- The web radio evolves with Android thanks to the ARCHOS Home Connect and its 3.5 inch touchscreen
- The ARCHOS Home Connect includes two built in high definition speakers in specially designed cases for improved bass
- As the ARCHOS Home Connect is light and has an extra-long battery-life you can take the great sound with you around the home and beyond.
I fell in love with the concept of this device when I stumbled on it @ Archos' website. Unfortunately, the execution fell short, primarily in how much Archos skimped on quality of the touchscreen. If any device ever cried out for OLED (a screen technology where light is emitted by each individual pixel rather than one big back light), this would be it. In its night mode where it shows the time in white with the rest of the display black, this low-contrast backlit display still lights up a dark room enough that my wife complained about sleep quality on night 2. The display's touch response is abysmal as well for anything beyond tapping simple scrolling gestures through my music are often misinterpreted, and the display is so small that only three or four items are displayed in many lists, making it difficult to find your place again when it scrolls too much.
On the plus side, the speakers were better than I would have expected from a device of this size & weight.
If Archos thinks they needed to hit a certain price point to make an alarm clock viable, fine, but they should offer a more expensive model that's the same, just with a higher-res and more touch-responsive OLED. I still like the concept enough that I'd take them up on it.
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Boy this is a tough review to write. As an alarm clock, the Archos
1) Does everything you need to make a perfect alarm clock
2) Does them all poorly.
Where do I start? I guess with the screen, the resistive screen works OK to push buttons, but scrolling, which is a breeze on any cellphone, is an exercise in frustration here, sometimes it scrolls, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it thinks you want to push a button.
The other major annoyance is the clock. The dimmer is too bright, so you have to point the clock at the wall otherwise it shines in you eyes. The other thing is the clock has a timeout you cannot switch off, so instead of the nice clock you can see in some screenshots, you get a dull green clock that bounces around the screen. Also, the clock is not the main screen, it's an application, so you are constantly going back to the main screen then pushing the clock application button.
The clock comes preset with appslib as the default android market. This pales in comparison to the Google market, you cannot browse for apps on you computer, and browsing on the clock is frustrating, so you end up browsing the Google market then searching on AppsLib once you have found the app you like. The Archos is compatible with the fewest apps I have ever seen, about 70% pf the apps are not compatible.
Now for some good news. The radio is fantastic, and the music app is very good. Also, and the most satisfying thing is, if you do not like the way something works, you can find a new app and substitute that. I customized my Archos as follows:
Replaced the clock app with Alarm Clock Plus. Its the same app as installed, but the market version has more options, including the option to turn off the screensaver. Added Google voice so I can listen to podcasts. Added Mortplayer so I can listen to audiobooks. Added Arctools to get the Google Market. Added Shuttle FTP server so I can transfer files between my computer and the Archos over the WiFi.
So now I have an alarm clock that is designed the way I want it, with functions I need. Thats the good news. Does that negate the poor screen navigation, lack of apps compatibility, and the too bright screen? Not sure, I have decided to keep the Archos, but as soon as someone else come out with a better android alarm clock, I'm first in line to buy it.
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I had been waiting for the release of this for a while because I thought that it would make a good internet radio and alarm clock.
First impressions are good. Immediately on unpacking and turning it on, it found my wifi network (but it, as so many other wifi gadgets only works on basic configuration routers-no 5Ghz here). It then performed a firmware upgrade.
After that, it was a case of entering in email details and logins, and it was good to go.
It has Tunein Pro-a bonus, as I was only expecting the basic version. Sound volume is good, and the quality not bad at all.
The alarm clock works fine, with lots of options.
It's rechargeable, but the battery only seems to last about 4 hours. Maybe it will improve with use. The manual warns against leaving the usb charger plugged in, but I'm going to ignore that. Having to plug and unplug it all the time when it's sitting on the bedside table being an alarm clock would be a bit of a pita.
All in all, I'm glad that I bought it.
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I love this thing. The speakers sound great and the actions are responsive. Just a few problems resistive (physical pressure based) screen and the action buttons don't light up. So if you are a gadget snob, don't buy this. It isnt a modern miracle piece of technology. But if you want a great little android stereo then you'll be pleased like me.
I have to admit there are a few minor nuisances, as with any Android device and any touchscreen device, but overall, it is about the most brilliant "clock radio" I have ever seen.
My two biggest complaints are that the little icons for home, back arrow, settings, etc., should be illuminated if possible, and I don't really like the way the USB power cord plugs into the rear; it can make the radio a little unstable. But these are minor.
Perfect size and remarkably good sound for that size. The ability to load my own music, listen to TuneIn Radio Pro, including local stations, is just what I wanted.
I can go to sleep listening to the radio or music of my choice
I can glance at the clock and see the time and temperature.
And of course it is an alarm clock.
It has a variety of apps preloaded and available, much like any Android phone does. For the most part I don't see the need to play angry birds on a clock radio or use it as an internet browser or calculator, but I suppose these could be nice options for some.
