We’re at Launch Day +1 for the HTC Hero update to Android 2.1 and there’s plenty of RAGE flying around from frustrated Hero users tied into networks that haven’t yet released the over-the-air upgrade for their branded handsets.
Tech site Pocket-Lint says Three told it that the 2.1 Hero update won’t be hitting users on the network until “mid July” while Orange promised a vague “very near future” for the OS update – and T-Mobile appears to be staying silent on the matter.
Here’s a picture of the back of the HTC Hero, which symbolises the above networks turning their backs on their users. We put a lot of thought into these things:
Keep refreshing and hoping, basically, if you’re on Three, T-Mo UK or Orange – it takes a while for the networks to stick on all that software we remove, after all.
HTC’s 4.3″ dual-core Android model, powered by Qualcomm’s all-new S4 processor. It’s smaller than the enormous One X, but is it as nice as its bigger brother? (SPOILER: Yes it is).
HTC is very much B-A-C-K at the top of the Android world with this, its quad-core flagship for 2012. Great camera, huge 4.7″ display and Android 4.0 running beautifully well.
Sony returns with an all-new mobile design for 2012, pairing a dual-core processor with a 720p display. It’s a lovely phone, but is it enough to end our Samsung and HTC obsession?
LG’s updated Prada phone comes with an absolutely crazy black & white theme, but is it just for fashionable suit wearers who want to make themselves look a bit more interesting?
Kevin
/ July 9, 2010I ended up installing VillainROM 10.3. its faster then offical 2.1 by far and it has Java support
Dougster
/ July 9, 2010Kevin I looked at it and cleared my SIM tonight.
AndroidForums are saying there may be news on Monday though. Source from an Orange tech??
I got put off by the radio fix.
Matt
/ July 15, 2010Hi
Anyone got an update on this please?
Thanks
Matt
Gary C
/ July 15, 2010It’s out today on T-Mobile, Matt.
Matt
/ July 15, 2010Sorry I’m on Orange :(
Anyone got any idea when they might pull their digit…
Mystro
/ July 18, 2010Orange,
Still no word as to the whereabouts of an update from them. I was sold this phone on the understanding that there would soon be an update and it will do ‘x’ things. I’m really quite angry now. I’m of the right mind to demand a refund.
Dougster
/ July 19, 2010More standard crap from Orange Online Services today:
“Dear Doug
Thank you for your return email regarding the Android update.
I am sorry to learn that you are unhappy with the responses that you have already received and I understand the frustration this must be causing.
Unfortunately the reason you have not received a clear definitive answer to your question is that it is still in testing. As a matter of fact a spokesperson for Orange released this statement.
“The HTC 2.1 update will be available in the near future; we’ll keep you posted on specific timings,”
I trust the above is of assistance and I apologise that I can not assist you further via email.
Kind regards
Mark
Orange Online Services
Andy
/ July 19, 2010Best thing orange customers can do is get there phone unlocked to all networks. Costs between 10 n 20 quid. Orange are a joke
MattW
/ July 19, 2010just been told by orange cust rep that as of couple of days ago the HTC website should now take the serial number – I’m not at pc so can’t verify this. can anyone else check this out? tried before and it said software not suitable
MattW
/ July 19, 2010Managed to try it in the end and surprise surprise did not work. phoned orange again and to be fair to the person I spoke to but frustratingly for everyone admitted he didn’t have a scooby what I was going on about! there is no chance of me getting a branded handset again. gingerbread 3.0 is rumoured to do away with this branding stuff – that’s my only hope of sticking with the alternative to following the masses
Gary C
/ July 19, 2010Thanks for letting us know, Matt.
bill
/ July 22, 2010Got bored and installed villain12, its awesome. Cba to wait for orange to sort it !
MattW
/ July 27, 2010at last got the first part. hopefully not long until full 2.1 on orange.
MattW
/ July 28, 2010Wahey – just checked for updates after the first and now downloading full 2.1. At long last
Dan
/ July 28, 2010Hmmm…. Couple of random reboots at the black Hero startup screen (the first one, I think the one with the Android waving at you is gone :( ) but it’s now loading. If this fails, I’m rooting and installing VillainRom.
MattW
/ July 28, 2010in all mine went through in about half hour. so far all looks intact, all my messages, contacts etc still in place.
usbrit
/ July 28, 20102.1 Part 2 installing right now on Orange
tony
/ August 2, 2010Looks like 3 still haven’t got there act together. There tech support dept ain’t got a clue what I am going on about
Gary C
/ August 3, 2010There is, unsurprisingly, now a Facebook petition regarding Three and the Hero: http://www.facebook.com/pages/3-UK-Give-HTC-Hero-owners-the-21-Update-NOW/141762185851305