Archos to launch Internet Media Tablet with Android-powered Phoning feature

In conjunction with Texas Instrument, Archos has announced its plan to unleash the all new touch screen Internet Media Tablet (IMT) that boasts the incorporation of mobile Android-based phone functionalities.

The upcoming device works effectively with Google’s Android operating system, Archos’ multimedia framework and Texas Instrument’s OMAP 3 platform.

Said to be housed in a 10-mm ultra-thin form factor, the feature-rich IMT will offer powerful multimedia experience with the Archos framework. Users can access various applications and internet at high-speed; and utilize in-built voice functionality.

“We are continuing to advance our efforts in the IMT space with the introduction of this new product. 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,” commented Henri Crohas, CEO and Archos founder.

Moreover, the new compact tablet will be powered by the OMAP 3440 applications processor based on the ARM Cortex superscalar microprocessor and DSP that ensures low power yet high performance solution.

Remi El-Ouazzane, Vice President and General Manager for TI’s OMAP platform Business Unit, stated “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. 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.”

The tablet with phone functionality features a high-resolution 5-inch full screen that allows users to view full-width page, similar to the PC-like operation. The Android powered Internet Media Tablet is compatible with Adobe Flash and Flash Video, uninterrupted access to TV, movies, photos, music and games along with TV recording and High Definition (HD) playback in all formats.

Besides, it comes equipped with 500 GB of storage capacity, 3.5G, 7.2 Mb/s HSUPA connectivity as well as up to 7 hours of video playback.

As of now, no other information is available about the new Archos Android-based Internet Media Tablet. It is expected to roll out in the third quarter of 2009.