A couple of weeks ago we got word that Archos had had a decent stab at a handheld, Android-powered games console, the Archos Gamepad. One thing about that device which makes it stand out is its uniqueness; there's nothing quite like the Gamepad available from anyone else. It's this thinking outside the box from Archos which meant their latest invention catch our attention when it landed in our inbox too!
Last week Archos announced the TV Connect. Essentially this is an Android-powered TV/ entertainment solution and it's quite intriguing. To quote Archos directly the device will offer you the ability to "control your TV just like a tablet - tap, swipe, zoom in, zoom out, select or type. With the TV connect users will be able to play games, stream videos, video chat in HD, email friends or surf the web all from their big screen TV", this literally is Android for the TV.
To get a solid Android experience you'll need a little bit of horsepower and thankfully the TV Connect can offer you that too! There's a 1.5Ghz 'Multi-core processor', although Archos hasn't specified how many cores for some reason, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage which is MicroSD expandable. To top the whole thing off the device is running Android 4.1 'Jelly Bean'. If you're interested in picking one up then it'll be available in February and it'll set you back the grand total of $129.99. You can find full details over at Archos' website here.
There's a small demo of how the controller actually works with the Android apps just below!
Press release embedded below:
ARCHOS Unveils TV connect – Future Ready your Existing TV – First and Only Multi-Touch for Android on TV
ARCHOS TV Connect features a multi-gesture TV Touch remote with game control mapping and an HD camera for video calls
To be debuted at CES 2013, LVCC Central Hall Booth # 15322
Denver, CO – January 03, 2013 - ARCHOS, a pioneer in multimedia portable devices, is pleased to announce the ARCHOS TV connect, the only multi-touch "AndroidTM on TV experience" for your apps and games. The ARCHOS TV connect turns any HDTV into an Android powered smart TV providing the full Android ecosystem with a specially designed TV Touch remote.
The TV connect allows you to control your TV just like a tablet - tap, swipe, zoom in, zoom out, select or type. With the TV connect users will be able to play games, stream videos, video chat in HD, email friends or surf the web all from their big screen TV. The ARCHOS TV connect runs Android 4.1TM 'Jelly Bean' and will be available starting in February, 2013 for $129.99.
"As a pioneer in multimedia Android devices, we wanted to create a bigger, better way to enjoy Android," says Henri Crohas, Founder and CEO of ARCHOS. "The ARCHOS TV connect provides users with a multi-touch, multi-media Smart TV experience powered by AndroidTM."
Revolutionary TV Touch remote - A smartly designed remote for every task
Pointer – Allows you to control your TV just like you would your tablet with a tapping and/or swiping motion
Full multi-touch gesture support - Control your apps easily with zoom in, zoom out and rotate with ARCHOS developed unique gesture controls
Full keyboard with Android shortcuts - The TV touch remote includes a full keyboard and Android shortcut keys including a key for voice controls and voice typing
Play Android Games on your TV - Critically acclaimed games at your fingertips
Thousands of games available on your TV – Choose from over 700,000 apps and games on Google PlayTM
Dual thumb sticks and buttons - Play all your favorite games with full gaming controls and dual analog thumbsticks
ARCHOS Gaming Mapping Tool – Map the controls of games to the buttons and controllers of the remote for playing virtually any game on your TV – as recently introduced on the GamePad
Turn your TV into a Smart TV - Get a full web experience on your current HDTV
Internet - Surf on the net from a big screen
Online video streaming – Stream videos directly on your TV through YouTubeTM, Daily motion and other video applications
Emails – Send and receive emails or share photos from your Facebook page with friends
HD video calls - Connect with a group of friends or family members on a big screen
HD webcam - ARCHOS TV connect is equipped with an HD webcam for High quality video calling
LED notification – LED lights notify you when you have an incoming calls while watching TV
Compatibility with all popular video calling apps - Video chatting with Skype or Google TalkTM as a family from your sofa has never been easier
Multimedia Player - The ARCHOS TV connect includes the critically acclaimed ARCHOS Media Center applications so you can finally get control of your home media content, including:
Best video codecs and format support - Read all your favorite video files with format and codec support including H.264 decoding in full 1080p HD
Media Center Library - Tailor-made UI with automatic jacket, synopsis and subtitle download as well as library organization even for files stored elsewhere on your home network
Easy home streaming - Stream your media content over your home network either through WiFi or Ethernet
The right connections – Features HDMI (cable included), full USB host and micro SD slot
Google™ Certified with Full Access to shop on Google Play™ – With over 700,000 applications, get all your favorite Android content on your TV including books, music, magazines and movies