This may be a big letdown for those who are expecting to have their ‘Droid update at the same time as those with unlocked units, but the mobile network operator has assured the press that this is for the benefit of concerned users. To ensure network stability and smooth operations all the way, tests are being conducted using the new update.

The new update is scheduled to be out around “mid to late July” for Three customers. HTC originally planned for all their phone operating system upgrades to happen before the end of the month, but it seems it is just not possible for subscribers.

Although no exact date was given, Three has stated that it would be more likely for the update to happen later instead of sooner.

T-Mobile UK has given a similar statement, saying that everyone will just have to wait for their official announcement. At this rate, a June 30 release date is an optimistic estimate. G2 (their HTC Hero) owners using their service will just have to be a little more patient.

Like the two operators, Orange has been equally vague, saying that the mobile phone upgrade will be live in the “very near future” although no release date estimates were given.

This is truly a big blow for HTC Hero owners, seeing as Google already released version 2.2 of the little green robot, but at least having a delayed update is better than none. Hopefully, network performance will not fail to impress once the update is officially released.

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The Taiwanese mobile phone maker, HTC Corporation already disclosed in the past that it would not considering the upgrade of Android 1.6 flavour of Google’s Operating System because of the fact that it may automatically update to the Android 2.0 version. However, Hero still does not have the Éclair even though the Sprint’s version had received the update a long time ago.

Concerning the Android 2.1 version of the platform, as most people have already heard, the version is expected to be released as a minor update for the Éclair, and will focus mainly on solving any issues associated with the latest Android modifications. There is a great likelihood that only a few number of users will benefit from the update since the Motorola Droid on Verizon is the only mobile device that is currently running the platform and makers/ carriers are not too keen on the release of the updates for other devices too.

As is the case with other new platform releases, it will be well appreciated if this new Operating system continues to develop and wax strong. If you decide to compare the UI of the 2.1 version and that of the Android 1.5 flavour, you will notice a great amount of similarity between the two which depicts the fact that the Taiwan-based handset vendor intiated Sense to the Android at a fast pace (already noted by Engadget) and the update may not be too far away for both the Hero and other devices.

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There is an array of useful new features that the HTC Sync Version 2.0.8 brings to the table for owners of HTC magic, Hero or tattoo. HTC confirms that the update was released for owners of one of the three devices from the company and is geared at empowering them to enjoy an enhanced user experience.

Below are the release notes;

- This update for HTC Sync provides more connectivity between your HTC Phone and PC. Still providing synchronization between your Outlook and your HTC Phone, we’ve added in media enhancements, syncing your contacts pictures along with their contact information.

- Syncing now also syncs your HTC Phone’s time with your PC’s time and vice versa, providing the most accurate time for you, wherever, or whenever, you are.

- Sync your phone with ease. Just plug in your HTC phone to your PC using a Mini (Or Micro) USB cable and watch as HTC Sync displays your model name and starts to sync your information for you.

This new software requires a PC with processor speed of 1Ghz or more, 512MBB of ram or Higher, Video Adaptor with a VGA of 800 x 600. Also 59MB of hard disk is required and a USB 2.0 port to attach the device.

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Widget World

Along with an outstanding OS, the HTC Hero also has an array of wonderful widgets and applications that serve a multitude of purposes. For starters, HTC have created Peep, which is their own dedicated Twitter client. This app has a widget installed in the home screen which can provide real time tweet updates. When you open the full-on application itself, it’s definitely a lot of fun – comparable to that of the iPhone’s Tweetie.

Another neat app on the HTC Hero is one called Footprints. This application allows you to easily snap a picture and then automatically geo-tag where it was taken. It’s definitely a cool twist that works well with the Hero’s 5-megapixel snapper.

Flash This

Flash support has become one of the most important elements of recent Smartpones. While both the BlackBerry and the iPhone don’t have it, the HTC Hero is proud to say that it is able to support Flash-based files. However, based on initial testing, there is much room for improvement on the device as the web browser can’t seem to cope with sites that are more data intensive and heavy on Flash – it does tend to freeze up and loading times were quite appalling.

HTC Hero Links:

• HTC Hero Contracts
• HTC Hero on Vodafone
• HTC Hero Sim Free

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They say:
Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation: “HTC Sense is a distinct experience created to make HTC phones more simple for people to use, leaving them saying, it just makes sense.”

We say:

No it isn’t, HTC Sense is the average user interface (not a freaking “user experience”) that is very pretty, runs smoothly, but doesn’t break any new kind of ground. And didn’t make us say anything about it making sense.

They say:
HTC press release, July 2009: “Today, staying in touch with the people in your life means managing a variety of communication channels and applications ranging from phone calls, emails, texts, photos, status updates and more. HTC Sense takes a different approach by integrating these communication channels and applications into one single view enabling you to stay closer to your important people.”

We say:
No it doesn’t. This kind of thing already exists on, for example, the Nokia 5800. Why don’t you look up ‘new in the dictionary.

They say:
Online reviewer, July 2009:
“This intuitive one-hander isn’t shy with…”

We say:
Stop! Make it stop! We just spat coffee into the eyes of our cross-desker. The only intuitive one-handers who aren’t shy we know frequent the arches and seedy pubs of Kings Cross during the evening hours.

So there we have it. The HTC Hero isn’t a bad phone, by any means. In fact, it’s quite a good one. But beware, all you brave and intuitive one-handers out there. As you navigate things like this product overview, or this HTC Hero review, keep your wits about you. For there are many who shall try to fill your ears and eyes with bulls**t if you let them.

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