French electronics maker Archos is gearing up to launch a new tablet, this time running Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system rather than Android.
Archos has been trying to make it on the tablet market for quite some time, launching several Android products but with no resounding success. The company now has a different approach in mind, as it plans to release its very first Windows 8.1 device.
According to a recent press release, the company is readying a new range of devices including an Archos 80 Cesium slate that will join the affordable sector of the tablet market. Archos has previously launched a Windows 7 tablet back in 2009, but made only Android devices ever since.
That's all about to change soon, when the new Archos 80 Cesium makes its debut with an Intel quad-core processor under the hood, Microsoft's Windows 8.1 OS on board, and an attractive $149 price tag to better compete against rivals. The tablet will have an 8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,200 x 800 pixels.
Archos has not offered any other details at this point, which means that it remains uncertain for now just what type of processor it will pack, how much RAM, how much internal storage capacity, or what other specs will grace the slate.
"Our upcoming line-up of consumer products delivers amazing performance, superior design and impressive affordability," Loïc Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS, touted in the press release (PDF). "We are committed to making technology universally available and are proud to shape the market by providing high quality, yet attainable devices."
"ARCHOS 80 Cesium, the ideal Windows 8.1 tablet, showcases an 8-inch IPS screen with 1280 x 800 resolution and is run by an Intel Quad Core processor. Available in October for only $149, ARCHOS 80 Cesium perfectly blends quality and affordability, and replicates the user experience of your desktop on the go."
As ZDNet points out, a $149 price tag may not sound too impressive for an Android tablet, but it would be the lowest price yet for a Windows slate. The cheapest small tablet running Microsoft's OS costs $199, which means that the Archos 80 Cesium may have the great advantage of launching as the most affordable Windows 8.1 tablet.
If this 8-inch Cesium tablet from Archos proves to be successful, the company may consider launching a larger variant at some point. It's still early for such speculation, however, as Archos has not even launched this tablet yet.
The company has yet to offer an exact launch date or full spec details for its upcoming Archos 80 Cesium Windows 8.1-powered tablet, but we'll make sure to keep you up to date as soon as more details emerge.
