The Chinless Hero
Update 9/3/09 6:00pm CST: Sprint chinless Hero Video Here
Update 9/3/09 10:00am CST: Sprint has published a Press Release Here
Update 9/3/09 8:30am CST: Sprint has officially announced the Hero will be released on October 11th for $179 with a $100 mail-in rebate and a two-year Simply Everything plan (sorry SERO users). Source: CNET
We were all are waiting for an android based device to hit Sprint. And then we heard of the Hero. People who wanted Android knew that their dream came true. But the form factor of the European version had a “Chin”. The area below the screen with the trackball and buttons juts out sharply.
Not to worry, Sprint has once again saved our Hero.
An Asian based site, 8080.net claims that the following pictures are of the Sprint version.
The Main Features:
A 3.2 inch HVGA display
HTC Sense
GPS, Digital Compass, and Gsensor
A 3.5 mm jack!
5 MP camera
It will also most likely have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
microSD memory card slot
And all the good Google apps.
You ask when this is happening? Hopefully soon. Rumor has scheduled for October 11, the same day as Sprint is also rumored to be planning on releasing a second Android-based device, the Samsung InstinctQ. All we know is that the FCC recently approved a CDMA version of the Hero with EV-DO. Unfortunately, the FCC didn't specify which wireless carrier this is for.
Source
I think the “chin” looks better IMO than the one featured here for Sprint.
chin or no chin ill get it. htc + android? are you kidding me? its going to be the mytouch on steriods!!!!!!!
I like the fact that they took the chin off, cause honestly what is the point in having it anyway. Sprint made a good descion in getting this a face lift. But i’m still sticking with windows mobile so it doesnt matter entirely to much.
I love the look. Don’t know about the track ball. Never played with BB so it will take some getting use to. I don’t play games so it may not be an issue for me.
BB is supposed to be taking pre-orders 9/13. Can’t imagine there will be that much demand. Let’s hope that Sprint doesn’t slap a $350+2 year contract on it like the the TP2. While we are hoping how about Sero compatibility too.
The chin prevents the trackball from being activated as you slide the device into your pocket.
I like the chin better, but I think the gold is what makes it look like garbage IMO.
I don’t know. I think that if the device is off, then the trackabll won’t we “listened” to anyways. Plus, with a chin, if you band your pocket on somthing you could break the chin. nowhatimsayin?
No chin is good as it will fit in the pocket easier.
Imagine walking around with that buldge.
As for Android, I may wait to see how the OS is before I give up my Diamond
I actually liked the chinned version. This one looks retro to me. Having seen more pictures from this set of photos…I’m not convinced that this is THE Sprint device. It may be a mock up of potentially what will be the Sprint device. The whole set of pics have irregularities(photoshop perhaps.)
I didn’t mind the chin, but I do really like where this new form factor is going. And agreed, don’t think this is the final device.
Although, I like what Biker1 said, the chin might actually help it fit in your pocket better. Wow… did they really make a phone that contours to your body?!
Not a big fan on the gold. Why gold?
I hope this isn’t true, this mock-up looks awful and cheap…
I like the idea of being able to get away from windows mobile, but only if I can still use it to get onto the net like I do now. Unless WMWifimobile comes out with ANDifimobile. LOL
I hope this isn’t the sprint version… I got my fingers crossed for a white teflon Hero. And SERO compatibility!! (i’m ready to move on from the diamond, lol kinda bored of winmo)
LOL!!! If this is really Sprint’s version, then they took screwing something up to a whole new level. I wonder if they messed up the functionality of the actual device as bad as they did the re-design. Time will tell.
I really hope it isn’t going to look like that. I like the original look better. At least keep the basic shape and get rid of the chin, And the color they picked looks awful compared to the teflon white. This is the phone I couldn’t wait to get and if it is gonna look like this Im changing my mind. I guess ill have to wait and see when it actually does come out. I saw some more pictures of it on a different site and they were all a little bit different. Please sprint dont mess this one up!!!
I bet this is nowhere close to the final.
While they were making changes if they would’ve made it larger 3.6″ to 4.0″….
It’s Official Oct 11 $179 after $100 rebate!! BUT NO SERO
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10338820-1.html
this will be my next phone, 85% sure, tp2 just didn’t have it for me…only thing stopping me is if they announce the diamond 2 shortly and it isn’t ridiculously priced.
DONE DEAL FOR ME!!! My hero!!!
You mean “your chinless hero” right?
lol
GAWD touch pro 2 or this sexy beast ! …..
I liked the original Hero’s looks better than this one. Something kinda of cheap looking about this version.
I also liked the chin… It gave the phone a unique look.
HTC Hero: Our first Android device, coming Oct. 11
The wait is almost over for the first wireless device combining the open and innovative Android platform with the high-speed connectivity of Sprint’s 3G network, EV-DO Rev. A. Today, we announced the upcoming arrival of the much-anticipated HTC Hero with Google.
Offering a rich mobile Internet experience, HTC Hero offers synchronization for built-in Google mobile services, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube as well as access to thousands of applications built on the Android platform – all on America’s most dependable 3G network.
Beginning 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 after a $50 instant savings and a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement. Pre-registration begins today at http://www.sprint.com/hero.
“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-Product Development. “With the superior 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.”
As a charter member of the Open Handset Alliance, we’re actively engaged with the Android community. Through Android Market, HTC Hero users have access to approximately 8,000 useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on their phone, such as Amazon, ShopSavvy, Twitter, Shazam, USA Today, Flixster, CraigslistChecker, PacMan and MySpace Mobile. Pandora, the popular personal radio application, is launching on Android devices and will be available on the HTC Hero from Sprint.
Features of HTC Hero
Integrated 5.0 MP camera and camcorder
Easy access to personal and business e-mail, instant messaging and text messaging through POP, IMAP, and Exchange Active Sync accounts
Wi-Fi capability
3.2-inch capacitive touch screen with a fingerprint resistant coating
MicroSD card slot
Integrated GPS navigation
Trackball navigation
Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 Wireless technology
Accelerometer, light sensor and home screen widgets for improved usability
Multimedia capable with microSD slot (32GB capable, 2GB included)
Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming
NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
Easy access to social networking sites, including Facebook, Flickr and Twitter
Visual voicemail for quick and easy access to specific voicemail messages
Thousands of developers are working to introduce new Android applications every day. We’ve been providing tools for developers through our Sprint Application Developer Program since we first launched the Wireless Web on our phones in 2001 and we’ll continue that with Android. Developers will have a chance to learn more about Android at our ninth annual developer conference in October.
HTC Hero is the first U.S. device to feature HTC Sense, an intuitive experience that allows the device to be completely customized to the wants and needs of the user. The device’s seven-panel wide home screen can be populated with customizable widgets that bring information to the surface. HTC Hero users can easily create and switch between Scenes to reflect different moments or roles in their lives. For example, a work Scene can be easily set up to include stock updates, work email and calendar, a play Scene could have music, weather, and a Twitter feed or a travel Scene could offer instant access to the local time, weather and maps.
HTC Hero requires activation on a pricing plan offering unlimited data. Our Simply Everything plan provides unlimited nationwide calling, texting, e-mail, social networking, Web browsing, GPS navigation, Sprint TV, streaming music, NFL Mobile Live, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile and much more for only $99.99 per month. That’s a savings of $1,200 over two years vs. a comparable AT&T iPhone plan. Our Everything Data plans with unlimited messaging and data are another great option and start at just $69.99 for 450 minutes with unlimited night and weekend calling starting at 7 p.m.
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“Dependable” based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability and signal strength for the top 50 most populous markets from January 2008 to May 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable. Coverage may not be available everywhere. Customers should refer to sprint.com/coverage for details.
Savings based on publicly available information comparing AT&T Nation Unlimited plus required iPhone data plan and optional unlimited text messaging totaling $149.99/month for AT&T as of publication date, excluding taxes, surcharges and fees. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
ftp://www.ppcgeeks.com/HTC_HERO_200px.jpg
For 380$ Im gonna buy this no contract!!Has ANYONE seen the keyboard to this thing? That’s what I wanna know.
Apparently the keyboard should be pimpin, at least according to HTC lol.
I think it’s funny how everyone hated the chin when we thought Sprint’s version would have it, now everyone wants the chin back. I think this phone looks sleeker in my opinion. It would have been nice to have a phone that really stuck out, but I’m not complaining. No more square brick with a chin.
I hate that damn chin. I like the new look of the phone and it is right around my bday too. Nice!
looks like a iphone
Looks promising as an all-in-one that I will actually use… anticipation..
this may be a stupid question but whatz the big deal about Android device? whatz difference tp and android devices?
i hope this works with sero… i like the nochin look.