Archos has announced it is launching a second iteration of the Android-powered GamePad gaming tablet, with a host of improvements and new features.
The Archos GamePad 2, which runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is expected to go on sale later this month for around £120, will arrive with a higher resolution 1280 x 800 7-inch display.
There’s also an improved 1.6GHz A9 quad-core processor and 2GB RAM, as well as a much larger battery, allowing users to continue consuming games and apps for longer than on the original device.
Hardware has also been boosted with improved thumbsticks, following criticism of their ‘sticky’ implementation within the first-gen version of the gaming tablet. The company said improving the controls was “one of the main focus points” for the device.
The tool allowing users to map touchscreen control buttons to those on the physical tablet has also been improved, Archos says. Naturally, touchscreen-based gaming is also available.
In terms of games, users will again have access to the Google Play store, while two top Gameloft titles, racing game Asphalt 8: Airborne and first person shooter Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour will be bundled in for free. Both games will be optimised for use with the tablet’s physical controls.
The device still comes in 8GB or 16GB flavours, while there’s also front-facing speakers, a front-facing camera and a HDMI output for playing the games on your home television set. Wireless Display Technology also means the GamePad 2’s content can be beamed directly to the TV set over Wi-Fi.
You can check out the official word on Archos’ website here.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
