This’ll take you by surprise. The recently-released Archos 101 Internet Tablet, which Archos promised would receive an official update to Android 2.2 soon after launch, has indeed received it’s “FroYo” update. Very soon after launch. Well done, Archos.
It’s out now, and you can get it direct from Archos here. These are the official highlights of the 2.2 OS from the Archos release notes:
Version 2.0.54 – Android “Froyo” 2.2.1 – November 30th, 2010
- Higher performance: just in time compiler (JIT) technology makes applications run up to 5 times faster than previous Android “Eclair” 2.1 firmwares
– Enhanced Microsoft Exchange support: it is now possible to synchronize contacts and calendar events
– Allow to install more 3rd party applications by installing them on the storage memory (for applications that supports it)
– Video: movie information and cover retrieval in video file info dialog
– Multiple selection mode is now always enabled in the file manager
– External bluetooth GPS receivers are now supported
– Better assistance is provided in the tethering wizard to pair with cell phone using bluetooth DUN profile (smart APN detection)
– OpenVPN is now supported
– Slideshow support for network shares has been added to Gallery and Photoframe applications
– Photoframe: full screen picture can now be displayed on double tap when in floating image mode
– Manual white balance setting has been added in Camera application
– Faster USB write transfer
– Battery: more accurate battery charge estimation
– Audio: improved compatibility with android audio stream volume management (voice/music/ringtone etc.)
– Orientation: fixed compatibility issue with some applications working with inverted accelerometer axis
The Archos 101’s going for £269 at Dixons and in a rare occurrence for an Android tablet is actually IN STOCK at the moment – even though Archos UK itself seems to be out of stock of both the 8GB and 16GB versions.
UPDATE:
Turns out this update applies to ALL of the most recently released Archos Android tablets, so also upgrades the Archos 70, 43, 32 and 28 models. Full details from Archos here.
5th Horseman
/ December 1, 2010Updated my A70 last night to 2.2 but what a disappointment!
Sluggish, Android market not compatible with 2.2. Should have waited a bit to get the buggy bits out. Can’t go back.
5th
Gary C
/ December 1, 2010You sure it wasn’t just doing a heap of downloading/syncing in the background? Once a thing’s been updated, it’ll usually try to re-download all your apps for you.