Sprint HTC Hero Firmware update now available via OTA.

Sprint HTC Hero users, your update is ready. For the most part, my Sprint HTC Hero has been a pretty good device. I must say the battery life and SMS complaints that I heard about didn't seem to affect me a great deal. That said, updates are generally always better and include many things that aren't specifically listed in the update list.

Here is the official quote from HTC:
Special Update!

Software Upgrade Available for HTC Hero™

A new software upgrade has started to push down to HTC Hero™ Customers. The software upgrade will continue to be done automatically over the next few days through an over-the-air update and will include several enhancements addressing some of the following issues:

- Daylight Savings Time

- Text Messaging

- Bluetooth Issues

- 3.5 MM Headset Jack

- Battery Life

Check out the Sprint Communities site for more details and user feedback.

Sprint News: Sprint to release HTC Hero with Sense UI

"Beginning on Oct. 11, customers will be able to purchase HTC Hero through all Sprint retail channels including Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and our national retail partner Best Buy for $179.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 instant savings and a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement. Pre-registration begins today at www.sprint.com/hero." - Sprint Press Release (9/3/09)



“The arrival of HTC Hero and the Android platform to Sprint’s network is an important milestone for our customers and the U.S. wireless industry,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. “With the dependability and coverage of Sprint’s 3G network, HTC Hero users will appreciate a much better experience than is possible now with any other Android phone operating in the United States. They will enjoy the robust potential to personalize their wireless experience as well as the best value in wireless with a Simply Everything plan from Sprint.” - Sprint

As I have stated in the past, Android is the real future for mobile phones and applications.  Some the coolest apps are coming in the form on Android apps first and iPhone apps second.

HTC Hero Walk Through

This is a fantastic video of the new HTC Hero. HTC has always done a great job with UI overlays, but at their root was still Windows Mobile. Now they are using Android which makes for a great user experience and an infinite number of customizations. Android with the right hardware and user interface can truly be better than iPhone. Its are already been proven with the G1, but hardware wasn't great due to the deployable keyboard. Hero seems to be a step in a very good direction.

Check it: