HTC Hero (CDMA)
Cellular South Offering Android 2.1 to HTC Hero
Cellular South today announced that customers with the HTC Hero can download and install Android 2.1 Eclair on their devices. Aside from all the new features found in Android 2.1, (Google Maps Navigation, pinch-to-zoom, Yahoo Mail support and better battery life) the update also includes the newest version of HTC's Sense user interface, better corporate email support and a number of bug fixes. Hero owners will need to download the software from Cellular South's web site and install the software via microSD card.
Sprint Now Offering Android 2.1 to HTC Hero
Today Sprint informed owners of the HTC Hero that they can now upgrade their devices to Android 2.1. Aside from all the new features found in Android 2.1, the update also includes the newest version of HTC's Sense user interface, better corporate email support and a number of bug fixes. Sprint is not offering the update over the air. Instead, uses need to download the new version of Android to a Windows PC and install the new software via HTC's Sync software or a microSD card.
Sprint Hero and Moment Won't Get Android 2.0 Until 1H 2010
Today Sprint indicated via its Twitter account that the Samsung Moment and HTC Hero will definitely receive an Android 2.0 update. However, the update won't be available until some time in the first half of 2010. Verizon has said that the HTC Eris (Hero variant) will receive Android 2.0 or 2.1 in "early 2010". Android 2.0 will give all three of these devices many new features and update existing apps.
HTC Confirms Android 2.0 Coming to Its Hero
HTC has confirmed that it plans to update its Hero Android device with Android 2.0 (Eclair). The company said in a statement, "Because Eclair is a significantly enhanced release, it will require some time to update Sense for this new version of the Android OS. Please be patient while we work to provide you with a tightly integrated experience like the one you are already enjoying on your Hero." HTC did not say if or when it would offer Android 2.0 to its other Android devices, such as the G1, myTouch 3G and Tattoo.
HTC's Hero to Be Cellular South's First Android Phone
Today Cellular South announced that it will soon be selling the HTC Hero, which will be available for pre-order starting October 5. The Hero has a touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth and HTC's Sense user interface. Pricing and exact availability were not revealed.
Video Tour: HTC Hero
Phone Scoop takes a hands-on look at the new HTC Hero Android phone for Sprint in this video. The hardware feels great and HTC's Sense UI allows for lots of personalization of the phone.
Sprint Announces the HTC Hero
Today Sprint announced that the HTC Hero Android phone will be available for sale starting October 11 for $180 after rebates with new agreement. The Hero, first announced earlier this year, has HTC's customized Sense user interface and tight integration with Google services such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube. It features a 3.2-inch touchscreen (with support for multitouch), 5 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, accelerometer, visual voicemail, support for 32GB microSD cards, GPS and access to the Android market. The Hero requires a Simply Everything plan.
CDMA Variant of HTC Hero Approved by FCC
Today documents seen on the FCC web site confirm that HTC is making a CDMA version of the Hero Android phone that it announced earlier this year. The FCC notes that this version of the Hero has EVDO and Bluetooth. The GSM version of the Hero uses HTC's custom Sense UI and has a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, GPS, accelerometer, compass, 3.5mm headphone jack, and memory card slot. The FCC does not confirm these specs for the CDMA version of the Hero, however. This version of the Hero is compatible with the networks operated by Sprint and Verizon, though neither has announced this phone.
HTC Reveals Sense UI, Hero Smartphone
HTC today announced a new software interface for its phones called Sense, available on "all new HTC devices moving forward", as well as the first device to use it, an Android-based smartphone called the Hero. Sense includes a "Scenes" feature that lets you configure different modes for the whole interface, such as work mode and weekend mode. It also pulls together info for various contacts onto one screen. In addition to seeing all text messages, email, and call history for a contact together, Facebook and Flickr feeds are integrated as well. Sense also includes a widget feature to put info such as Twitter, email, calendar and weather on the home screen. The Hero is a slab-style smartphone with a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, GPS, accelerometer, compass, 3.5mm headphone jack, and memory card slot. A dedicated search button brings up a function to search the whole phone as well as feeds such as Twitter. The Hero features a fingerprint-resisitive screen, and the white version features a full Teflon coating over the whole device. The Hero will be available first this summer, then in North America by the end of 2009.
