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Our HTC Hero review goes live at SlashGear

21 July 2009 by Chris Davies


Worth Reading?

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+20 [26 votes]


Our review of the HTC Hero is finally ready, and it’s no understatement to say that this Android smartphone impressed us greatly.  Back in our unboxing video and HTC Sense demo we suggested that the Hero could be the best Android device to date, and the time we’ve spent with the handset has left us thinking that’s certainly the case.

HTC_Hero_SlashGear_51

The review is almost 4,000 words in all, and hopefully answers just about all of the questions about what improvements to Android HTC have made with their new custom UI.  There’s also a video demo of how the Hero handles widgets, plus Flash video and multitouch in the smartphone’s browser.

We know our Android Community members will still have plenty of questions, so ask away; HTC are clawing our Hero demo unit back from us on Thursday, so there’s still time to get any specific queries answered.  In the meantime, check out the full HTC Hero review here.

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  1. so is hero ever coming to US?
  2. gonna look at it now :] thanks!
  3. From the article:
    Quote:
    ...we’re yet to hear any announcement regarding a US-spec version of the Hero.
    I don't know if you mean "official" announcement by a particular carrier, but there certainly is a US-spec version, most likely coming to AT&T.

    The engadget article has all the info.

    Ricky
  4. Quote:
    Originally Posted by DesignDawg View Post
    From the article:

    I don't know if you mean "official" announcement by a particular carrier, but there certainly is a US-spec version, most likely coming to AT&T.

    The engadget article has all the info.

    Ricky
    Thanks Ricky, yes, I did mean an "official" carrier announcement or simply news that HTC would be offering it unlocked. Hopefully FCC clearance does mean it's a case of when, not if

    Chris
  5. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Chris Davies View Post
    Thanks Ricky, yes, I did mean an "official" carrier announcement or simply news that HTC would be offering it unlocked. Hopefully FCC clearance does mean it's a case of when, not if

    Chris
    Well, you'd think so, or they would probably have a T-Mo friendly version if it were just to cover themselves. It's a shame it would require a carrier change...my wife's not ready to consider that. Anyway, wasn't it on one of the T-Mobile "leaked" documents that we first saw the Hero months ago, dressed in bright pink? I certainly remember it that way, but with T-mobile coming out recently saying they do not plan to offer it, something doesn't add up. [[EDIT: Actually, I'm thinking of the leaked HTC thing. The leaked T-Mo one didn't include Hero. So NM]] Obviously, they wouldn't want to overshadow the "Mytouch" launch right now with an announcement of a far better phone...but it also stands to reason that even if T-Mobile offers this hardware, it will likely come without Sense, and will be called the "T-Mobile ChatPal 2000 Touch Tapper" or similar disgustingly out-of-touch name (no pun intended)

    Ricky
  6. Quote:
    Originally Posted by DesignDawg View Post
    From the article:

    I don't know if you mean "official" announcement by a particular carrier, but there certainly is a US-spec version, most likely coming to AT&T.

    The engadget article has all the info.

    Ricky
    easy there. it was a version with the 850 and 1900mhz bands but it doesnt mean a US version. Canada and AT&T use the same 3g bands so its just as likely that the device is going to Canada.

    mind you it could work on AT&T unlocked.

    EDIT: i just realized my comment was "highly ranked" in that engadget article! yay!
  7. Quote:
    Originally Posted by LazyGenius View Post
    easy there. it was a version with the 850 and 1900mhz bands but it doesnt mean a US version. Canada and AT&T use the same 3g bands so its just as likely that the device is going to Canada.

    mind you it could work on AT&T unlocked.

    EDIT: i just realized my comment was "highly ranked" in that engadget article! yay!
    Devices don't have to clear the FCC, a US gov't agency, to be offered in Canada.

    http://www.fcc.gov/aboutus.html
  8. Quote:
    Originally Posted by DesignDawg View Post
    Devices don't have to clear the FCC, a US gov't agency, to be offered in Canada.

    http://www.fcc.gov/aboutus.html
    lol alright. you win this round.
  9. Thanks for answering the question about the pattern lock!

    I was really curious to see what they might have replaced it with if they did. I find the pattern lock very interesting.
  10. Really great review, thanks you very much for all the questions answered.

    I have one more actually. I was reading the Gizmodo review, and unlike you, they had some great complaints about overall performance, specially regarding the use of widgets. However, one commenter (SnowingCookies) said something which could be the answer to their problems. I quote:

    Quote:
    I found that the HTC Hero stores a swap file on the MicroSDSH Card (swapinfo.txt)...

    I first used my Hero with a Class 4 card and it did have a bit of sluggish feel to it when closing out applications and then quickly opening another. (The 2GB MicroSD card that comes with the Hero was only a Class4)

    But then I switched to a Class 6 card and the sluggishness seemed to just vanish!

    Everything worked just great and as expected!
    Do you know what type of SD card was used on your review unit? I just want to make sure their complaints was just a localized problem and not a major issue with the device.

    Thanks in advance.
  11. Quote:
    Originally Posted by DivinoAG View Post
    Really great review, thanks you very much for all the questions answered.

    I have one more actually. I was reading the Gizmodo review, and unlike you, they had some great complaints about overall performance, specially regarding the use of widgets. However, one commenter (SnowingCookies) said something which could be the answer to their problems. I quote:



    Do you know what type of SD card was used on your review unit? I just want to make sure their complaints was just a localized problem and not a major issue with the decide.

    Thanks in advance.
    That makes no sense but Im interested if you can shed any light on this Chris
  12. Glad to see I can sync with outlook contacts instead of Gmail contacts
  13. Right, I've been trying to do some microSD sleuthing but I'm not coming up with much. The card supplied with our review unit is a 1GB SanDisk microSD, and there's no indication on the card itself as to its class rating. Serial number is 09035034770GM, if that helps anyone.

    I saw that comment on Gizmodo's review, and I did wonder whether it could be the issue at hand. Speaking to HTC's PR people they're confused about the differing reports; they say all of the demo devices are running the same ROM (which they tell me is the production build, incidentally) which I took to mean both the phones in the US and here in the UK.

    Chris
  14. Quote:
    Originally Posted by DesignDawg View Post
    Devices don't have to clear the FCC, a US gov't agency, to be offered in Canada.

    http://www.fcc.gov/aboutus.html
    Haha I was thinking the exact same thing when I was reading lazy's comment
  15. Looks amazing..
    I recieve mine in the post tomorrow
  16. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    Looks amazing..
    I recieve mine in the post tomorrow
    ? Did i read correctly..you're recieving the hero tomorrow? Are you in the UK or US
  17. Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    ? Did i read correctly..you're recieving the hero tomorrow? Are you in the UK or US
    I am in the UK, I work for Orange.. I was in work when I recieved an e-mail saying it had been put in stock on the website, so I went straight in.

    £30 a month, 18 months, 1200 Minutes, Unlimited texts and 500mb, handset completely free.
  18. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I am in the UK, I work for Orange.. I was in work when I recieved an e-mail saying it had been put in stock on the website, so I went straight in.

    £30 a month, 18 months, 1200 Minutes, Unlimited texts and 500mb, handset completely free.
    Well enjoy..please share some impressions of the phone when you get a chance.
  19. Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    Well enjoy..please share some impressions of the phone when you get a chance.
    I will do, I've had the Touch HD, the G1 and getting the Hero..
    along with owning a HTC Diamond for a little while.

    I'll be able to make a few comparisons, although I have a passionate hate for Win Mo, so it may be a little biased!
  20. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I will do, I've had the Touch HD, the G1 and getting the Hero..
    along with owning a HTC Diamond for a little while.

    I'll be able to make a few comparisons, although I have a passionate hate for Win Mo, so it may be a little biased!
    lol no worries, i have the same hate
  21. Apparently they screwed up customers and the device by not making sure it has solid tethering features. The reviews all aboard are avoiding the issue. I would not rate the phone as trash because of it, but I am seriously pissed off because it is what I would purchase if the tethering was added.
  22. Thanks for the indepth review!

    Ordered mine today after trying one out instore,

    900mins/unlimited txts/500meg net for £34.26 and and the phone for free, gotta love bombarding orange sales with internet deals to force them down in price :-D

    Also Hello everyone, long time lurker present
  23. Hey Chris - Im curious, what firmware version was your review Hero running? People who have gotten it in the UK from the Organge release are reporting the following, firmware verson 1.5, software version 1.0.0.A6288
  24. I have the phone on my lap The only thing I can flaw is the lack of a hardware keyboard.. but I guess I can get used to the virtual one!

    If anyone has any questions feel free to ask
  25. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Hydrax View Post
    900mins/unlimited txts/500meg net for £34.26 and and the phone for free, gotta love bombarding orange sales with internet deals to force them down in price :-D
    18 or 24 month plan?
  26. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I have the phone on my lap The only thing I can flaw is the lack of a hardware keyboard.. but I guess I can get used to the virtual one!

    If anyone has any questions feel free to ask
    Did it come with any syncing software to sync contacts with Outlook via USB?
  27. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I have the phone on my lap The only thing I can flaw is the lack of a hardware keyboard.. but I guess I can get used to the virtual one!

    If anyone has any questions feel free to ask
    Is the phone laggy at all with say 3 or 4 widgets?
  28. Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    Did it come with any syncing software to sync contacts with Outlook via USB?
    Nope :/ not useful to me but can see how it would be useful to others!

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by notxel21 View Post
    Is the phone laggy at all with say 3 or 4 widgets?
    I have currently running the twitter widget, the weather widget, messages widget, email widget, clock widget, loads of program shortcuts and it's fine only bit of lag i had was when i was writing a text message and i got a phone call, after the phone call i ended up with a blank text message and a frozen screen for about 2-4 seconds.. but was fine after that
  29. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    Nope :/ not useful to me but can see how it would be useful to others!



    I have currently running the twitter widget, the weather widget, messages widget, email widget, clock widget, loads of program shortcuts and it's fine only bit of lag i had was when i was writing a text message and i got a phone call, after the phone call i ended up with a blank text message and a frozen screen for about 2-4 seconds.. but was fine after that
    That's good to hear! I can't wait to get my HERO in hand.

    How did you get your hands on your HERO already?
  30. Quote:
    Originally Posted by notxel21 View Post
    That's good to hear! I can't wait to get my HERO in hand.

    How did you get your hands on your HERO already?
    Um, I live in the UK and work for Orange, I got an e-mail from someone else within the company the moment it was up to buy on the website and I went right in and ordered, came in the post at 9:30am
  31. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    Um, I live in the UK and work for Orange, I got an e-mail from someone else within the company the moment it was up to buy on the website and I went right in and ordered, came in the post at 9:30am
    Lucky bastard!!! lol

    Do you plan on doing a review for the community?
    Maybe even a video upload to youtube or use qik to shoot a video?
  32. Quote:
    Originally Posted by notxel21 View Post
    Lucky bastard!!! lol

    Do you plan on doing a review for the community?
    Maybe even a video upload to youtube or use qik to shoot a video?
    I suppose I could do a quick one tonight
    Maybe not a video as the only thing I would have to record with is my G1 which would be a bit rubbish quality wise.

    I'm updating my twitter when I find new little bits about the phone so you could follow me on there if you are interested, 'tomgravell'
  33. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I suppose I could do a quick one tonight
    Maybe not a video as the only thing I would have to record with is my G1 which would be a bit rubbish quality wise.

    I'm updating my twitter when I find new little bits about the phone so you could follow me on there if you are interested, 'tomgravell'
    Gonna follow you now. Thanks!
    Consider updating your sig with twitter links, etc...
  34. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I suppose I could do a quick one tonight
    Maybe not a video as the only thing I would have to record with is my G1 which would be a bit rubbish quality wise.

    I'm updating my twitter when I find new little bits about the phone so you could follow me on there if you are interested, 'tomgravell'
    I hate you Tom, no lol im kidding. Thanks for answering questions.

    Can you report on the camera auto focus..is it slow like some reviews are claiming.
  35. Quote:
    Originally Posted by notxel21 View Post
    Gonna follow you now. Thanks!
    Consider updating your sig with twitter links, etc...
    I am now being followed on Twitter, scary how fast that e-mail came through, it was before I even read your reply to my post..

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    I hate you Tom, no lol im kidding. Thanks for answering questions.

    Can you report on the camera auto focus..is it slow like some reviews are claiming.
    That's alright! The auto focus seems fine to me, if you're holding the camera still enough it will focus in about 1-1.5 seconds, the quality is nice aswell!
  36. Quote:
    Originally Posted by G1ravs View Post
    I am now being followed on Twitter, scary how fast that e-mail came through, it was before I even read your reply to my post..
    That's what's up!! Getting updates that fast huh?
    I so want to get this phone in hand like now!!!!!!!! I so envy you!

    Question? What about Google contact integration? For instance, when I flashed a HERO rom to my G1 I could not select to only see my Google contacts with Phone Numbers for instance so people I emailed on Craigslist or Ebay just once showed up in my contact list.
  37. Hey guys I created a thread title HTC Hero Q&A, can we move this discussion over there so that we can have all the burning questions in one place lol.
  38. Quote:
    Originally Posted by notxel21 View Post
    That's what's up!! Getting updates that fast huh?
    I so want to get this phone in hand like now!!!!!!!! I so envy you!

    Question? What about Google contact integration? For instance, when I flashed a HERO rom to my G1 I could not select to only see my Google contacts with Phone Numbers for instance so people I emailed on Craigslist or Ebay just once showed up in my contact list.
    I noticed earlier you can choose which contacts to display (Google, Phone, Sim or all), but I guess you'd still have someone added to your contacts even if you e-mailed them just once.. which is annoying.
  39. Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    Hey Chris - Im curious, what firmware version was your review Hero running? People who have gotten it in the UK from the Organge release are reporting the following, firmware verson 1.5, software version 1.0.0.A6288
    Unfortunately they picked up the review unit this morning, and I can't find where I wrote down the firmware/software version. I am, you see, an idiot. I'll keep looking...

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by techboi View Post
    Did it come with any syncing software to sync contacts with Outlook via USB?
    You can download HTC Sync from here: http://www.htc.com/au/SupportViewNew...73&news_id=169 (d/l link is at the very bottom of the page)

    Chris
  40. firmware verson 1.5, software version 1.0.0.A6288 is what i am running so i guess chris would be the same
  41. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mansn View Post
    18 or 24 month plan?
    18 month :-)
  42. I have a sprint Hero and am loving it
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