Archos 5 Android Internet Tablet.

Revisited 1.3.07 Firmware 19/11/2009  Mark Perrin

OK so my first experience of this device back in October was largely negative.   So has anything changed in a relatively short time, and what if anything has been improved?  Well, Quite a lot has actually..

Ever since my device arrived in my hands I have believed it was full of promise, it was shown on the Archos  site to do so many things that this device could well be the jack of all trades Ipod killer.  So what went wrong?  Well put simply, I believe that it was initially rushed to market in an unfinished state, this opinion is shared by many when searching through the various reviews and forums out there so is it now ready for the Ipod fans to start worrying.  Well yes and no, and seriously, were nearly at a big yes. 

The main draw to the Ipod is the Apple eco system and the “It just works” philosophy.  Rather than add feature after feature, Apple took the approach to start small and add features when they were ready.  Archos however took the approach to announce everything at the start and worry later if the device could deliver on their promises.  This has led many to believe that users have been used as beta testers of what is in essence an upmarket media device and is priced as such.  As an early adopter myself, this caught me by surprise and others too I believe. 

Ok history lesson over.  Is it better?  Oh yes, is it. 

About a month ago, I took it upon myself to get in touch with an Archos developer and try to create a rapport and a base to improve my own experiences with the product.  Firstly, I will admit, this was for purely selfish reasons as I had over 150 videos that simply wouldn’t play, there were bugs galore, and I couldn’t use the device for more than a few minutes without it crashing. The experience was also very inconsistent amongst users, some having problems, others reporting few.  

The contact I made at Archos has been Fantastic; there is no other word so kudos goes directly to him and the team he works with for the software fix side of things, I have run him ragged with email after email and bug fix after the other.  I personally took the responsibility to create a little eco system of ways to get information from users to Archos and to try and filter out some of the smokescreen from the main Archos related Forums, this took a lot of effort on my part and is where much of my time has been spent.  I now have a small-dedicated site where I can upload video content that I have found that wont play from sites such as You Tube and an encrypted server that only myself and Archos have access to where I can submit videos directly to my contact.  I have now got 85% of my own videos working perfectly and have been taking submissions of videos and media of all types from other users and sending them to my contact for investigation (many are now working and there are many more fixes to come.  Luckily I was supplied with pre release firmware and asked to report on my findings,  The result, 1.3.07 was born.

For many, myself included 1.3.07 has been a big step forward in the Archos 5 Internet tablet.  It brings Stability and compatibility to the system and believe me there is much more to come (it was released before I personally considered it ready).  The reports from other users so far have been largely positive and the device in my opinion is now in a position where if you were considering taking the plunge, now is the time.  Id say get your credit card out and purchase with confidence.  This firmware is the one I would have said should have been released at the start, however it proves good things come to those who wait.  I will be continuing to work (unpaid) for Archos in a testing capacity and providing my contact with information and a filter from the smoke in the forums to try and make sure that everyone gets a piece of what they are looking for from the device.  My experience is now positive, crashes are very few and far between (although I can reproduce many issues still remaining and these are already being submitted daily) .  The thanks and appreciation I have received from other owners has been overwhelming and I have to say im very thankful for all of that.  I will also be posting up a video review of the new firmware in action shortly and there is now information being uploaded all the time with regards to my beta efforts on behalf of the community.  This can be followed in our forums here.  You can also email me your review and insights into the firmware, accessories and Archos 5IT for submission here. 

There are still however some problems remaining,  I would like to say that I personally am onto it and my contact has already confirmed some things that are now being worked on, including weighted P frame support that has been requested and some very big improvements still to be added to H.264 videos.  I am very much looking forward to testing these out and making sure the system is stable ready for a great next release. 

Is it better than an Ipod? 

Um, for many, an ipod is not even a consideration, it wont play 99% of the videos the Archos can, the screen is lower resolution and many hate anything Apple and that includes Itunes and being locked into the Apple Eco System.  Personally I have both so I don’t worry.  But the overall ‘experience’ still has some way to go before it will better that of the ipod.  However I am certain that whilst I am committed to testing, I will continue to push the boundaries for all and make this device at least as good if not better than the Ipod.  Already Archos has displayed a level of willingness to listen to its users and make changes that all can appreciate and see.   Unfortunately there are some things even firmware cannot fix, Resistive touch screens simply don’t give the same touch experience that many now take for granted, they cant support multi touch gestures and don’t respond as efficiently as capacitive touch.  Also there is still no sign of any Google Apps (the Jury is still out if we will ever see them, personally im doubtful but ever hopeful).  Id like to conclude that if the ipod is No 1 in the market, then the Archos is definitely now No2, on all counts 1.3.07 has delivered where in the past it failed, its not without its glitches, but these are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things.  If you want video playback that’s now the best in the market for compatibility, the ipod doesn’t even come close. 

Finally, there has also been a release of a new version of Appslib, this has brought much needed content and speed improvements to the existing buggy market.  Google Market would be the best addition but for now, Appslib is what we have got and im pleased to say that Archos have also delivered a stable release.  Its not anything like as refined or content rich as the Apple App Store but its certainly a big leap forward.