Archos Provides Option to Media Junkies Across the Pond

A lot of people from the UK and Europe are a little miffed at Microsoft after the information came forward that the ZuneHD would be a US only product.  No one is quite sure about what the reason might be for keeping the device stateside but it’s good to see that folks in the old world will have other options.

Archos today released to retail the Archos 5 internet tablet.  Part media player, part PC, the Archos 5 provides a 5-inch high-resolution touch-screen, a full fledge Internet browser, 3D GPS navigation, and integrated applications.

“With the steady growth of mobile Internet adoption, easier ways to access the Internet and digital media, and an increasing need for device customisation, ARCHOS brings it all together by integrating GPS, HD and the Android platform,” said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS chief executive officer. “Android offers to the consumer unlimited ways to customise the tablet with thousands of apps, all easily available on the device or through the AppsLib Store.”

The device provides the following key features:

• 16GB to 500GB capacities: Provides enough storage to hold up to 710 full-length, HD quality movies, 3.2 million photos or 190,000 songs.
• HD capabilities: Consumers don’t need to make compromises concerning their videos. The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet can handle the widest range of video formats even at HD 720p resolution (H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, and WMV HD).
• Web TV and radio: Users can stream thousands of Web TV channels and more than 10,000 radio stations directly to the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
• TV recording: With the optional DVR station accessory, ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablets offer a fast and easy way to record live TV and play back favorite HD movies directly on the Tablet or TV.
• ARCHOS Media Club: The easiest way to access content on the go, the Media Club features the latest movies, TV shows, music and games from a host of providers.

The device of course features Wi-fi and when away from a connection, you can use the included Bluetooth connectivity to tether it to your mobile phone.  The Archos 5 also ships with built in GPS allowing you to use it to navigate while in the car, on foot and even includes “adventure mode” for off road excursions.

While Archos may not have the brand recognition of the ZuneHD or iPod Touch, it seems as though the company has put together an interesting device.  If any of our UK readers have a chance to play with the device, let us know your impressions in the comments!

full Press Release