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Archos bringing Android-powered internet tablet to Mobile World Congress!

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The mobile world’s attention will be collectively focused on Barcelona, Spain starting next week as Mobile World Congress 2009 kicks off on Monday. And, to live up to convention-goers usually high standards for new technology, Archos has announced a powerful new Android-device slated to make its debut at MWC.

archos-android-comingArchos has announced that they will be bringing a new, Android-powered Internet Media Tablet to MWC. The “new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet (IMT)” expands Archos’s multimedia player lineup with a web-surfing, media-playing tablet that doubles as a mobile phone. The new Archos Internet Media Tablet will apparently sport an impressively thin 10mm profile that packs in a 5-inch touchscreen display, up to 500GB of storage, 7 hours of continuous video playback, support for HD video playback, and a 3G (HSDPA) data connection allowing for speedy full-screen web-surfing with Flash support.

And, the new Archos Android device is said to be powered by a new Texas Instruments processor based on the same OMAP3 architecture that recently garnered the Palm Pre some serious data-crunching credentials. The new OMAP3440 processor used in the Archos IMT will no doubt allow the device to excel as a multimedia player, but should also lend to an incredible user experience. Especially if Archos drops the resistive-based touchscreen for a more Android-friendly capacitance touchscreen.

Keep an eye on IntoMobile as we bring you live coverage of Mobile World Congress straigth from Barcelona!

Full press release after the jump.

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.

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.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.

Trademarks

OMAP is a trademark of Texas Instruments Inc. All other registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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