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Archos 35 Home Connect
Net savvy Android clock radio, anyone?
Aerial view
The keen-eyed amongst you will have noticed there is no snooze button. Also there’s no FM radio, so I won’t push the clock-radio analogy too far but the pre-loaded TuneIn internet radio app is a good replacement and has a one-button record facility.
Given the connectivity, is this is PMP in a box?
Around the back you will find a MicroSD slot to expand the 4GB of internal storage to a maximum of 16, a 3.5mm audio jack and a MicroUSB port for syncing and charging. Archos doesn’t say what the battery capacity is but it’s certainly good for at least 8 hours mixed use away from the mains.
Loading apps other than those in the Archos-endorsed AppsLibb requires that you instal ArcTools from said. One you have that you can use it to install the Android Market and any Google apps you want.
Internet radio player
Because the Home Connect’s screen is locked to portrait most apps are flagged as not being compliant. I got around this by exporting the apps I wanted from my phone using AirDroid. Once I had side loaded them all the ones I tried worked just fine.
Once installed Skype worked perfectly with the VGA web-cam above the screen and turned the Home Connect into a handy video and VOIP communication device, though who would want to video chat with me when I’ve just woken up in anyone’s guess. It’s really not a pretty sight.
Web browsing
Verdict
The Archos Home Connect is an interesting modern take on the good old bedside clock-radio with a decent screen at the front, Flash-playing Android underneath and a fine pair of speakers at either end. I’d like a snooze button and physical volume controls on the top though and the system buttons should be backlit for night-time use. ®
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