This article provides information regarding the Special Developer Edition (SDE) firmware for the Archos 101, 70, 43, 32, and 28 Internet Tablets. It is crucial to understand that this firmware is specifically designed for experienced software developers and should not be considered a commercial-grade release. Installing this Archos 101/70/43/32/28 Internet Tablet SDE Firmware on your device is at your own risk.
Purpose of the SDE Firmware
The primary objective of releasing this Archos 101/70/43/32/28 Internet Tablet SDE Firmware is to empower developers by:
- Opening up the hardware and software architecture of the Archos tablets.
- Providing a foundation for building native applications on a standard Linux base.
- Facilitating experimentation and customization of the operating system.
In essence, these SDE releases serve as a starting point for individuals keen on developing custom software and exploring the capabilities of the Archos tablets beyond their standard functionalities.
Important Remarks
Before proceeding with the installation of the Archos 101/70/43/32/28 Internet Tablet SDE Firmware, please take note of the following crucial points:
- No Legacy Multimedia Software: The SDE firmware intentionally omits all legacy Archos multimedia software. This means features like video playback and other proprietary media applications will not be available in this version.
- Angström Distribution Based (Generations 6, 7, & 8): The SDE firmware for Archos Generations 6, 7, and 8 devices is built upon the Angström distribution, a lightweight Linux distribution specifically designed for embedded devices. This distribution is generated from a customized Open Embedded build system. More information about Angström can be found at https://www.angstrom-distribution.org/. Details on Open Embedded are available at https://wiki.openembedded.net/index.php/Main_Page.
- Generation 9 Enabler: The SDE firmware for Generation 9 Archos devices functions primarily as an enabler. It allows users to flash a custom kernel or install a new system image via the Archos recovery mode. Unlike previous generations, this SDE firmware does not include a full system image like Angström. Instead, it contains a minimal Linux kernel that displays a logo upon boot and then automatically reboots the device. Further details can be found at https://gitorious.org/archos/archos-gpl-gen9/blobs/master/Readme_SDE.txt.
Installation Guide for Generation 8 Devices
The following instructions are specifically for Archos Generation 8 devices. Please read them carefully before attempting to install the SDE firmware.
Important Notices:
- Risk of Data Loss: Installing the SDE firmware may result in data loss. It is strongly recommended to back up all important data before proceeding.
- Potential Instability: As a developer release, the SDE firmware may contain bugs and instabilities. Expect potential issues with device functionality.
- No Warranty: Installing this firmware may void your device’s warranty.
Installation Steps:
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Access Recovery Menu: The SDE firmware must be installed using the recovery menu. To access the recovery menu, power on the device while pressing the ‘volume down’ button. On the Archos 28, this is achieved by pressing the power button three times in quick succession.
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Navigate and Select "Update Firmware": Once in the recovery menu, use the ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ buttons to navigate through the available options. Select the "Update firmware" option by highlighting it and pressing the power button briefly.
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Connect to PC and Upload Firmware: After selecting "Update firmware," connect the Archos device to your computer. The device will be recognized as a mass storage device, allowing you to copy the .aos firmware file to the device’s internal storage.
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Initiate Installation: Once the .aos firmware file has been successfully copied, press the power button again to begin the installation process. The device will then proceed to flash the SDE firmware.
Boot Menu and Operating System Selection (Generation 8)
After successfully installing the SDE firmware on a Generation 8 Archos device, a "Boot Menu" will be accessible each time the device is powered on while pressing the ‘volume down’ button. This menu allows you to choose which operating system to launch:
- Android: The original Android operating system installed on the device.
- Developer Edition: The newly installed SDE firmware.
- Recovery System: The Archos recovery environment.
Booting into Specific Operating Systems:
- Developer Edition: Power on the device while pressing both the ‘volume down’ and ‘volume up’ buttons simultaneously.
- Android: Power on the device without pressing any other buttons.
Uninstalling the SDE Firmware (Generation 8)
Installing a new standard (Android) Archos firmware will not remove the SDE firmware. To completely uninstall the SDE:
- Boot into the recovery menu using the Boot Menu (power on while pressing ‘volume down’).
- Select "Developer Edition Menu."
- Choose "Uninstall Developer Edition."
This process will remove the SDE firmware and restore the device to its original state (with the standard Android firmware).
Driver Download Link
As mentioned earlier, the SDE firmware is intended for developers. Therefore, it is crucial to have the necessary drivers for your Archos device. Here is the driver download link:
[Original Driver Download Link] (Please replace this with the actual link)
As the availability of the original link can vary over time, here’s an alternative download source that you may find helpful:
[Alternative Driver Download Link](Replace with an actual alternative link)
Disclaimer: Ensure the drivers are compatible with your operating system and the specific Archos model you are using.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Archos 101/70/43/32/28 Internet Tablet SDE Firmware. Remember to proceed with caution and only if you possess the necessary technical expertise.