Archos announces 97 Premium tablet, unquestionably mimics Apple’s iPad

French electronics powerhouse, Archos, has long proven that it can consistently build quality Android tablets at affordable prices, but this time around it appears as though the company has gone too far. The manufacturer  announced today a brand new entrant into its luscious tablet offering, effectively bringing its portfolio full circle.

Despite just being announced, the Archos 97 Premium is nothing new. The device’s sole purpose is undoubtedly to compete head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPad. And while competition is a good thing, the 97 Premium is almost a direct copy of Cupertino’s slate, something you could only expect from a Chinese manufacturer selling $50 tablets on eBay.

Interestingly, as the name suggests, the device sports a 9.7-inch display–the same as the iPad. What’s more is that both tablets share the same “Retina” display resolution of 1536×2048. Sure, these things may not be enough to qualify the 97 Premium as a direct copy, but let’s take a look at the all-too-familiar design. Like the iPad, Archos has outfitted the 97 Premium with an unpainted, anodized aluminum backing, as well as curvaceous, protruding metallic edges.

I’m not saying that Apple should be allowed to hold a patent on rounded corners, but it’s time for companies to start becoming more innovative. Archos’ GamePad is a prime example of innovation at its best. It may not be the sleekest or sexiest device on the market, but boy does it function.

In all fairness, Archos has made a few subtle changes to deter Apple lawyers. The front-facing camera has been allocated to the top left-hand corner, while the company has tatted its own name in the center above the display. The corners are also slightly more rounded, though we all know this probably won’t make a difference when Apple inevitably takes it to the courtroom.

Source: Archos
Via: AndroidPolice 

ARCHOS GamePad now available in Europe, coming to North America early 2013

ARCHOS announced the 7-inch GamePad in August, but we were still waiting on a release. Looks our friends in Europe can get a taste of it starting today. It’s officially available for a price of €149.99 ($195). They also announced that those of us in North America can expect to see it in early 2013. If you’re not familiar with the GamePad, it’s a 7-inch Android tablet with physical gaming buttons and analog sticks. Usually devices such as these become boring pretty quickly once the user finds out the lack of support that it has, but ARCHOS promises that you will be able to play just about any Android game with the GamePad, thanks to the revolutionary mapping tool. Basically, users can map the buttons and sticks to any game. Not to shabby. The 7-inch display has a resolution of 1024 x 600, and the rest of the specs include a 1.6GHz dual-core CPU, quad-core Mali 400 GPU, 8GB of internal memory, microSD for up to an additional 64GB of space, and a mini-HDMI port. It’s 10mm thick, weighs 330g, and sports Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. I’m interested to get my hands on one to see if it’s everything it promises to be.

Archos’ Arnova FamilyPad tablet hits Europe in December

Do you ever find yourself messing around on your 10-inch tablet and thinking to yourself that it just isn’t cutting it? Well Archos may have an answer for that issue. Enter their Anova FamilyPad. This massive slab will rock a 13.3-inch display, certainly large enough to be enjoyed by you and others at the same time – hence the ‘family’ tag.

The Android 4.0 device will go on sale in Europe in December for £275 in the UK, and 299 Euros in France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Other vitals on this device include a 1280 x 800 display, a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. It’ll also include a microSD slot for storage expansion as well as HDMI output. Availability in the U.S. will follow shortly for $349. What are your thoughts? Will this device find room in your living room amongst the crowded tablet market?

source:  Liliputing

Low-end ARCHOS 80 Cobalt 8-inch tablet announced

Today ARCHOS announced their new ARCHOS 80 Cobalt tablet. The 8-inch device is destined to be a lower-end tablet device, though it does contain a couple features that may be of interest to buyers. The basic specs include:

• 1.6GHz dual core processor with a quad core GPU
• 1GB of RAM
• 8GB of internal memory
• microSD slot capable of supporting up to 64GB
• front-facing 0.3 MP camera
• rear-facing 2.0 MP camera
• 1024×768 8-inch screen
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Archos GamePad gets a hands on demo video

The Archos GamePad was announced in August and is still an extremely intriguing device. This tablet is clearly made for the gamer in us all. It has buttons on the side so the entire 7 inch 1024 x 600 screen is available for looking at what you’re doing. The dual-core processor and quad-core GPU partnered with the gaming buttons off the touchscreen will make advanced gaming better than ever on Android. Oh did I mention that it could be priced somewhere south of $150? Instead of listening to me ramble about the GamePad, hit the break and check out the video by Charbax who demos the device and explains how the buttons integrate into the Android platform.

Archos 101 XS now available in Europe

Last month, Archos announced their new Gen10 XS line of tablets which offer a sweet, built-in magnetic “Coverboard” that acts as a stand and also a protective case. Today, it looks like one of the Gen10 tablets, the 101 XS, is available for purchase online in Europe. As a little refresher, the 101 XS is the Gen10 XS lineup’s flagship model and comes with a 10.1″ (1280×800) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core OMAP 4470 processor, 16GB of storage and a near-stock Ice Cream Sandwich experience. Nothing about those specs will blow you away, but Archos is hoping that the “Coverboard” feature will set it apart from other tablets out there. The 10″ 101 XS will run you £300. If you pick one up, give us your opinion of this one-of-a-kind tablet.