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Wifi / Bluetooth (5.00)
The Archos 5 does not have Bluetooth, but it does have WiFi to enable it to connect to the internet and browse for media to download or rent from various pre-loaded services. Unlike your laptop, however, the Archos 5 will not immediately attempt to connect to a previously-used Wi-Fi hotspot as soon as you turn it on - it instead waits for you to try to access the internet through the web browser, email client, or other application before it attempts to connect. It would be nice if the Archos 5 would automatically connect to a previously used network upon wake/power up as long as Airplane mode is off to avoid delays when going to browse or some other activity requiring a network connection. To turn Wi-Fi off, you must enable Airplane mode in the Settings/Connectivity menu - Wi-Fi is always on otherwise.
This is the wifi network manager. Signal strength is measured in green bars
and encryption type is signified with a picture of a lock.
Music Store Client (1.00)
There isn't a true store client available at this time, although trying to open the app will prompt a "Coming Soon!" splash screen. The device does link to several web-based services, however, such as Dailymotion and Jamendo.
UPDATE: There is a bit of a store up at the moment, although many options aren't yet available. Currently you can download the Cinema plug-in, which will let you rip DVDs.
Clicking on "Media Club" > "Archos Store" will bring you here.
Clicking on "Media Club" > "Music" will bring you here. For those who can't
read the icon, it says Jamendo.
Clicking on "Media Club" > "Movies" will bring you here. The links are to the
Archos Media Club, CinemaNow, and DailyMotion.
Streaming Audio / Video (8.00)
The Archos 5 does support both streaming audio and video. We were able to play videos off of popular sites like Dailymotion, YouTube, and Vimeo. We were also able to stream MP3 files. If you'd rather listen to the radio, there's an FM.
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