Sprint's HTC Hero and Samsung Moment Getting an Android 2.0 Upgrade

Sprint has promised that both its Android-based smartphones, the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment, are going to get upgraded to the newest version of of Google's operating system, Android OS 2.0.

The big news is really the Moment's upgrade, as HTC has already committed to release Android OS 2.0 for the Hero.

Both these models debuted with Android OS 1.5, and an operating system upgrade will bring a range of new features, such as support for multiple Microsoft Exchange accounts, an improved version of the web browser, and better camera software.

Sprint was very vague on when the new system software will be introduced for these smartphones, only saying that it will be in the first half of next year.

Samsung Moment vs. HTC Hero
In the last couple of months, Sprint debuted a pair of smartphones with Google's Android OS. While these have much in common, they have significant differences, too.

Both have 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreens, but the Hero has a tablet shape, while the Moment has a sliding QWERTY keyboard. The Samsung model's is an AM-OLED  display, while HTC's is a more conventional type.

The Moment uses Google's standard user interface. The Hero, on the other hand, has HTC's Sense UI, which enhances the standard one with additional features.

Each of these smartphones is equipped with Sprint's 3G mobile broadband service, Wi-Fi, and Stereo Bluetooth, and both have GPS receivers, microSD memory card slots, and 3.5 mm headphone jacks.

The HTC Hero has a 5 megapixel camera, while the Samsung Moment has a 3.2 megapixel one.

As an Android-based models, these phones will have a highly-functional web browser, and include tie-ins to a number of Google's online services, like Gmail, Calendar, and Google Maps. This OS is also bundled with an MP3 and video player.

Both these devices can synchronize with a Microsoft Exchange server for business-related e-mail, calendar, and contact.

In addition, there is a rapidly growing collection of third-party software available for this Android, including games, widgets, and productivity apps.

Source: Sprint