Archos Introduces the Industry's Smallest 20-Gigabyte Handheld Digital Music Player

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004--

The GMINI 220 Pocket Audio Player is Available Today and Features Media Add-ons, Icon-Based Interface and Music Management from the Device

“Archos is focused on giving consumers one place to manage and enjoy their personal content, including favorite movies, music, family photographs and important documents. The GMINI 220 goes beyond a standard MP3 player, but rather is customizable, powerful and extremely portable - it is the most personalized MP3 player available.”

Archos(R), Inc., a global provider of innovative handheld entertainment and storage solutions, introduced today at the 2004 International CES the GMINI(TM) 220, the industry's smallest 20-gigabyte portable MP3 player that can be customized by adding recording, FM tuner and photo capabilities. The GMINI 220 will be available at the end of January at major U.S. retailers, or at www.archos.com, while the GMINI 120 has been available since November.

The GMINI Series comprises the GMINI 120 and GMINI 220 and is Archos' first pocket audio line, with powerful 20-gigabyte hard drives and, at just six ounces, small and light enough to fit in a shirt pocket. The GMINI Series is designed for music fans who want a specific player and price customized to them, with add-on accessories that bring music and voice recording, radio and photo options to the device.

The GMINI series features an icon-based interface and the ARCLibrary(TM), an advanced music management program that lets users delete, rename, copy and move files, and create folders directly on the device - without using a computer. The GMINI can store 5,000 songs, or 500 full-length CDs or 300 hours of audio.

"Archos is innovating with the first pocket audio devices that are truly personal - giving customers options such as recording and playback of music and audio, to taking photos with them wherever they go," said Hyder Rabbani, Archos president and chief operating officer. "Archos is focused on giving consumers one place to manage and enjoy their personal content, including favorite movies, music, family photographs and important documents. The GMINI 220 goes beyond a standard MP3 player, but rather is customizable, powerful and extremely portable - it is the most personalized MP3 player available."

The Smallest and Most Customizable MP3 Player

The GMINI 120 and 220 come standard with three plug-in modules, allowing music fans to construct the perfect MP3 player to fit their specific needs:

-- Audio Recorder/Voice Recorder - With a built-in microphone, this accessory offers recording of music from any audio source and holds up to 700 hours of voice recording.

-- Photo Wallet - With the compact flash memory card, customers can easily store, organize and view JPEG photos on the GMINI built-in screen. (Adaptors for other memory cards also are available.)

-- FM Tuner and Remote Control - This add-on module features an FM radio and remote with full MP3 recording capabilities. Connect the module and record songs from the radio at any time.

The differences in the GMINI 220 and 120 devices are in the form factor and screen size, where the GMINI 220 is smaller and has a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The GMINI 220 screen is grayscale with a blue backlight for easy viewing of photos and icons. Both players offer MP3 and WMA recording and playback, an icon-based interface, and advanced music management capabilities through the Archos ARCLibrary and Musicmatch Jukebox Plus. The GMINI 120 was introduced in November 2003, and the GMINI 220 is available beginning January 2004.

Pricing and Product Specifications

The GMINI 120 and 220 have suggested retail prices of $249.95 and $349.95, respectively, and products are sold with add-on modules, USB 2.0 cable, AC adapter, batteries, stereo headphones and MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus software.

The GMINI Series requires a PC running a Windows 98 Special Edition or higher operating system and a 233 Megahertz or faster processor, or Mac 9.2 or X (10.2.4) USB Manager version 1.2 or higher. Additional product information and add-on accessories are available at www.archos.com.

Archos at CES 2004

Archos will demonstrate the latest products in the areas of audio, video and hard drive storage at the 2004 International CES, booth number 23205, located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas convention center. Archos products are nominated for various awards at the show, and Hyder Rabbani will present on the panel "Delivering Mobile Entertainment: Examining the Content & Technology Value Chain," Saturday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m.

About Archos

Founded in 1988, Archos is a global provider of mobile multimedia products for consumers and businesses. The company's award-winning audio, video and storage products are designed for business and personal use, and lead the industry in innovation. Archos is based in Paris, France, with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Company information and products are available at www.archos.com.

NOTE: 1GB = 1 Billion Bytes, the available formatted capacity is less

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