HTC Hero caught running Android 2.1?

HTC promised the world an Android 2.0-based firmware for its Hero line once it figured out the nitty gritty details of porting Sense to Google's latest code, leapfrogging Donut altogether -- but now, it looks like they're gonna do one better. Screenshots found today show a Hero running Android 2.1, which would dovetail nicely with the fact that Google had teased a "minor update" to 2.0 before the end of 2009 back when it announced Eclair last month. The interface looks largely untouched from 1.5, proof that HTC was able to bring Sense up to speed with minimum drama; it's unclear when this'll all be available, but considering that Sprint's version just got a super-minor update, some carrier-branded versions could be in for a wait. One more pic after the break.

[IceNio Posted Nov 30th 2009 5:55AM]

I believe the European version of the Hero is nicer. I mean... I like it more.

Erhhhgg .. opinions , opinions... go figure !

[cdfc73 Posted Nov 30th 2009 6:01AM]

ive been reading of eclair for my hero for far too long now and i am still curious as to how heroic it'll be when i do it. don't be mislead tho... coz yes, i am upgrading ASAP! Come on HTC! I WANT IT NOW!!!

[mousey Posted Nov 30th 2009 6:40AM]

Android 2.0 (Eclair) is now available for the HTC Hero.

Lox_Dev has released a Beta of it and it runs beautifully on my Hero:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=585604

After installing you'll need to run these commands to get the Google apps running on your AOSP build:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591910

[wywywywy Posted Nov 30th 2009 6:54AM]

@mousey Yea but we want Sense.

[HustleHard101 Posted Nov 30th 2009 10:58AM]

Im thinking of upgrading to this phone from my Instinct. Is it really worth it or should I wait till something newer comes out in 2010?

[AniMill Posted Nov 30th 2009 12:32PM]

@HustleHard101

I too have the Instinct (we get no respect) and have the same thoughts. I purchased the Hero for my wife and we really like it. But I'm waiting (and hoping) that the Dragon or HD2 will be headed over to Sprint. I really want the Dragon with its Sense & Android, but I don't think its going to happen. So come next year I'm probably going to switch to the Hero too (come on Dragon!).

[makamboy Posted Nov 30th 2009 11:43AM]

Will the 2.1 upgrade allow me to transfer files via bluetooth? I was surprised this basic function was not available in Android.

[auggnation Posted Dec 3rd 2009 2:21PM]

@makamboy a lot of cell phone companies are turning off the Bluetooth function cause of "file Sharing concerns". swaping MP3's and such