The Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet (IMT), a device from the sixth generation of Archos products, was a pioneer in the portable media player market. To foster innovation and community development, Archos released Special Developer Edition (SDE) firmware for these devices. This article provides an overview of the Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware, its purpose, limitations, and installation process, specifically focusing on the Generation 6 devices.
Understanding the SDE Firmware
It’s crucial to understand that the Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware is not intended for the average user. These releases are specifically designed for experienced software developers who are comfortable working with low-level systems and debugging. They are proof-of-concept software, meaning they are experimental and may contain bugs or incomplete features. They are explicitly not commercial-grade releases and lack the polish and user-friendliness of standard firmware.
Key Characteristics of SDE Firmware:
- Developer-Focused: Primarily aimed at software developers with experience in embedded systems.
- Proof-of-Concept: Experimental software that may be unstable or incomplete.
- No Multimedia Software: Lacks the standard Archos multimedia applications found in commercial releases.
- Open Source Foundation: Built upon open-source technologies, providing a platform for customization.
The Goals of SDE Firmware
The primary objective of releasing the Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware was to unlock the device’s potential for native application development. Archos aimed to:
- Provide Access to Hardware: Allow developers direct access to the hardware components of the Archos 5/7 IMT.
- Offer a Linux Base: Supply a standard Linux environment as a foundation for building applications.
- Encourage Community Development: Foster a community of developers who could create innovative software for the platform.
In essence, Archos wanted to provide a blank canvas for developers to explore the capabilities of the Archos 5/7 IMT beyond its original intended use. The Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware provided this foundation.
Technical Foundation
The Generation 6, 7, and 8 SDE firmwares are built on the Ångström distribution. The Ångström distribution is a Linux distribution tailored for embedded devices. It is generated from a customized OpenEmbedded build, a powerful build system for creating custom Linux distributions. You can learn more about OpenEmbedded at https://wiki.openembedded.net/index.php/Main_Page.
Generation 9 SDE firmware takes a different approach. It acts as an enabler, allowing users to flash a custom kernel or system image using the Archos recovery mode. This version includes only a minimal Linux kernel that displays a logo and reboots. A complete system image, such as Ångström, is not included. More information about Generation 9 SDE firmware can be found at: https://gitorious.org/archos/archos-gpl-gen9/blobs/master/Readme_SDE.txt
Important Considerations Before Installation (ARCHOS 5/7 IMT – Generation 6)
Before you proceed with downloading and installing the Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware on your Generation 6 device, carefully consider the following:
- Data Loss: The installation process will erase all data on your device. Back up any important files before proceeding.
- No Warranty: Installing SDE firmware may void your device’s warranty.
- Potential Instability: The firmware is experimental and may cause unexpected behavior or instability.
- Technical Expertise Required: Installation requires a good understanding of flashing firmware and troubleshooting potential issues.
- Loss of Multimedia Features: You will lose all the standard Archos multimedia functionalities.
Restoring the Legacy ARCHOS Firmware
The SDE firmware overwrites the original Archos firmware. Thankfully, restoring the legacy firmware is possible using the device’s recovery menu. Here’s how:
- Access Recovery Mode: Power on the device while simultaneously pressing the ‘volume down’ button. This will boot the device into the recovery menu.
- Navigate to "Repair Disk": Use the ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ buttons to navigate through the menu options. Locate the "repair disk" option.
- Select "Repair Disk": Once the "repair disk" option is highlighted, press the power button briefly to select it.
- Connect to PC: The device will now act as a mass storage device when connected to a PC via USB.
- Upload Legacy Firmware: Download the appropriate legacy .aos firmware file for your Archos 5/7 IMT (the original, official firmware). Copy this .aos file to the device’s mass storage.
- Initiate Installation: After the .aos file is copied, press the power button again to begin the firmware installation process.
The device will then flash the legacy firmware, restoring it to its original state.
Downloading the Drivers
While the original article does not provide direct download links, it’s essential to have the correct drivers for your Archos 5/7 IMT to interface with your computer, particularly during the recovery process. You can often find these drivers on legacy driver archive sites. It is important to ensure that drivers are acquired from reputable sources to prevent potential malware or instability.
The download link for the original drivers is included below
<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>ARCHOS 5/7 IMT (Generation 6) only:</b></p>
<p>Important notices to be acknowledged before downloading and installing the
SDE firmware:</p>
<ul>
</ul>
<p>The process for restoring the legacy ARCHOS firmware is done by accessing the
recovery menu. The recovery is triggered by powering on the device while
pressing the 'volume down' button. In order to install the new firmware, the
"repair disk" option needs to be selected by navigating up and down the items
with the 'volume up' and 'volume down' buttons and then executing the selection
with a short press on the power button. Once in this mode, the device can be
connected to a PC and will act as a mass storage device where the legacy .aos
firmware file can be uploaded. Once this step is done, press on the power button
again to launch the installation process.</p> </div>As an alternative, you can try searching for "Archos 5/7 IMT drivers" on sites like Softpedia or DriverGuide. However, always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party sources.
Conclusion
The Archos 5/7 Internet Media Tablet SDE Firmware represents a unique opportunity for developers to explore the hardware and software capabilities of this iconic device. While it is not intended for casual users, it provides a valuable platform for creating custom applications and contributing to the legacy of the Archos 5/7 IMT. By understanding the purpose, limitations, and installation process of the SDE firmware, developers can make informed decisions about whether it is the right path for their projects. Remember to proceed with caution, back up your data, and be prepared for potential issues when working with experimental software.