Smart Home Phone: Archos Adds Android to Your Landline

Alongside news of new Android-based tablets, Archos has also announced two more unsual Android devices—but this time they're designed for use at home.  One is a web-based radio while the other is a smart home phone.

Archos has never quite managed to launch its own smartphone, but the French firm is getting closer with the new 35 Smart Home Phone, compatible with DECT for voice calls, as well as video calls and WiFi.

Designed like an Android smartphone, it has a 3.5'' touchscreen, an alphanumeric keypad and a whole host of Android apps available via Archos' own store, AppsLib.


The screen uses resistive technology, meaning it won't be as responsive as a traditional smartphone, and it also looks pretty dull.  But the idea isn't to replace your smartphone, but to offer a slightly more advanced handset for making voice calls at home.

Archos' vision of landline 2.0 can do most things an ordinary smartphone can do, including sending e-mail, browsing the web and playing music.  The front-facing VGA camera can be coupled with an Android app to keep an eye on your home while you're away.

Archos plans to launch the new phone, and its tablets, next September, with a retail price of around €149.

Radio Android

The Archos 35 Home Connect is dedicated to music, rather than communication, offering an Internet radio with a large touchscreen interface, two speakers and WiFi connectivity.

Rather than developing its own new services, Archos is relying on existing Android apps or else others developed for its earlier tablets, including an alarm clock, media player, photo browser and web radio, TuneIn.  The screen can also display widgets with real-time updates on news and weather.

It's small and light enough to be carried into any room in the home, and the Archos 35 Home Connect will launch in September alongside the other recent announcements for €139.

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