Update: Please now use the files and instructions at http://code.google.com/p/archos-apps-installer/ instead of the instructions below.
Currently the Archos Gen8 devices (Archos 28, 34, 43, 70 and 101) are only shipped with AppLibs that contains “only” 10,000 applications. I believe it’s because Google requires tablets to be mobile devices (with GSM or 3G capabilities) to fully access Google MarketPlace. But do not despair, since the guys at Archosfans found a way to install Google MarketPlace on the new Archos android tablets and you’ll be able to use an APK file to install the marketplace. Here are the steps:
- Simply download gApps4Archos.apk here, here or here. (Firmware version before 2.0.54)
- Copy gApps4Archos.apk file to your Archos disk.
- Install it by selecting this file using the device file manager
- Run the installed package and follow the installation steps
Bear in mind, that this has been tested on Android 2.1 and it may or may will not work on Android 2.2 for the Archos platform. If you have updated your Archos device to firmware 2.0.54 (and above), you may want to wait for the new gApps4Archos.apk use gApps4Archos2.apk or if you like challenges follow more complicated instructions to install Google Marketplace on Android 2.2.
There is also a small risk that your device may not reboot properly after installing the APK, in that case you may check the ArchosFans forum for help. But that’s worth it since you’ll be able to play Angry Bird and make calls with Skype after the update among (160,000+) other things.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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The instructions above may still work, but it is now better to use gAppsInstaller_v5-final.apk – http://code.google.com/p/archos-apps-installer/