Archos 605 WiFi Linux hack

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Some industrious programmers have found a way to hack the Archos 605 WiFi portable video player to run the Qtopia Linux platform. By the looks of it, the Qtopia hack doesn't add much in the way of extra media features (the Archos does pretty well as-is), but it opens the door to developing the Archos 605 WiFi as a more generally useful and configurable tablet PC. The Qtopia hack appears to work on older models of the Archos players as well, although the Archos fifth-generation players seem to be easier to configure.

Personally, I think the Archos 605 WiFi is a cool enough gadget on its own, but there's always something to be said for hacking a gadget just to explore the possibilities. The video below should give you a better indication of whether the hack is worth voiding your warranty.

(via GenerationMP3)

[DuckInA.Pond]

I don't get it

Do you get to keep the original interface too for the multimedia features?

[dramamoose]

It still works

The multimedia interface still works. Basically, you just have to launch a PDF file (after inserting some code into a password field), and the interface comes right up.

[jcdj.acid]

controler.

when i went it to tv controler on my archos 605 it had a choice that said "send infra red signal to cable reciver" thats the same signal that tvs, dvd players, romote controll cars, and lots of other devices use. cant you use this signal to control stuff that use this signal, could they put it in the hack?

[nickbu1]

This looks quite good. Might do it as I am a bit bored of my Archos. Do you know if this is reversible, if i want to put it back to normal?