Guess what the Gadget Stork delivered on our doorstep today? A robot baby? No. Better. An actual, real,
in-the-Teflon HTC Hero. Let's just say this -- it's pretty much the sexiest Android device ever created. We're not going to go into too much detail right now, as we're planning on delivering a full review next week, but we do want to say that this thing has our eyes glazed over like Scrooge McDuck checking out a pile of gold... if you know what we mean. HTC has truly outdone themselves here, not only with build quality (the thing kind of feels like a luxurious rock in your hand -- it's a good thing), but so far the software seems truly outstanding as well. Of course, we haven't taken the deep dive yet, so for now, feast your eyes on these photos, and get ready for the main event.
Update: Oh why, HTC? Apparently, this thing ain't covered in Teflon at all. According to the company's PR, only the white models are getting the dirt-resistant treatment. We're guessing the unit we have is just sporting a regular, soft-touch coating. It feels good and all... but now it seems so much less special
posted Jul 17th 2009 3:28PM
First! Had iPhone on Tmobile USA, that sucked. Then thought I found my niche with the BB Curve 8900 but this phone is super sexy.
Any rumors as to what US carrier will get this. I know T-mob is the only carrier with android phones but what in the rumor mills?
I have Tmob too and would love to upgrade my Nokia 5310 up to this sweet azz phone but I doubt Tmob's gonna get it. Rumors on here are swirling like crazy and to be honest, our best option if it doesn't come to Tmob (which it should!!!) is for it to go to AT&T. At least it'll be GSM that way and we'll be able to use it on our network too.
There were rumors that sprint was gonna release this phone then ATT or around same time, there was also rumors that this was a NO, NO for T-mobile so who knows again those are just rumors.
But if it goes to ATT, even if its GSM, it won't have the 3G that Tmob USA uses. I wanted to move into the android arena or touch screen smartphone but Tmob is always slacking (don't like the mytouch 3g or G1).
If this goes to ATT I think I will switch, unless theres an unlocked version with Tmob USA 3G bands. All other carriers have better phone options. Tmob is always 100 steps behind in the game. For example, all carriers have a 3G Blackberry except for us (Tmob clients).
This might just be phone for me! Cant find a release date or carrier, anyone know? Sorry if its been said B4.
Why don't you really surprise us and offer up a carrier and release date? :)
Trackball on the chin!
(fan of the phone tho)
I just want this phone...like now. Hopefully Att does pick it up, but if not, I will gladly pay the $600 for a unlocked US version. I'd just have to save up. But wow, just the fact that it keeps you so connected, and enables you to do so much with the software makes me wet my manly panties [boxers]. I think 3.2 is the perfect size for the screen, and I'll pass on the Touch Pro 2's keyboard =/, just hurry up and get the Hero on a shelf in the US of A...
$600+*
Nice looking phone. Wanted to share about this contest going on for HTC Touch Pro2 phone over at HTCPedia.com.
http://www.htcpedia.com/news/contest-htc-touch-pro2.html
That is hilarious. YAY AN HTC HERO! Oha noah.. its the same as the others! OoPsiE ! Told ya.
This phone is hot. Anxiously waiting for next week's review and more details on AT&T.
Quick, tell us, is it worth bypassing the MyTouch and waiting for the Hero?
I would count on HTC to release an unlocked version. Can't wait to test this baby out!
The phone looks great and the Android OS does make it special, however, looking at the specs makes me think otherwise. The screen resolution is actually lower than the other HTC phones that are coming out (with the exception of the Snap), this will be the last handset HTC produces that doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the screen is somewhat smaller. I would have like to see something more comparable to the iPhone or the Omnia 2. It will be better than the My Touch, but there will be better devices coming out this summer.
Dwayne, the Hero is the first HTC device to come with the 3.5mm jack AFAIK, not the last to be without it.
I think you should hold judgement on the screen until you actually have a go with one as well, the stores will have demo phones around soon enough, I suspect in practice it will be absolutely fine.
Going on paper the Nokia N97 should be awesome, I thought it was a sure thing for my next phone but now a couple of people at work have got it I can definitely say that I won't be getting it. Not when there is this little jem out there. The general user experience of a phone is the most important aspect to me (this includes all of the phones functions so media playback is definitely important), and whilst I have a 5800 at the moment running S60 5th (and I am perfectly happy with it), on the N97 it just doesn't sit right at all (but I thought it would).
i like the rubbery black coating much better anyhow.. keeps it from sliding around.. feels good.. white teflon is for women :)
while web browsing, or using any app for that matter, can the phone be turned so its in landscape mode, and the trackball be used like a pseudo mouse? if so...im freakin sold!
if anyone has any info - PLEASE! - share it! lol
yes...i know a trackball is a pseudo mouse! lol
Here are different versions of the hero; g2 touch should be the one for t-mobile usa with umts 1700 ?
Notice the should-be-enough 288mb RAM !
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdamaster&posted=1&model=HTC%20Hero%20100
More importantly i heard this device should have multitouch; can anybody confirm this ?
From what I've read elsewhere, most agree on a fall release date, with several stating the specific date as Oct 11th. This comes from a single post on a forum, so obviously take it with a grain of salt. Another site going off that post points out that the 11th is a Sunday which is the preferred day for Sprint to put out new phones.
The forum post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=507668
The Sprint reference site: http://phandroid.com/2009/04/22/htc-hero-coming-to-sprint-in-october/
Another site: http://htcblogger.com/2009/07/21/htc-hero-android-phone-announced-featuring-htc-sense/
Does anyone know if an option to disable the Flash feature provided on the Hero will be available?
Flash on mobile devices is quite an interesting feature; but at this level in the development for this technology, I think it will be more of a headache. The hardware must be at par with the potential of the software (did you see the lag on those videos, maybe 3G might help but it was bad)... Guess we will see its capabilities when we get it in our hands and put it through the paces.