Archos enters pocket-PC market

French company Archos has unveiled its new PC Stick, the cheapest HDMI dongle ever, capable of transforming any television or other compatible screen into a computer. The product, derived from a concept presented by Intel earlier this year, will launch in September.

The Archos PC Stick will function with Windows 10, Microsoft's latest operating system that will introduce the intelligent assistant Cortana, and the Office suite will come pre-installed.

The Archos PC Stick is equipped with an Intel Atom quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, which can be increased with a micro-SD card if necessary. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi connection to connect to the internet directly from the screen.

Using the USB port and its Bluetooth connection, it is easy to attach a keyboard and mouse for simplified use.

The Archos PC Stick will hit stores this fall and retail for $99 according to the manufacturer.

This new trend in pocket-PCs shaped like HDMI dongles was introduced by Intel and its Compute Stick in early 2015. Barely bigger than a USB key, it plugs into any screen and instantly transforms it into a computer. The dongle gives access to work tools, such as Office, but also to games and video on demand services. Ideal for people always on the move, this technology basically puts an entry level computer in your pocket.

Besides Intel, Asus (Chromebit) and Lenovo (ideacentre Stick 300) have also entered this nascent market.