For much of 2012, we saw over-the-top (OTT) set-top boxes in our sleep, most of which were designed to do essentially the same thing: enlighten your TV. In the case of ARCHOS’ new TV connect box, however, it’s the remote that steals the show.
The box itself runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and adds fully-functional Internet browsing, Android games and apps , and even HD video calling to your TV’s repertoire. But the way you control all of that entertainment is what has us jazzed. TV connect’s remote is an amalgam of anything ever used to control anything. Part TV remote, part keyboard, part Xbox controller and part iPad, the device allows you to click, swipe, type, and tap your way around the Internet with abandon.
Beyond the remote, the HD calling feature is probably the highlight here. Camera integration is a nice feature to have – just make sure you look presentable when video chatting on a 55-inch 1080p TV.
ARCHOS will showcase the TV connect at 2013 International CES next week. The product will retail for just $130 – a tantalizing price point for such a multi-faceted box – and will be available in Feb 2013.
