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Recently, Archos announced a new firmware for their Internet Media Tablets, also known as the 5 and 7.  The firmware doesn’t come with any major updates, rather a few nice ones to the make the overall player a little bit better.

The firmware should allow for improved battery life, although it doesn’t say by how much.  Also expect improved USB transfer speed, and more Flash compatibility (this time for VP6).  The main addition this firmware provides is that both players can now play music in the format of OGG and FLAC.  Otherwise, the other fixes were random bug stuff that have now been fixed to make the player run more smoothly. 

More after the break. 

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There have been a lot of developments regarding the new 120GB Zune, beginning with the FCC leak and a customer buying one from a local store, and the latest is that this new media player is currently on sale at Amazon. Expected to come in a few days, Microsoft is set to announce the newest player, but there already have been a lot of 120GB Zune sightings, so Microsoft will probably only be announcing what is already known.

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A few weeks ago, you probably remember when Archos announced their new line of Internet Media Tablets. A few days later, the Archos 5 was on sale at Amazon, but it wouldn’t ship until 2-4 weeks later. Finally, the wait is over, the Archos 5 has begun officially shipping from all major retailers.

The Archos 5 comes with a 4.8 inch touch screen and is Wi-Fi capable. It also comes in three different models, a 60GB, 120GB and a huge 250GB version. The 60GB costs $349.99, the 120GB costs $399.99 and the 250GB costs $449.99. If you have a big media library with a lot of videos and music you may want to get the 250GB. If you have an average media library then the 60GB and 120GB models are probably enough. It will be interesting to see how the Archos players do compared with the new 120GB Zune, and the expected new Apple gear.

Read [Archos]

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Remember the new Archos Internet Media Tablets, the 5, 5g, and 7? Well, it looks like the 5 and 7 are already on sale at Archos retailer, Amazon. At this time, the 5g is not currently on sale.

The 60GB Archos 5 is set to cost $349.99, the same model with 120GB capacity will cost $50 more priced at $399.99, and the 250GB Archos 5 will cost $449.99. Next, we have the Archos 7 and the base unit, the 160GB model will cost $449.99. One of the main differences between the Archos 7 and 5 is the screen size, the Archos 7 boasts a 7-inch TFT LCD screen, meanwhile the Archos 5 comes with a slightly smaller 4.8-inch display. Finally, the whopping 320GB model will cost $549.99. As previously mentioned, the Archos 5g is not on sale yet, but hopefully it will be soon.

If you wish to purchase one of these devices, expect to receive it within 2-4 weeks.

Read [Archos] Product [Amazon] Via [I4U]

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Archos recently came out with 3 new devices, all of which are Internet Media Tablets. These new gadgets are set to combine music/video playback, TV, and the Internet, all in one sweet device. These new Archos tablets are called the Archos 5, Archos 7, and Archos 5g.

Let’s begin with the Archos 5. This device ranges in models with storage capacities of 60GB to a massive 250GB. It comes with a 5-inch screen to display the Internet and videos as clear as possible. Next, we have the Archos 7 and the 7 stands for it’s screen size, a beautiful 7-inch display. The cool feature in this one as opposed to the Archos 5, is that it can play live TV, a nice feature to have in any handheld device. As usual, it also can access the Internet and play videos. If you have a lot of videos stored on your computer and need a big device to store it all, then the Archos 7 is the device for you as it stores from 160GB to a crazy 320GB.

Lastly, we have the Archos 5g Tablet, which is designed for people always on the go and wanting to use the Internet wherever. The Archos 5g comes with 3.5g HSDPA technology, allowing you to connect to the Internet on the way to work, or on a long car ride. It boasts a hi-res 5-inch screen, and a 30GB hard drive. All three of these Internet Media Tablets come with something unique and perfect for everyone. Unfortunately, no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Read [Archos]

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There have been some invitations flying around from the good guys at Archos, inviting websites to their press event on July 10 in London. On the invitation, it says that there will be an “exciting announcement.“ Such a phrase has led to the reports of a new Archos 6th generation portable media player with 3G connectivity. Around this same time last year, Archos has announced the availability of its 5th generation of players.

If Archos does announce a new PMP with 3G connectivity, it will certainly give them an edge in the market, as they can compete with Apple and Microsoft for the top spot. UK’s managing director of Archos, Tony Limrick, is set to deliver the good news. Hopefully, Archos does announce new 3G capable PMP’s as that would also surely please many current Archos fans. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Read [DAPreview] Via [PMP Today]

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Britain’s lollypop ladies, the equivalent of our school crossing guards here in the US, have just been issued cameras and portable DVRs to record incidents of “lollipop rage” or school zone road rage. The cameras record traffic from both sides and feed their footage to an Archos portable DVR. The system was developed by a British firm known as Routesafe, and several local authorities have already implemented it in their communities.

“It’s unbelievable that we have to take this action,“ says the chairman of the Local Government Association’s transport board, “but the lives of children are at risk from increasing numbers of drivers who are so selfish that they are willing to put lives at risk by refusing to stop for 30 seconds at a school crossing.“

Road rage is becoming an increasing problem in the UK. Anyone caught by this new system will be fined £1,000, which equals roughly $2000 US, and also have 3 points placed on their driver’s license. 

Via [Gizmodo]

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The Archos 605 is one of the best PMP’s Archos has to offer, and already comes with a unique feature, integrated Wi-Fi. After today, it will come with another nice, somewhat unique feature - GPS. Usually, we see GPS units coming with audio and video capabilities, not usually do we see an already established PMP that gets GPS later on. Before GPS being added as an option on the 605, it was already battling the iPod and other PMP’s, but now that it has GPS, it’s starting to look better and better.

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