Archos has announced firmware changes for its Gen8 Android tablets, meaning that if you own an Archos 28, Archos 32, Archos 43, Archos 70 or an Archos 101, you can now join in on all the Froyo fun.

Your device should prompt you to make the leap from Android 2.1 (Éclair) to Android 2.2, although if you're too impatient for that you can force the update yourself over at the Archos download centre.

The full list of changes are:

- Higher performance: just in time compiler (JIT) technology makes applications run up to five times faster than previous Android "Eclair" 2.1 firmwares.

- Enhanced Microsoft Exchange support: it is now possible to synchronise contacts and calendar events.

- Allows you to install more 3rd party applications by installing them on the storage memory (for applications that support it)

- Video: movie information and cover retrieval in video file info dialogue.

- Multiple selection mode is now always enabled in the file manager.

- External Bluetooth GPS receivers are now supported.

- Better assistance is provided in the tethering wizard to pair with cell phone using bluetooth DUN profile (smart APN detection).

- OpenVPN is now supported.

- Slideshow support for network shares has been added to gallery and photoframe applications.

- Photoframe: full screen picture can now be displayed on double tap when in floating image mode.

- Manual white balance setting has been added in camera application.

- Faster USB write transfer.

- More accurate battery charge estimation

- Audio: improved compatibility with android audio stream volume management.

- Orientation: fixed compatibility issue with some applications working with inverted accelerometer axis.

Unfortunately there's no mention of Flash compatibility as there should be with a Froyo device. Usually any delays with Flash on Froyo are down to a conflict between the manufacturer and Adobe, so hopefully Archos will get everything in place soon.