic’s ViewPad 7 and ViewPad 100 last week, we didn’t spot their MB-P702 PMP/ereader at the booth. According to imp3, the 7-inch slate may look like yet another tablet, but actually it’s a whole lot more focussed than the similarly-sized ViewPad 7. No Android, no web browsing or Google Maps; just 1080p HD video playback with an HDMI output.
There’s a fair amount of codec support, as you’d expect, with the MB-P702 handling RM, RMVB, AVI, MOV, WMV, MKV, VOB and other video formats together with MP3, WMA, APE and FLAC Lossless in audio. Ebook files in PDF, TXT, EPUB, CHM, HTML, PDB and UMD can be viewed, and the MB-P702 supports handwriting annotation of PDF files.
The display runs at 800 x 480 resolution, which seems a little on the low side given the size, and you can show photos and play any of 256 preloaded games. No word on pricing, but we’re guessing ViewSonic will be positioning the MB-P702 considerably lower than the sub-£350 ViewPad 7.
Though Archos’ larger internet tablets grabbed our attention first, we spent some time playing with the French company’s three smaller models too: the Archos 28, 32 and 43. Ranging in size from 2.8-inches QVGA, through 3.2-inches WQVGA, to 4.3-inches FWVGA, the three palm-sized tablets are Archos’ attempt at hybrid PMP/MIDs, hitting price points from $99.99 to $149.99 to $199.
All three support a broad range of video codecs (AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, MPG, PS, TS, VOB, MKV, FLV, RM, RMVB, ASF, WMV) and will run Android 2.2 Froyo when they launch in the next couple of months (Archos’ demo units were loaded with a 2.1 test build). The Archos 28 and 32 both use an 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor and the 43 gets a 1GHz version; all have WiFi b/g/n plus USB Host and Bluetooth 2.1. None have Android Market access, instead using Archos’ own AppsLib download store.
The baby of the bunch, the Archos 28, has 4GB or 8GB of flash storage, and feels a lot like a cheap Android smartphone. The display is pixelated and, despite the long list of codecs, the PMP lends itself more to audio playback. Responsiveness is fair, and Archos’ new media app looks good, but we can’t see buyers picking this over a comparably priced iPod.
As for the Archos 32, that’s got 8GB of storage as standard and comes with a 720p-capable camera. The bigger display is low-resolution for its size, however, which undermines browsing and video playback, and makes for a tricky typing experience with the onscreen keyboard.
Archos 43 hands-on:
Of the three, the Archos 43 is the most successful, though the company’s choice of a resistive rather than capacitive touchscreen may lose them sales in comparison to the iPod touch. Still, you get a bigger display than the iPod, larger than most smartphones in fact, and the functionality is packed in too: 720p video recording and playback (with a camera on the back), an HDMI output, up to 16GB of storage (with a microSD slot) and the same processor as in the bigger Archos 70 and 101. That keeps things moving swiftly, and it’s actually a decent browsing experience (and will be improved with Froyo and its Flash Player 10.1 support).
Philips’ GoGear Connect PMP was meant to make its debut here at IFA 2010, but the company took the wraps off a few days early after leaks. We grabbed hands-on time with the Android-based media player today, and – after a somewhat glitchy start – found it’s actually a decent attempt to twist Google’s OS into a more narrow focus of device. Check out our first impressions and some video after the cut.
Video demo after the cut
Smaller than an iPod touch and, at 3.2-inches, using a smaller, non-multitouch display, the GoGear Connect feels more phone than PMP in the hand. In fact, with a microphone and speaker, together with full access to the Android Market, it’ll happily load a VoIP app and allow for calls over WiFi b/g/n. Other connectivity includes Bluetooth 2.1 and USB 2.0, plus there’s a microSD slot (for up to 32GB cards) that augments the 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.
Philips has included a trackball for navigation, but most of the time it’s easier to use the touchscreen. The homepage has three swipe-sliding panes onto which you can place shortcuts in the usual way, but there’s no dragging down on the status bar like on an Android phone. Preloaded are Google’s own apps, together with Philips’ own media software for audio, video and images. The former is a brilliant example of how music management can be done right – three columns shift intuitively through artist, album and tracks – and we wish Google would “borrow” it for native Android. Other neat touches include the equaliser, which maps the various presets on a pane suggesting which frequencies they emphasize and minimize.
The browser is pretty standard, though of course misses multitouch, while Google Maps gets the benefit of true GPS. You’ll obviously need a WiFi connection, which does somewhat limit its effectiveness on the move. App switching performance is reasonable, with only minimal lag, though the demo units we tried did show a tendency to crash; still, given Philips only had a couple of GoGear Connect models on hand, they were probably feeling the strain.
Philips preload Android 2.1, but say they’re working on Android 2.2; no timescale for that, and they wouldn’t comment on any possible plans to produce an Android tablet. With prices set to kick off at €249 ($320) it’s not cheap, but we’re looking forward to playing with a review unit for a longer period to see if it can live up to the high standard set by Apple’s iPods.
At first glance, if it wasn’t for the touchscreen display up front, you could easily mistake the new iPod nano for the iPod shuffle. Significantly smaller than its predecessor, the new nano gains a clip, a 1.54-inch 240 x 240 multitouch-capable display and the shuffle’s VoiceOver, turning it potentially Apple’s most tactile PMP yet.
Steve Jobs mentioned just how small the sixth-generation iPod nano is a few times during his keynote, and in the metal it’s truly astonishing. The touchscreen is bright and vividly colored, obviously reminiscent of iOS on the iPod touch, but the whole thing buries down into your palm. During music playback the whole screen shows album art, and while there’s no video playback support – and you lose the camera of the fifth-gen nano – we’ve a feeling most people, like us, will prefer the smaller scale and more dedicated focus.
The UI borrows just enough from the iPod touch to be familiar – dragging around icons is very straightforward – but is still simple enough for casual users. Meanwhile, as with the shuffle, build quality feels high despite the minimal weight. Interestingly, there are various accessibility options, including a clear white-on-black alternative color scheme for the UI, and a screen-reader that uses VoiceOver to read out the options.
Of Apple’s three new iPods today, the iPod shuffle is probably the easiest to conceptualize: the design and controls of the second-gen shuffle, paired with the VoiceOver technology of the third-gen. That doesn’t make it any less appealing in the metal, however, with a pleasing return to the squared-off clip form factor of before and an even smaller, lighter chassis.
In the hand it’s incredibly light, yet still feels solid. The shuffle control itself is a firm switch up top, while the control buttons occupy the whole front panel of the PMP. New on the top is a discrete VoiceOver button, which can be set to read out track or artist information, playlist details or battery status in one of 25 different languages. It’s intuitive and simple, though we must admit we do prefer the look of the iPod nano with its similar form-factor and multitouch display.
Apple has also added Genius playlist support, though you’ll obviously need to manage that on iTunes 10 rather than on the shuffle itself. The new iPod shuffle is available to preorder now, priced at $49 for the 2GB model. It’s expected to begin shipping in a week.
Steve Jobs revealed that the iPod touch has become the best-selling iPod from the company’s range, and having spent some hands-on time with the fourth-generation model we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Even thinner than before – at just 0.28-inches deep – and now fronted by the same glorious Retina Display from the iPhone 4, the new iPod touch delivers the dual cameras we were hoping for and plenty more.
In the hand, it’s definitely a premium product and it manages to make not only other PMPs but the iPhone 4 feel oversized. Apple’s Retina Display remains one of the panels to beat in mobile devices, with its combination of bright colors and almost indistinguishable pixels – you have to get up very close to make them out – and it’s hard to believe that there are also two cameras in here too. The front-facing camera is for FaceTime, and immediately will broaden Apple’s user-base (which so far has been limited to iPhone 4 owners), while the rear camera can shoot 720p 30fps video or 960 x 720 stills. We were pleased to see you could shoot video and stills with the front camera, too, though only at VGA quality.
There wasn’t enough time to put the iPod touch through its paces properly, but the Apple A4 processor kept things moving as swiftly as we’re now used to from the iPhone 4. Functionally, aside from the FaceTime abilities, it’s basically the same PMP as its best-selling predecessor, only in a more pocket-friendly package. It’ll be what game developers do with the three-axis gyro, accelerometer and faster CPU that will truly be interesting.
The iPod touch is available for preorder now, priced at $229 for the 8GB, $299 for the 32GB or $399 for the 64GB. It’s expected to begin shipping in one week.
SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — i-station (www.i-station.co.kr) proclaimed its mini tablet ‘Buddy’ made for scholastic use today(31th), and stated that it will be released sometime this September.
Buddy is loaded with an Android OS, and thus, equipped with functions indispensable to students, such as EBS direct download service, education& career consulting service, electronic dictionaries for world crisis, etc.
It’s 5 inch display is adequate for enjoying internet lectures, playing video clips, mobile internet, etc, and is 13.5mm thin, convenient for students to carry around to make use of in moving hours.
Buddy will be released this September in choco black, cream white two colors, and in 16GB, 32 GB, two types. It’s estimated price i…
We know that a certain Apple event just ended, and we know that the Cupertino-based company just went out of their way to show off a plethora of brand new iPod devices, but let’s face it — there are other options out there for you to consume your favorite music/media while you’re out and about. Take, for example, these two brand new PMPs that Samsung was happy (or brave enough) to make official today. Feast your eyes on the Samsung YP-Q3 and YP-U6.
Up first, the YP-Q3. Perhaps a bit more top-notch than the other PMP announced, it deserves to be at the top of the hill. As you can see from the image above, the devices feature a pretty bold color scheme, and as you can tell, the User Interface is built to match the particular device. So, you want a pink PMP? Your UI will be pink, too. On a full battery charge, the Q3 will last you about 45 hours of constant music playback, and somewhere around 10 hours with video playback. It has 5.1 channel sound support, as well as Samsung’s SoundAlive.
But, if you want something a bit more simpler, and without all the features, than the YP-U6 may be just for you. It’s a far more simple design, even if the colors don’t change, the display is only a color one, and won’t match your device. It features SoundAlive, and has a Fitness Mode that will help you count your calories while you do stuff. You’ll get about 20 hours of continuous playback from your music. No word on when these will hit the market, or how much they’ll be . . . But, they probably won’t be too expensive.
SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — I-station(www.i-station.co.kr) has introduced 3 kinds of tablets today(31th) at the ’2011 strategic Products Launching Celebration for the Media’; the 3D tablet ‘Z3D’, mini tablet ‘Buddy’, ‘and Dude’.
The 3 kinds of i-station tablet introduced are all loaded with an Android based OS, best fitted for mobile internet and with high openness. They support Wi-Fi, FM radio, bluetooth, etc, and are loaded with multi media technologies, abling them to incarnate 1080P high quality HD images.
The mini tablet Buddy introduced today will be released internally in 2 colors; choco black and cream white, sometime this September. Dude will be released in October, and 3D tablet Z3D in November.
We can probably safely assume at this point that tablets are here to stay. At least for awhile. And considering the effort that Archos has already put into the Android-based “tablet” market, there’s no surprise here that they’ve just pulled the curtain off five (5!) brand new tablet devices, all featuring Google’s mobile Operating System. Ranging in sizes and prices, as well as plenty of Archos-based “improvements” to the User Interface, meet the family of new Archos tablets.
The Archos 28 is the bottom of the bunch, featuring a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen, with a resolution of 320×240. It has 4GB of internal storage out of the box, and we’re thinking that this is meant more to be a PMP, and not a tablet per se, as it has the size and feature set to prove a more confident combatant in this market. It does feature integrated WiFi, and it has a music application that was created by Arhchos, so it shouldn’t be as boring as the standard Android version. It doesn’t have any access to the Android Market, but Archos has you covered with the AppsLib, which will give you access to applications. There’s an accelerometer, and an 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor under the hood. This little guy will be available at the end of September for about $99.99.
Next up, the Archos 32. As the title suggests, of which you probably caught on already, this guy has a 3.2-inch touchscreen display. There’s 8GB of internal memory tucked away inside, and there’s even a camera planted on the back of the device, which has the ability to record video at 720p. There’s also a composite port at the bottom, which means you’ll be able to hook up a TV. This version will be available in mid-September, and it will cost you $149.99.
It’s when we get to the Archos 43 that things get interesting. Featuring a 4.3-inch (resistive) touchscreen, there’s an accelerometer inside, as well as a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, making sure that you keep ticking along at a nice pace. The device is ony .35-inches thick, so it should be slim enough to hide in your pocket without much complaint. When the Archos 43 ships, which will be in mid-October, it will feature Android 2.2, and be able to record 720p video with the camera on the back. It will cost you $199 when it does hit store shelves.
The Archos 70 features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display, and it will ship with Android 2.2 in mid-October. It has a smaller form factor than the previously released Archos Home Tablet 7, which should mean that it attracts plenty of eyes. There’s going to be some pre-loaded video chat applications on the device as well, as there’s a front-facing VGA camera. There isn’t, however, a camera on the back. There’s a USB port, as well as a mini-HDMI port. The Archos 70 will run you $274.99.
The Archos 101 is when we really get into the tablet market. It features a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display, and has a frame that’s only .5-inches thick. There’s a 1GHz processor under the hood, and it also has the ability to play a 720p HD video without a problem. There’s a front-facing VGA camera, and USB and HDMI ports. It is due out in mid-October, too, and it will cost you $300 to get your hands on it.
[thanks, Gohn]
Press Release
ARCHOS Introduces Five New Android Tablets Starting Below $100
Launching Five New Android Tablets With Two Revolutionary Products, the ARCHOS 28 Internet Tablet, First Android MP3/MP4 Player Promoted Below $100 and the ARCHOS 101 Offering the Largest Screen on the Android Market, ARCHOS Now Offers New Ways to Tablet Your Way
DENVER, CO–(Marketwire – August 31, 2010) – ARCHOS, an award-winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, today announces five new Android-based tablets.
From the ultra affordable and ultra portable ARCHOS 28 and 32 Internet tablets, to the multi-media marvel ARCHOS 43 Internet tablet, and the wide screen ARCHOS 70 and 101 internet tablets, ARCHOS’ new range offers a combination of super-fast web-browsing, games, eBooks, social networking and other apps alongside HD video and music in a very slim-line design.
The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet and the ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet, the flagship products of the range, are bringing innovation to the Android world.
The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet offers a unique design including the latest technology. This tablet has the advantage of a connected Android device that adds very fast web browsing and HD multimedia experience. The 10.1” high-resolution screen is nestled in a very slim and light form factor tablet, enabled through a patented construction process.
The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet is the first Android player below $100. By introducing a connected device at such a low price, ARCHOS revolutionizes the portable music player segment.
ARCHOS has developed four unique Android applications for video, photo and music with the support of 3D cover animations to allow users to keep a digital experience as simple as it should be.
Three Android tablets from 4.3” to 10.1” screen size
A unique design
A patented construction process, which uses an over-moulded PVD stainless steel structure, has enabled ARCHOS to redefine the tablet form, with devices that are smaller, thinner and lighter, making the tablet even more portable. The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet is just 0.47″ thick and weighs only 15.87 ounces, yet offers a crisp, high-definition 10.1″ capacitive multi-touch screen.
With the adjustable kickstand, users will always have the best position to tap out emails, view a movie or enjoy the photo frame application. Using the device is designed to be both easy and intuitive.
A PC-like super-fast web browsing experience
Featuring a powerful 1 GHz processor, high-speed WiFi-n technology and sleek high-resolution screen, the new Android-based tablets offer a fast and enjoyable PC-like web browsing experience. Users can access the entire internet thanks to Android’s support for Adobe Flash™ 10.1 player.
A built-in webcam on the ARCHOS 70 and 101 Internet tablet means users can make video calls to family and friends.
In addition, a new feature in the Android settings menu means that the devices can also be tethered to a 3G phone via Bluetooth or USB for Internet connectivity when on the move.
Hi-definition multimedia at your fingertips
With ARCHOS’ heritage in high-quality portable multimedia players, the Internet tablets offer consumers a full multimedia experience, with 720p HD video playback as standard, whether from a user’s movie collection or streamed from YouTube. Unique Android multimedia applications designed by ARCHOS will allow the end user to enjoy all his multimedia content.
The HDMI TV output offers the best Android, multimedia and games experience on your TV. The tablet can be used as a game pad for your TV thanks to the built-in accelerometer and 3D open GL technology so users can enjoy a unique gaming experience.
The ARCHOS 43 internet tablet also sports a 2 megapixel HD camcorder to capture video and photos than end user can share on the web or on the HD TV screen.
The first connected MP3/MP4 players below $100
The smaller ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets bring the Android revolution to MP3 and MP4 players, adding a new dimension to this market. Alongside music and video playback, the low-cost, pocket-sized devices starting from $99.99 now offer email, web browsing, music and video streaming, 3D gaming, eBooks, social networking and other entertainment, productivity and information-based apps.
The Best HD multimedia experience
The ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets feature music, video and photo applications, developed by ARCHOS, enriching the user experience with smooth browsing through the album covers and with widgets added to the home screen to give instant access and control to media. These unique Android applications allow users to amplify their digital experience.
The devices are also compatible across the major music and video formats, so there’s no need for conversion or the inconvenience of dedicated software support. A simple drag and drop from your computer is all that’s required.
The A32 internet tablet also includes a camcorder for video and photos to capture the greatest memories. Users can upload videos and pictures to the web or share via social networks.
Pocket Computer
With WiFi connection, users can surf the Web at the speed of a computer thanks to the speedy processor. The Internet browsing is also faster than ever; users can adjust the page size of an article with a simple double-tapping or rotating the ARCHOS and the screen will flip into place to display the entire page’s width. There’s also an email application so you can stay in touch with all of your friends.
Applications to make a player what users want it to be
The AppsLib store, with free and paid apps, will make sure you access and directly download custom sized Apps to fit your lifestyle. Games, books, music, social media, recipes, news and sports are now a click away.
ARCHOS tablets can become an eBook reader, with literature classics, the latest magazines or favorite comics available to download and read wherever you go.
A wide range of games, using 3D graphic acceleration, are also available. From the classic Sudoku to the fast-paced racing games, user will immerse themselves in fun games enjoying the comfort of sharp and large screens or using the device as a steering wheel.
Price and availability
ARCHOS 28 internet tablet
Available in September at 4GB, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.
ARCHOS 32 internet tablet
Available in September at 8GB, with a recommended retail price of $149.99.
ARCHOS 43 internet tablet
Available this fall at 8GB with a recommended retail price of $199.99.
ARCHOS 70 internet tablet
Available this fall with a recommended retail price of $274.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (250GB).
ARCHOS 101 internet tablet
Available this fall with a recommended retail price of $299.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (16GB).
About ARCHOS
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.
In the hand, it’s definitely a premium product and it manages to make not only other PMPs but the iPhone 4 feel oversized. Apple’s Retina Display remains one of the panels to beat in mobile devices, with its combination of bright colors and almost indistinguishable pixels – you have to get up very close to make them out – and it’s hard to believe that there are also two cameras in here too. The front-facing camera is for FaceTime, and immediately will broaden Apple’s user-base (which so far has been limited to iPhone 4 owners), while the rear camera can shoot 720p 30fps video or 960 x 720 stills. We were pleased to see you could shoot video and stills with the front camera, too, though only at VGA quality.
