hero

Let the showdown begin:

HTC has announced the availability of its Hero handset on Telus' GSM network. Tricing and availability details haven't been unveiled yet.

Specs:

• GSM/HSDPA;
• Qualcomm MSM7200A 528MHz processor;
• Wi-Fi b/g;
• BlueTooth 2.0;
• 5Mpix camera as its CDMA cousin;
• Android 2.0 OS

[Continue reading GSM HTC Hero from Telus]

HTC have confirmed that they're workong on an Android 2.0 update for the owners of the HTC Hero handset.

Here's what they said:

"Yes, we are working on an Eclair update for the HTC Hero. 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.

According to PhoneArena, AT&T is getting preapared for the release of the HTC Hero for its customers early next year. The phone will feature:

• Android OS;
• Sense UI;
• Flash support;
• 3.2" 320 x 480 screen;
• 5Mpix camera;
• Wi-Fi;
• 3.5mm audio jack

More details are to follow soon.

Starting yesterday the Android-based HTC Hero is available for purchase to Sprint customers trough the company's retail locations and online, as well as at BestBuy. The price is $179 ($479 off-contract). Now ask yourself this question: whats's better, Hero or Pre?

Phone Scoop has posted a video tour of the HTC Hero. Check it out here:

HTC has isued a new firmware build for its Hero handset, which should once and for all eliminate the lagging issue. One of the most common complaints regarding this handst was that it lagged when opening cerailn applications. Now this problem is fixed with the upgraded firmware version, 2.73.405.5, which is now available through the company's Danish website.

Future HTC Hero releases should have the latest OS installed.

Sprint will be the first and only carrier to offer the HTC Hero in the U.S. The phone will be available exclusively from the carrier starting October 11th and will cost $179.99 after rebates. Pre-registration is currently available for those eager to already claim stake.

According to 8080.net, the HTC Hero CDMA known as the Hero200, which was approved by the FCC a few days ago, will come in a different design compared to the GSM version. And the leaked photos of the prototype prove that: the handset has a flat body below the touch screen with trackball and shortcut buttons on it. However, we can't tell if it will be different in terms of specs.

There is enough indirect evidence that Sprint will soon be releasing the HTC Hero, but how soon remains unclear. While October is the most favorable period, according to Engadget "Best Buy Mobile locations will be taking $50 deposits for the phone starting on September 13 with an SKU of 9510013".

With the instinctQ on the horizon, we're not really interested in this presale.