X

Photos: Archos 605 WiFi up close

Jasmine and I had an opportunity to spend just a little time with the new Archos 605 WiFi portable video player. So far, it looks like a real gem.

Donald Bell
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
Donald Bell
IMG_0802_440.jpg
1 of 18 CNET Networks
Here's an example of the Archos 605 WiFi streaming a Flash video file directly from YouTube.
IMG_0794_440.jpg
2 of 18 CNET Networks
The 605 WiFi has a feature that directly connects you to several audio and video content providers. We demoed the Cinema Now movie-streaming and download service.
IMG_0795_440.jpg
3 of 18 CNET Networks
The Cinema Now service seemed to have plenty of current movie content for purchase.
IMG_0810_440.jpg
4 of 18 CNET Networks
The new DVR interface on the Archos 605 WiFi is a drastic improvement over the previous VCR-style recording interface. There are a few steps involved in setting up the channel guide (entering your ZIP code, selecting your cable box, etc.), but once that's done, the DVR actually seems approachable.
IMG_0820_440.jpg
5 of 18 CNET Networks
Though it was just a prototype, Archos' plans for a new set-top DVR box seem well-devised and a unique step for a portable media player company.
IMG_0806_440.jpg
6 of 18 CNET Networks
Archos has ditched the TV remote style for a QWERTY remote. The button on the left is a nine-way direction pad that acts as a mouse. Hook the Archos up to your TV and you can wirelessly surf the Internet on your television using the Opera browser.
IMG_0797_440.jpg
7 of 18 CNET Networks
With the built-in kickstand and glare-resistant screen, it was hard to take our eyes off the screen.
IMG_0815_440.jpg
8 of 18 CNET Networks
For an extra $100 or so, you can purchase a sleek docking station for the Archos with plenty of connectivity. There's no HDMI connection on this, but there probably will be one on the set-top box.
IMG_0796_440.jpg
9 of 18 CNET Networks
The Cinema Now content portal running on the Archos allows videos to be rented for $4 or purchased for $15.
IMG_0804_440.jpg
10 of 18 CNET Networks
Here you can see the headphone output on the bottom and status lights above it.
IMG_0813_440.jpg
11 of 18 CNET Networks
The optional DVR Station ($99) acts as an AV dock for recording video content to the device and for displaying movies, photos, and the Web on your TV.
IMG_0808_440.jpg
12 of 18 CNET Networks
The new remote design lends itself to two-thumb operating of the QWERTY keyboard.
IMG_0799_440.jpg
13 of 18 CNET Networks
The same great built-in kickstand continues on in Archos generation 5.
IMG_0822_440.jpg
14 of 18 CNET Networks
The DVR set-top box is still being developed by Archos, but it promises restriction-free content recording using the same upgraded DVR interface found on the 605 WiFi.
IMG_0818_440.jpg
15 of 18 CNET Networks
I'm not sure if Archos is calling this the Smart DVR (embossed on this prototype), or Archos TV Plus (found in the press release). Whatever it is, it should give Apple TV and TiVo some competition. Archos claims this will have an HDMI connection, a program recording guide, and Wi-Fi connectivity for content streaming and Web browsing. Due out in the fall.
IMG_0790_440.jpg
16 of 18 CNET Networks
Compared to the 604, the 605 is a little slimmer from side to side and front to back.
IMG_0816_440.jpg
17 of 18 CNET Networks
Just to give you a sense of the footprint for the DVR docking station.
IMG_0793_440.jpg
18 of 18 CNET Networks
Jasmine puts the Archos 605 WiFi's interface through its paces. I didn't see any radical changes to how the GUI behaved compared to the 604.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos