14 DAY TRIAL // ]Archos briefly brought up its next generation GamePad, just before the IFA event. Since then, however, we haven't heard any new information shading light on what the device might end up packing.
Nevertheless, the device has now been briefly spotted on the product page on the HKTDC website, before being pulled off quickly. It was enough to give us a clue of what to expect, though.
We certainly hoped that the GamePad 2 will feature some improved specs compared to its predecessor and now it appears that's exactly the case. Arctablet reports the next-gen GamePad comes sporting a 1.6GHz quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM, a 7-inch IPS display with 1280 x 800 pixel. The option of choosing between 8GB or 16GB of storage which can be increased thanks to the microSD card slot, will be made available.
Like its predecessor, the new GamePad will be a gaming tablet.This factor can be easily observed by virtue of the embedded D-pads and buttons.
This might give the tablet a more bulkier look than what you'd expect from your average 7-inch slate, but the buttons are needed in order to be able to play games without your hands always having to touch the screen.
Note that the next-gen GamePad won't feature a capacitive touchscreen.
Price specifications aren't yet available, but since the previous generation was priced at $169.99 / €126, it's safe to assume the new one will revolve around the $200 / €148 margin.