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.

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.

——————————————————————————–

“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.

I also liked the chin… It gave the phone a unique look.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10338820-1.html