Archos will soon unveil a new Wi-Fi-enabled portable media player. According to FCC documents, a device called the Archos 704 Wi-Fi (A704Wifi model 42725) has recently passed muster with the agency.

The FCC report confirms 802.11b/g wireless connectivity. The possibility of a built-in TV tuner seems unlikely since the published tests on radio emissions contain no mention of such capabilities. In fact, little information on functionality of the device was divulged by the FCC, although front and back photos indicate that the LCD screen is at least 5 inches diagonal.

The photos submitted to the FCC also show that Archos dubbed the player as a "Mobile DVR," which at least suggests that time-based recording capability will be included, and possibly even the ability to pause a live video feed.

The 704 is based on a DM420 CPU and an auxiliary CPU to manage the power supply (+1.2V/+1.8V/+3.3V/+5V), the real time clock with 32.768kHz crystal, and the charger for the 704's onboard 3.7 VDC lithium ion battery. Other details revealed in the documentation indicate that the player utilizes DDR2 memory, Flash memory, a hard drive, and audio functionality managed via the AIC31 audio codec.

Does the addition of 802.11 Wi-Fi make the Archos 704 a potential category killer?  The currently shipping Archos 604 includes Wi-Fi capability, but does so at the expense of processing and power resources, resulting in an anemic product that has done little to elevate the category.

If the French device maker has adequately addressed the problems with its new design, however, the 704 could generate more interest in the portable media player category. After all, wires are the antithesis of portability, and Archos has a reputation for introducing innovative products that often stretch the current limits of the category. Users that truly value the ability to go mobile with their movies and media will want to stay on the lookout for this promising new player.