GadgetReview

Archos released a press release today detailing what is to be a ‘new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet’.  Unfortunately, no pics we’re delivered but the device will combine Google’s Android mobile platform with ARCHOS’ multimedia framework and be supported by Texas Instruments OMAP3 processor, which is said to deliver a laptop like performance.   The big takeaways include HD video, Adobe Flash compatibility, 500GB of storage, 7 hour video playback, 5-inch screen, 3G connectivity, phone and a 10mm thin body.

Full release below

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 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — 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) (NYSE: TXN).

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:

PC-like Internet experience enhanced by a high-resolution 5″ screen and full-width page viewing
Adobe Flash(TM) and Flash Video(TM) support, full screen
Access whenever and wherever to TV, movies, photos, music and games
Uncompromised TV recording and High Definition (HD) playback, all formats
Hundreds of hours of video storage, up to 500 GB
Innovative design: compact 10-mm ultra-thin tablet
Long battery life, 7 hours’ video playback
3.5G 7.2 Mb/s HSUPA
Laptop-like performance from the first implementation of OMAP3440 processor based on the ARM(R) Cortex(TM) superscalar microprocessor and DSP
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.

The Verizon Hub (aka touchscreen VOiP phone) went on sale yesterday.  To grab one you’ll need to sign a 2-year contract and drop $200.  This is the first time I’ve seen a contract required for a non cell phone device.  Well, looks like Verizon has found a way to curb land line attrition.

You can buy it here

Features:

• Chaperone – Track your kids cell phones
• Unlimited Nationwide Calling
• Text, Picture and Video Messaging
• V CAST – News and Sports, Entertainment, Food & Dining, Lifestyle
• Visual Voice Mail
• VZ Navigatorsm
• Weather & Traffic updates
• Directory – Business Search/People Search/Reverse Lookup
• Web Management Site – Manage your Verizon Hub remotely
• Movie Listings, Show times and Trailers, Movie Ticket Purchasing
• Calling Features – Caller ID/Call Forwarding/Do Not Disturb/Incoming Call Blocking/Call Waiting
• Virtual Command Center – 7″ Touch Screen
• Wi–Fi Ready
• Widget Shortcuts to Weather, Missed Call & Message Status, Calling Features, Time, Date and Calendar
• National Directory Assistance
• Intercom & Handset Paging
• Screensavers
• Set Backup Number
• International Call Block
• Contact List
• My Photos – Slideshow/Set Background
• Communications – Call Logs/Voicemail/Messages
• Pick Your Own Area Code
• Simultaneous Ring
• Star and # Pound Code Dialing
• Calendar – Day/Month Views/Create and Update Invites/View Family Schedule/Text Message Reminders
• Speakerphone
• Speed Dialing
• Anonymous Call Rejection
• Calculator

What is it: The Touch Revolution Nimble (beta name) is a variety of touchscreen devices running the Android OS.

Features: Android OS, 5-inch to 8-inch touchscreens, photo viewer, media player, super strong dent and wear resistant screens, recipe apps, WiFi and more

Availability: Soon, but the OS and touch needed some work

Price: $300 or maybe free if a telecom sells it, sort of like AT&T’s Home Manager

MID devices are on the rise and there to capture the hot market is a partnership between Korea-based Digifriends and Nextwave.  I’ve never heard of either company, but their M3 MID doesn’t look too shabby. At its core is Intel’s 1.2Ghz Silverthorn processor and a 4.8-inch 1024×600 touchscreen.  Storage comes by way of either a 30GB or 60GB 1.3-inch HDD, plus WiFi and Wimax connectivity.   Other notables include a front and rear facing camera (.3MP camera and 2MP respectively), optical mouse, USB input, Windows or Linux OS and an optional QWERTY keyboard and GPS.

[Pocketables]

Talk about connectivity.  Yesterday we saw the first ever WiMax/GSM phone, the Max 4G.  This 4.8-inch touchscreen (1024×600) MID, which seems to have no name but comes from a Korean company called UMID, features WiBro, HSDPA, WiMAX, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity (WiBro is for the Korean market).  Under the hood is a 1.3Ghz Intel Atom processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, a 32GB SSD, an SD card slot for memory expansion, a 1.3MP camera and USB 2.0.  You can choose from Window XP, Vista or Linux OS.

The device is expected to hit the Korean market sometime in 2009.

[Aving]

iRiver’s Ex-CEO has finally unveiled his latest product, the Mintpad.  The 2.86″  device is yet another PMP/MID with some touchscreen wizardry built-in.  It’ll play your movies and music, show off your photos and allows you to jot some notes with the included stylus.  Under it’s hood is an ARM9 400mhz processor and 4GB of storage with no mention of a memory card slot for expandability.  The screen is 320×240 and the built-in WiFi is a nice touch for speedy downloads and I suppose web browsing, although it might prove challenging on the tiny screen.

The Mintpad costs about $157, but I wouldn’t expect it to leave Korea, at least not anytime soon.

Videos of the device in action here

[Pocketables]

Boxing analogies aside, Tawainese USI’s latest MID is one sexy and svelte beast.  Showcased at the Intel Developer Forum this week, the MID-160 is rocking a 5-inch 800×480 LCD touchscreen, which can produce over 167k colors.  Inside the MID-160’s 1.5cm thick chassis is an unnamed Atom processor, an 8GB SSD, WiFi, Wimax, 3G chipset, 512MB of RAM, Bluetooth and GPS.   The device runs Ubuntu, which is surely a welcome over any Windows OS.  Portage includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, docking port, microSD slot, SIM slot, front facing webcam, and an ambient light sensor.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on price or release date.

[UMPCportal]