We were able to jump quickly from Google Maps to a game just as easily as you would on any standard Android device, albeit on the big screen. And that's quite a promising concept -- pushing not only apps like YouTube and Netflix to the TV, but more importantly, Google's Play store.

Gaming on the TV Connect was really fun. Controls were surprisingly tight as we played “Dead Trigger.” We were also able to fling birds with the best of them when playing “Angry Birds Space.”

Overall we are impressed. The scaling works on a 1080P screen nicely, the processor is beefy enough to power most games, and with Jelly Bean you son't have to worry about upgrade issues (Archos is promising 4.2 shortly after launch).

Its dual analogue sticks can be used to emulate touchscreen gestures, there's a USB port to let you connect additional storage and at an estimated price of around £100 it doesn't cost the earth. Using it is nowhere near as smooth as something like Apple TV, though.

...it's a great value idea, and certain to get some support from those intent on creating an low-cost Android ecosystem at home.

The problem is that the Gamepad falls flat in the hardware execution department. The 7" display is of mediocre quality at best (viewing angles aren't fantastic, nor is brightness), and the controls leave a lot to be desired.