The HTC Hero is the latest Google Android operated smartphone, and soon to be iPhone 3G challenger, which is set to hit the market in Australia sometime in August 2009. What differentiates this device from the iPhone fundamentally lays within the FLASH support it brings to the table. The inclusion of FLASH 9 (with FLASH 10 coming later this year) will alone set the HTC Hero apart from current rivals.
Not only will the
HTC Hero use the Google Android platform and carry FLASH support which will open up another level of multimedia content, other handy features will include Multi-touch input on the hot new HTC Sense UI, fully customisable home screen and pages achievable via widget technology, trackball, internal GPS antenna with digital compass, anti smudge/fingerprint screen and a soft teflon coated encasing. Of course the HTC Hero has many other features, for the most part, that don't differ too much from rivals, but the pure support for FLASH is a trump card to say the least.
If the HTC Hero proves to be a popular toy upon release in the mobile device market, it's quite possible that due to the integration of Adobe Flash support, it will almost certainly force Apple to remove the FLASH development limitations it has in place. After all, the main reason for Apple not to include FLASH support into the iPhone is that they won't have control over FLASH applications, as FLASH software will become available outside the Apple iStore.
HTC have incorporated the 'HTC Sense' - an intuitive, seamless experience built upon three fundamental principles - make it mine, stay close, and discover the unexpected. 'Make it Mine' - Gives the user freedom of individual customisation. Rather then have limitations placed upon you, the HTC Hero allows you to personalise your home screen with a variety of widgets to suit your profile. 'Stay Close' - Stay in touch with the people who matter. Social networking, emailing, applications, phone calls and Facebook updates just became easier with simple management features. 'Discover the Unexpected' - HTC has devised various avenues and basic functions that will give the user a different perspective and avenue on many of the otherwise mundane tasks and processes that usually accompany smartphones.
The HTC Hero Android Phone is the third Google based open source mobile operating system to be released by HTC and was launched in London UK on 24th June 2009. Other countries in Europe have been scheduled to release the device in July 2009 while the Australia HTC Hero release date is expected this coming August 2009. As yet, no recommended retail price has been revealed, however we expect the HTC Hero price to retail around AU$999 or thereabouts.
See Facebook and Twitter like you've never seen them before. Experience Youtube and many other online Video content for the first time. The HTC Hero is certainly shaping up as one of the best smartphones for 2009, and iPhone 3G alternative for that matter. Now all we have to do is we wait, as once released, we'll bring you an indepth HTC Hero Review.
Once the HTC Hero Android phone is released in Australia, you will be able to compare HTC Hero prices, HTC Hero plans and HTC Hero providers right here at Youcompare Mobile Phones.
http://youcompare.com.au/mobilephones/htc HTC Hero Specifications
| Processor |
Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz |
| Operating System |
Android™ |
| Memory |
ROM: 512 MB
RAM: 288 MB |
| Dimensions (LxWxT) |
112 x 56.2 x 14.35 mm ( 4.41 x 2.21 x 0.57 inches) |
| Weight |
135 grams ( 4.76 ounces) with battery |
| Display |
3.2-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 320x480 HVGA resolution |
| Network |
HSPA/WCDMA:· 900/2100 MHz· Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speedsQuad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:· 850/900/1800/1900 MHz(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.) |
| Device Control |
Trackball with Enter button |
| GPS |
Internal GPS antenna |
| Connectivity |
Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g
HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
3.5 mm audio jack |
| Camera |
5.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus |
| Audio supported formats |
MP3, AAC(AAC, AAC+, AAC-LC), AMR-NB, WAV, MIDI and Windows Media® Audio 9 |
| Video supported formats |
MPEG-4, H.263, H.264 and Windows Media® Video 9 |
| Battery |
Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Capacity: 1350 mAh
Talk time: · Up to 420 minutes for WCDMA (3G)· Up to 470 minutes for GSM (2G)Standby time: · Up to 750 hours for WCDMA (3G)· Up to 440 hours for GSM (2G)(The above are subject to network and phone usage.) |
| Expansion Slot |
microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible) |
| AC Adapter |
Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
DC output: 5V and 1A |
| Special Features |
G-sensor
Digital Compass |