Archos TV Connect Turns Any HDTV into Android-Powered Smart TV

So what features will this include? Archos is promoting a unique remote that reminds me of a bigger version of a PlayStation 3 controller with a built-in keyboard. The remote also doubles as a type of pointer, according to Archos, that has “full multi-touch gesture support”, and that has Android shortcuts.

The other claims for this box are full access to Android Google Play – which I guess means that I can run the Control4 Android app on this – and a full web experience on my TV complete with HD Video Calls – hello, Skype – and, get this, a multimedia player. That last part means I can use Pandora and all the other media apps available on Google Play.

This is some of what the company says about it in its CES preview press release:

The TV connect allows you to control your TV just like a tablet - tap, swipe, zoom in, zoom out, select or type. With the TV connect users will be able to play games, stream videos, video chat in HD, email friends or surf the web all from their big screen TV. The Archos TV connect runs Android 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ and will be available starting in February, 2013 for $129.99. 

As a pioneer in multimedia Android devices, we wanted to create a bigger, better way to enjoy Android,” says Henri Crohas, founder and CEO of Archos. “The Archos TV connect provides users with a multi-touch, multi-media Smart TV experience powered by Android.” 

This is a whole lot of action for less than $150. I just hope it stands up to all the hype. We shall see at CES. For now, you can watch the company’s video on their new product here: