Thursday, October 27,2005 @ 2:40pm
Archos unveils iPod video competitor
Archos today launched the Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center, its portable digital entertainment device that will compete with Apple's fifth-generation video-capable iPod. The device plays DVD-quality video, displays photos, plays protected Windows Media audio/video files, and acts a a USB host for direct file transfer from digital cameras to other devices. Features include a 20GB hard drive, Microsoft PlaysForSure compatibility, support for both protected download and subscription music services, a 2.2-inch color LCD, and a sleek metallic casing. The Gmini 402 measures 4.17 x 2.37 x 0.69 inches, weighs 5.64 ounces, and offers capacity for up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs. The device autosyncs with Windows Media Player 10 on both Macs and PCs to ease media transfers, and supports MPEG-4, MP3 and WMA audio files. The Archos Gmini 402 is shipping for $300 with a USB cable, USB host adapter, AC power charger, quick start guide, and a protective pouch.