HTC Hero Will Run Android but Include a New User Interface

The HTC Hero has been formally announced. This upcoming Android-based phone will be the first with a new user interface designed by HTC.

This company's previous models running Google's mobile operating system have used the default user interface, but the Hero will mark the debut of a UI that's been dubbed HTC Sense.

"HTC Sense is a distinct experience created to make HTC phones more simple for people to use, leaving them saying, it just makes sense," said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation.

Among its other features, friends' Facebook status updates and photos along with their Flickr photos are included along side their text messages, emails, and call history in a single view.

All future Android-based devices from HTC will use the Sense UI, not just this one.

More About the HTC Hero
The Hero will have a 3.2-inch HVGA display with an anti-fingerprint screen coating for improved smudge resistance. This will be set in a tablet shaped device with a distinct "chin" which HTC says has been contoured to fit comfortably in the user's hand and against their face while on a call. 

The white version will include an industry-first: a Teflon coating, resulting in an improved, durable white surface that is soft to the touch.

Other features will include a-GPS, digital compass, gravity-sensor, 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, and a microSD memory card slot.

The Hero will be a GSM phone with HSPA mobile broadband, as well as Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.

In addition, this will be the first Android model with Adobe Flash support, allowing users to watch Flash video in the web browser.

Video Preview
HTC has put together a video previewing this device, especially the new user interface:

Coming Later this Year
The HTC The HTC Hero will be available across Europe in July, and in Asia later in the summer.

A distinct North American version will be available later in 2009.

There is no word yet on pricing.

Source: HTC