Archos joins Android camp with Internet Tablet

The Archos 5 Internet Tablet offers three completely customisable screens

Archos has turned to Google's Android open source operating system as the framework for its new Archos 5 Internet Tablet.

The company is best known for its range of portable media players, but has started branching out into portable computing with a range of netbooks and tablet PCs.

The new device closely resembles its predecessor, the Archos 5, with a 4.8in 800 x 480 capacitive touch screen, built-in microphone and GPS and Bluetooth support.

The Bluetooth connection can be used to stream audio to a headset or allow input from a Bluetooth keyboard, or can be paired to a mobile phone for internet access when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

"With consumers driving the growth of mobile internet adoption and easier ways to access the internet, Archos has succeeded to integrate GPS and high-definition media into the Android platform and offers unlimited ways to customise the tablet with thousands of applications on the Android platform," said Henri Crohas, chief executive at Archos.

As with Android phones, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet offers three completely customisable screens on which to drop widgets, shortcuts and applications.

Rather than tapping straight into the Google Marketplace for apps, Archos has created its own AppsLib store and ported a large number of Android applications across. This will help ensure compatibility with the device's larger screen and interface, the firm said.

The device is available in a range of storage options, including 8GB and 32GB models using Flash memory, and 160GB and 500GB hard drive-based models.

Archos also revealed that it is developing a mobile phone based on Android. The handset will run a 1GHz Arm Cortex processor and come with a 4.3in touch screen with a resolution of 854 x 480. Further details are expected at next year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The Archos 5 Internet Tablet will be available from late September ranging from £199.99 to £349.99.