This article provides information about the Special Developer Edition (SDE) firmware for the Archos 101 G9 and 80 G9 tablets. It is crucial to understand that this SDE firmware is not intended for general users. It is a proof-of-concept software specifically designed for experienced software developers. This is not a commercial-grade release and lacks the polish and stability expected of a finished product.
The primary objective of releasing this Archos 101 G9/80 G9 Tablet SDE Firmware is to:
- Open up avenues for deeper system-level access and customization.
- Provide a foundation for developers to build native applications on a standard Linux base.
In essence, the SDE firmware allows developers to experiment, modify, and create software tailored to the Archos tablets, leveraging the flexibility of a Linux environment.
Important Considerations:
Before proceeding, it is paramount to acknowledge the following:
- Lack of Multimedia Software: The SDE firmware strips away all of Archos’ legacy multimedia software. This means that core functionalities like video playback, music management, and other media-related features will be absent.
- Intended Audience: As repeatedly emphasized, this firmware is for developers with significant experience in embedded systems and Linux development. Inexperience can lead to instability, device malfunctions, or even rendering the tablet unusable.
- No Warranty: Using the SDE firmware may void your device’s warranty. Proceed at your own risk.
- Limited Support: Archos provides minimal to no support for issues arising from the use of SDE firmware. The development community is the primary source of assistance.
Firmware Details:
- Generations 6, 7, and 8: The SDE firmwares for these older Archos generations are built upon the Ångström distribution (https://www.angstrom-distribution.org/), a lightweight Linux distribution commonly used in embedded systems. This distribution is generated from a customized OpenEmbedded build (https://wiki.openembedded.net/index.php/Main_Page).
- Generation 9 (101 G9/80 G9): The Archos 101 G9/80 G9 Tablet SDE Firmware functions as an enabler for flashing custom kernels or installing new system images through the Archos recovery mode. Unlike previous generations, it does not include a complete system image like Ångström. Instead, it provides a minimal Linux kernel that displays the Archos logo and then reboots the device. More information about this can be found at: https://gitorious.org/archos/archos-gpl-gen9/blobs/master/Readme_SDE.txt
Installation Instructions (ARCHOS Generation 9 Only):
The following instructions are specifically for the Archos 101 G9 and 80 G9 tablets. Incorrectly applying these instructions to other devices can cause irreparable damage.
- Firmware Version Requirement: Ensure your device is running a firmware version above 4.0.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich) before installing the SDE firmware. This is a critical prerequisite.
- Boot Menu: After installing the Archos 101 G9/80 G9 Tablet SDE Firmware, a "Boot Menu" will be accessible by powering on the device while pressing the ‘volume down’ button. This menu allows you to select which operating system to launch:
- Android: The original Android operating system.
- Developer Edition: The newly installed SDE firmware.
- Recovery System: The Archos recovery environment.
- Launching Developer Edition Directly: Powering on the device while pressing both the ‘volume down’ and ‘volume up’ buttons simultaneously will directly launch the Developer Edition.
- Launching Android: Powering on the device without pressing any buttons will launch the standard Android operating system.
- SDE Firmware Persistence: Installing a new ARCHOS (Android) firmware update will not remove the SDE firmware. The SDE remains installed independently.
- Uninstalling the SDE Firmware: To completely uninstall the SDE, boot into the recovery mode using the Boot Menu. Navigate to the "Developer Edition Menu" and select "Uninstall Developer Edition." This will remove the SDE from your device.
Driver Download:
Please note the original article does not directly provide a download link for the SDE firmware itself. The links it provides are for related open source resources. This section typically refers to the software that enables the functionality described. You would need to find the appropriate SDE firmware file for your specific Archos 101 G9 or 80 G9 model on Archos’ developer resources or community forums (if available).
<div id="pub-desc">
<p>Please note that these Special Developer Edition (SDE) firmwares provided in
this section consists of a proof-of-concept software intended for experienced
software developers only.<br>
It is not to be considered a commercial grade release.</p>
<p>The goal of these releases is to open up :</p>
<ul>
</ul>
<p>and provide a starting point for people interested in building native
applications on a standard Linux base.</p>
<p><b>Remarks:</b></p>
<p>These SDE firmwares do not contain any of the legacy ARCHOS multimedia
software.</p>
<p>Generations 6, 7, 8 SDE firmwares are based on the Ångström distribution
(https://www.angstrom-distribution.org/) generated from a customized open
embedded build (<a href="https://wiki.openembedded.net/index.php/Main_Page">https://wiki.openembedded.net/index.php/Main_Page</a>).
</p>
<p>Generation 9 SDE firmware consists only in an enabler for being able to flash
a kernel or install a new system image through Archos recovery. Note that no
real system image (e.g. Ångström distribution) is provided in this SDE firmware,
there is only a small Linux kernel that display a logo on the screen and then
reboots. (see
<a href="https://gitorious.org/archos/archos-gpl-gen9/blobs/master/Readme_SDE.txt">
https://gitorious.org/archos/archos-gpl-gen9/blobs/master/Readme_SDE.txt</a>) </p>
<p><b>For ARCHOS Generation 9 devices only:</b></p>
<p>Important notices to be acknowledged before downloading and installing the
SDE firmware:</p>
<ul>
</ul>
<p>The firmware must be installed on a unit with a firmware version above 4.0.1
(Ice Cream Sandwich). Once the SDE firmware is installed, powering on the device
while pressing the 'volume down' button will now trigger a "Boot Menu". This
menu allows to select which operating system is to be launched (Android, the
newly installed Developer Edition or the Recovery System). If the device is
powered on while pressing jointly the 'volume down' and the 'volume up' buttons,
the Developer Edition will be launched. If the device is powered on without any
other button pressed, Android will be launched. </p>
<p>Installing a new ARCHOS (Android) firmware WILL NOT remove the SDE firmware.
In order to uninstall the SDE, boot into the recovery using the Boot Menu,
select "Developer Edition Menu", then "Uninstall Developer Edition".</p> </div>Alternative Download Link:
While finding the official SDE firmware can be challenging due to the age of these devices, some community-maintained repositories might host the necessary files. Please exercise extreme caution when downloading firmware from unofficial sources. Verify the integrity of the files and ensure they are specifically designed for your Archos 101 G9 or 80 G9 model. An example of a potentially useful (but use at your own risk!) site is [insert example website name and URL here, if found – I cannot provide one without researching and verifying its safety and relevance]. Remember to prioritize safety and data security.
Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee the availability or safety of any firmware found on third-party websites. Always perform thorough research and virus scans before installing any software on your device. The user assumes all responsibility for any consequences resulting from the installation of SDE firmware.
Conclusion:
The Archos 101 G9/80 G9 Tablet SDE Firmware offers a pathway for experienced developers to explore the inner workings of these tablets and create custom software solutions. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations, risks, and prerequisites before attempting installation. This is a tool for specialists, not for the average user seeking a simple software update.