Archos Set To Unveil Android-based Tablets

Archos is to unveil five new Android-based tablets at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin next month.

The company currently has a range of tablet devices, mostly notably the Archos 5 and 7 internet tablets, as well as its Archos 7 and 8 home tablets and a number of netbooks. The success of the Apple iPad has made an expanded tablet range important.

Dual Boot?

Alongside its existing range, the company will demonstrate five next generation machines with screen sizes ranging from 2.8 to 10 inches. This will also include the Archos 32 internet tablet, which it could use to take on the likes of the hugely popular Apple iPad.

According to TFTS, one of the machines that will be demoed is the ViewPad 10, which will reportedly offer a dual-boot setup with Windows and Android.

Intense Competition

The ViewPad 10 will be joined by the ViewPad 7 and will have 10 inch and 7 inch displays respectively. Other features include Wi-Fi, aGPS, microSD card slot, Bluetooth, G-Sensor and USB connectivity. It is also  reported that the 7 inch mode will also include a front and rear facing camera as well as an option to add built-in 3G connectivity.

Of course, the Archos devices will be facing a raft of competition from a multiple of vendors looking to break in the tablet space and captalise on the sales success of the iPad. This includes the likes of Dell, Google, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, Samsung, Research in Motion, and even BT.

What is not clear at this stage is what version of Android the tablets will run. Android 2.2 is being eagerly awaited by users around the world, thanks to its performance increase, support for Flash, and its capability to turn the device into a wireless hotspot.