This is the start of a new phase for PMPs. People are actually starting to ask about full Internet browsing capabilities on PMPs.
The Archos 704 WiFi is a high-end PMP/PVR that’s rumored to be released on March 16th. [update: There's a rumor that it will be announced today - 6th March.] There’s a 7″ 800×480 touch screen, 40GB hard drive and WiFi on board. The OS is tailored for the device and the pricing is rumored to sit between $550 and $750 dollars. This is the kind of device that could really capture the consumers interest but not if it doesn’t support Ajax, Flash and Java as is being reported. That really cuts out all of the web-based application sites and limits you to on-board applications. So far, the only device at the price bracket that I’ve seen handle media and full Internet well is the Pepper Pad 3. Unfortunately the design of the Pad 3 isn’t really targeted at the Uber-PMP crowd. Maybe they should re-design it into something smaller (5.6 or 6.5″ 800×480 screen would be my choice) and take away the keypads and provide them as optional plug-in wings.
Its going to be quite a race between x86 and RISC-based consumer devices. On one hand you have full desktop PC capability but a high technical spec requirement and on the other, you have sub-optimal applications on a highly power-efficient hardware platform. One of my main thoughts today on this topic is about software development. Who’s interested in developing software for low-end x86 UMPCs? Who’s interested in developing software for high-end smartphones, PMP’s, and navigation devices? I guess there’s more manpower in the latter.
Update: Engadget says that the 704 is official and will sell for $549 (80GB)
