Many android games now use virtual buttons on the touchscreen for control, but this may not be optimal for all types of games, which is probably why Archos announced the launch a new type of tablet called the Archos GamePad just before IFA 2012. This device would just be like any 7″ Android 4.0 tablets were it not for the control buttons and analog stick on both sides of the screen.
The GamePad is powered by a dual core processor @ 1.5 GHz with a quad core Mali-400 GPU (most likely Rockchip RK3066) with 1GB RAM and 8GB Flash.
Here are the GamePad specifications as found on Arctablet.com:
| Operating System | Android 4.0 |
| CPU | Rockchip RK3066 CPU @ 1.5 Ghz Integrated GPU: Quad-Core Mali-400 |
| Flash Storage Memory | 8 GB |
| System Memory | 1 GB |
| Additional storage | Micro SD slot (SDXC compatible up to 64GB) |
| Display | 1024×600 Expected (TBC) Capacitive MultiTouch |
| Bluetooth | No (TBC) |
| Wifi | 802.11 b/g/n (TBC) |
| Gravity Sensor | Yes |
| Camera | 0.3Mp (front facing) (TBC) |
| GPS | No |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Interfaces | MicroSD slot |
| Android Market / Google Play | Yes |
Android 4.0 supports game controllers within its framework, and by making use of this framework, the GamePad can support many games. However, lots of games still do not include physical control mapping, so Archos developed their own mapping and game recognition tool, which allows any virtual controls to be mapped to the GamePad physical control buttons. This currently allows the GamePad to be supported by thousands of games, according to Archos.
The company has been discussing GamePad game development with “leading games developers”, and is now invite all Android game developers to make their games compatible with the GamePad. If you’re such a developer, you can contact Archos by email: GamePad@archos.com.
Archos GamePad will be available by the end of October for 130 GBP or less than 150 Euros depending on which press release you read…
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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Honestly, this looks good to me, and if they want to come back in game then this thing should cost £129, €139 and $149 respectively and should be launched NOW.
Just heard Rockchip QUAD has been announced, Chinese only announce their products when they are about to launch.. and the moment Rockchip QUAD will come to market, the DUAL would loose their sheen.
Archos should hurry up. Also got a feeling that now Charbax must be Unofficial Official Design Director for this thing, else Archos could have done this before. 🙂
It’s now available in Europe. Here’s the UK link: http://www.archos.com/products/gamepad/index.html?country=gb&lang=en&slider=