Tablet maker Archos gives the home phone an Android upgrade to make it cool again

Pioneers of Android tablet devices, French company Archos has turned its hand to the home phone in a bid to push the aging product into the digital age.

To create its sleek and desirable Archos 35 Smart Home Phone, Archos streamlined the often-outdated device to match smartphone standards, added the Android operating system and refreshed it with forward-thinking technology.

"Compatible with any ADSL box or phone line and using standard DECT protocols the ARCHOS 35 Smart Home Phone is a light and stylish home phone that brings users contact sharing with their Android smart phone, MP3 ringtones, caller photo display as well as access to thousands of Android apps, web surfing, emails and video calling," said Archos.

The handset is equipped with a built-in front-facing webcam that enables consumers to use the device to make high definition video conference calls, to watch over their baby monitor from a separate room or as a remote surveillance device.

It also features a 3.5" touchscreen, email access, WiFi connectivity, and the ability to download games and applications.

During a press event in Paris, the company also took the wraps off a less-useful hybrid tablet and music player product called the Archos 35 Home Connect. The clunky-looking Android device follows in the footsteps of Sony's Dash personal internet viewer and the Chumby 8 - great products if you want an expensive feature-rich alarm clock or photo viewer, less enticing if you were hoping for a portable, full-featured tablet.

The Archos 35 Smart Home Phone is expected in stores by September 2011. It will be priced at $159. The Archos Home Connect is priced at $149 and will be available in September 2011.

Both the Archos 35 Smart Home Phone and the Archos 35 Home Connect will be on display at the IFA consumer electronics expo in Germany from September 2 to 7.

http://www.archos.com/products/ah/archos_35_shp/index.html?country=us&lang=en