First Impressions: Android 2.1 on the Sprint HTC Hero
May 20, 2010 - By Alex Miranda
Yesterday, we reported the news that Sprint Hero users could finally visit the HTC support site to download and install Android 2.1 on their devices. As a Sprint customer and HTC Hero user, I was excited at the opportunity. Why? I knew there were features and apps that my version 1.5 device just wasn’t able to take advantage of. It wasn’t that I loved it any less, but I knew it could do more. So, without a moment’s hesitation, I downloaded the ROM, backed up my data (very important and must be done manually), and got to work.
After a five minute review of the instructions and getting everything set up, I was on my way. A short time later, the update process completed without a glitch. I was now the proud owner of an Android 2.1-powered Hero. I can tell you two things with 100% certainty. The first is that the instructions were expertly written. (Of course, you don’t need instructions, but you should follow them anyway.) The second is that the summary of the changes listed on the Sprint and HTC websites do not do the actual changes justice. From the first boot, Android 2.1 on the Hero is like entering a bigger and better universe.
What’s new for Sprint Hero users?
I won’t bore you with a long-winded discussion of the pros and cons or suggested improvements for the future. Instead, I’ll just list what I see as the noticeable changes and big improvements that benefit me, as a user of the device and not just some guy reviewing the changes.
Noticeable Changes
- New white launch screen instead of black
- Updated Sprint launch screen
- In general, graphics on are cleaner and more vibrant
- Startup seems to take slightly longer than in the previous version.
- New setup manager guides users through the typing process and the use of symbols, auto-correction and accent marks.
- Has you type, shows you how to use symbols, auto-correct, and accent marks.
- Has a screen that asks about your GPS settings and using Google Location.
- Set up e-mail as before
- The device’s response to typing seems faster and smoother.
- Now prompts you to choose if you want USB to charge only, launch HTC Sync, or use the phone’s mobile network on PC.
- You can now pinch to zoom, which brings up a window effect of the screens you normally would have on your Sense UI.
- Some of the applications like Internet, Google Talk, and Market have updated icons.
- Default settings widgets for Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, GPS, Mobile Network, and Wi-Fi
- Icons in the settings menu have more vibrant colors and larger fonts.
- Users are prompted to accept the Android Market Terms of Service again.
- Updated Market looks much cleaner.
- Now able to finally install Twitter for Android.
- There is an update for Google Maps that provides additional functionality not available in the previous version.
- There is a new pull down window for the camera, with settings to toggle between camera and video and configure brightness, image properties, effects, and other general settings.
And the survey says?
Overall, if I previously rated the HTC Hero and Android 1.5 as deserving a 6 out of 10, I can now say that it has moved up to a solid 8 out of 10. It’s not perfect, but, then again, what gadget really is? I’m certain that as time goes on I’ll find more little details that make me appreciate Android 2.1 even more. Additionally, I’ll also be grateful every time I get excited about a new app, visit the Android Market, and find that I can download it because I actually have a compatible device. For me, that’s a huge win. Now that I’ve passed on my list of improvements, you’ll have to excuse me. I’m going to go an play with my new phone some more.
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Haven’t upgraded your Hero yet? From a PC, you should first visit the Sprint HTC Hero Support page and review the instructions carefully. If you’re already an expert and just need to download the software, you can go directly to the HTC Sprint Hero page or click here for the direct download from the FTP site.
Related posts:
- Sprint Hero owners finally get a taste of Android 2.1 goodness
- Android App Review: Swype for Android (How I got my typing mojo back)
- Facebook 1.3 for Android in the wild but still elusive
- Sprint Announces Preordering and Sets Official Release Date for the HTC Evo 4G
- The long-anticipated Sprint Evo 4G hits stores today
There are a couple other things I have noticed from last night:
There is a Desk Clock on my phone now. I do not think it is as good as the free download of Kaloer Clock.
Google Buzz is available in the Market.
Settings have new options for voicemail, app management, accounts and search.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of Google’s FREE GPS turn by turn navigation!!! I absolutely love it!
If you like Twitter the availability of Twicca is a plus. I find having the Twicca Widget and the HTC Twitter Update Widget it fulfills most of my needs. The internet seems snappier and I am happy to have a new sub-section of Running Services under Applications. It makes things much faster if you do not want to use a different Task Killer.