HTC Hero Review - Part 2:
Menu and Software
HTC Hero runs Android operating system, including Cupcake 1.5. The innovation comes from the new graphical user interface that has been put over the OS and called Sense. The new UI can be officially installed on any previous models of HTC Magic that are unlocked. HTC stated that those that bought their HTC Magic smartphone locked on various operator networks won't be able to benefit form this upgrade.
Still, rumors say that there's a workaround that lets users install Sense even on G1 devices. Anyway, the new GUI resembles a little the TouchFLO UI that has been made especially for Windows Mobile devices. It seems that HTC changed a large chunk of TouchFLO to offer a new eye-candy and more user-friendly graphical interface. And what a great job they did.
First of all, you can now take advantage of six Homescreens, which can be populated with two kinds of widgets. Those that were usually included in the Android interface and a wide range offered by the new Sense interface. As seen in the screenshots, you can add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, favorite contacts, music player, camera, market, Google Maps and much more directly on any of the six Homescreens.
The transition between these is fast and smooth, more responsive than TouchFLO's transitions. The standard Homescreen includes the weather widget, which updates at regular intervals if you have a data connection available. Under the weather widget (which also includes the clock), you will notice four shortcuts: Messages, Mail, Browser and Calendar. There's even a Homescreen that includes previews of four web pages: Google, eBay, Facebook and MySpace.
Holding the Home button pressed for a few seconds will bring up a task manager, which will display the last six applications that you opened. These remain active in the smartphone's memory, so if you open the seventh, the first application you have previously accessed will automatically be closed. There's also a dedicated YouTube video player, which gives you a fast access to clips hosted by YouTube. Other applications pre-installed include QuickOffice, PDF Viewer, Footprints, Stocks, VoiceRecorder and Teeter.
The new Sense GUI radically changes the phone's menu aspect in a positive way, making HTC Hero one of the most user-friendly and smooth smartphone available on the market.
Communication
HTC Hero boasts all possible connectivity tools that should be included in a high-end device: GPRS and EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, miniUSB 2.0. As you can see from the tests below, the device reached speeds of up to 2350.4 Kbit/s download and 621.2 Kbit/s on Wi-Fi connection and 1115.2 Kbit/s download and 336.1 Kbit/s upload on the Orange 3G+ network. These performances are more than welcome for a device that mostly depends on the data transfer to update its widgets or for fast Internet browsing.
The integrated browser WebKit cannot be closed but it seems upgraded compared with the previous two Android devices: Magic and G1. The control can only be compared with the iPhone's. You can now take advantage of the multi-touch gestures to quickly zoom in/out. The browsing experience is one of the best embedded into a smartphone.
Bluetooth still hasn't received its upgrade and can mostly be used for headset support. You don't have the possibility to transfer files over the Bluetooth connectivity, as the platform lacks the OBEX protocol. Let's hope that future updates will make available this feature too.
HTC Hero is compatible with all email clients and protocols (POP3, IMAP) and can be synchronized with Microsoft Exchange. The rest of the email accounts can be set to be checked at various intervals (five, ten, 30 minutes). The device is also compatible with SMS, EMS, and MMS text features. Instant-messaging options include Google Talk, but other IMs can also be installed. The interface is pretty straightforward and user-friendly. The Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity is another option that will surely reduce costs for those that are heavily using Internet browsing or data transfers. The built-in GPS receiver and digital compass work together with the Google Maps, so that you won't get lost. Unfortunately, there's no software behind the integrated GPS receiver, so vocal guiding is out of the question.
HTC Hero is a quad-band GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) handset that is also compatible with HSDPA 900/2100 networks. The in-call sound quality is excellent, one of the best that I have encountered in HTC devices. The GSM signal is also good, but avoid keeping the gadget set on the 3G band, as the reception is rather mediocre.
Processor and Memory
HTC Hero is powered by a single Qualcomm MSM7200A ARM11 family processor, running at speeds of up to 528 Mhz. Overall, I haven't experienced any lock-downs, crashes, or lags. Moreover, the phone acts very fast to any command, even when multiple applications are running in the background. Even though it's been added a new great looking graphical interface, the phone seems to be working excellent with no apparent hiccups.
The smartphone embeds 288 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM memory. The storage space can be expanded up to 32GB through the hot-swappable microSD slot card that has been placed under the back cover, on the left upper corner of the phone. The sales package also contains a 2GB or a better microSD card, depending on the location.
Multimedia
HTC Hero features an MP3 player that can also be used as a widget from the Homescreen. Unfortunately, there are no visible upgrades since the last Android device. This may be the only downside of the phone. Still, HTC is not known for its good quality music phones, so we should’ve expected this. Even though the MP3 player looks nice, you are still unable to use any kind of equalizers or visualization effects. The only improvement that can be easily noticed is the added 3.5mm jcak port on the top side of the phone. Thus, you will now be able to add your own headphone for a better music playback experience.
The music player supports audio files in MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, MPEG4, WAV, MIDI, Real Audio and Ogg formats. The music sound is somewhat average in quality, but a little bit too low. The video player that appeared for the first time into Magic's firmware is also present in this model, but do not look for it in the menu. The video player will open itself every time you click on a video file. HTC Hero wasn't made to be used as an MP3 player, that's for sure, but at least it offers some decent features for those that want to casually listen to some music or watch a short movie.
Battery
HTC Hero includes a slim 1350 mAh Li-Ion, which has an officially stated life expectancy of 440 hours in standby (750 hours for 3G) and 8 hours in talk-time mode (7 hours for 3G). Our test unit made it for about two days, but it was heavy used. During the tests, I noticed that you can prolong battery life if you disable the live connection for all widgets that need to updated regularly, and the emails. In fact, you can almost double the lifetime of the battery by doing these changes, which means that you will only need to charge it twice per week at most. Anyway, HTC Hero has one of the best autonomies from all other Android devices.
Impressions
The latest Android smartphone from HTC and the first to feature the new Sense interface attracts users with every aspect. Design, GUI, ease of use, performance, these are making the Hero one of the best choices for those in search of a good-looking, powerful smartphone. I was very happy to use the phone and I can say that HTC has made almost a perfect job in trying to offer an alternative to the Apple's iPhone.
The Good
Just about everything has been included into this smartphone, but its main highlight is definitely the great Sense UI and the multi-touch feature. I would also like to add to the positive side of the device the improved lifetime of the battery, excellent browser and good HSDPA data transfer speed.
The Bad
I think the main drawback of the phone is the mediocre quality of the multimedia features. More settings and functions for the MP3 player, as well as a better quality of the sound would've been great. There are also some minor downsides, such as the inability to transfer data through the Bluetooth connection and the lack of any advanced functions for the camera. Perhaps a secondary front camera for video-calls would've been nice to add. Also, I should probably mention that the price of the smartphone is very high, and even though I think it's worth every penny, I still have to add it as a negative aspect.
Sales Package
HTC Hero handset;
Stereo headset;
2GB microSD Card;
1350 mAh Li-Ion Battery;
Charger;
USB Cable.
Menu and Software
HTC Hero runs Android operating system, including Cupcake 1.5. The innovation comes from the new graphical user interface that has been put over the OS and called Sense. The new UI can be officially installed on any previous models of HTC Magic that are unlocked. HTC stated that those that bought their HTC Magic smartphone locked on various operator networks won't be able to benefit form this upgrade.
Still, rumors say that there's a workaround that lets users install Sense even on G1 devices. Anyway, the new GUI resembles a little the TouchFLO UI that has been made especially for Windows Mobile devices. It seems that HTC changed a large chunk of TouchFLO to offer a new eye-candy and more user-friendly graphical interface. And what a great job they did.
First of all, you can now take advantage of six Homescreens, which can be populated with two kinds of widgets. Those that were usually included in the Android interface and a wide range offered by the new Sense interface. As seen in the screenshots, you can add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, favorite contacts, music player, camera, market, Google Maps and much more directly on any of the six Homescreens.
The transition between these is fast and smooth, more responsive than TouchFLO's transitions. The standard Homescreen includes the weather widget, which updates at regular intervals if you have a data connection available. Under the weather widget (which also includes the clock), you will notice four shortcuts: Messages, Mail, Browser and Calendar. There's even a Homescreen that includes previews of four web pages: Google, eBay, Facebook and MySpace.
Holding the Home button pressed for a few seconds will bring up a task manager, which will display the last six applications that you opened. These remain active in the smartphone's memory, so if you open the seventh, the first application you have previously accessed will automatically be closed. There's also a dedicated YouTube video player, which gives you a fast access to clips hosted by YouTube. Other applications pre-installed include QuickOffice, PDF Viewer, Footprints, Stocks, VoiceRecorder and Teeter.
Communication
HTC Hero boasts all possible connectivity tools that should be included in a high-end device: GPRS and EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, miniUSB 2.0. As you can see from the tests below, the device reached speeds of up to 2350.4 Kbit/s download and 621.2 Kbit/s on Wi-Fi connection and 1115.2 Kbit/s download and 336.1 Kbit/s upload on the Orange 3G+ network. These performances are more than welcome for a device that mostly depends on the data transfer to update its widgets or for fast Internet browsing.
The integrated browser WebKit cannot be closed but it seems upgraded compared with the previous two Android devices: Magic and G1. The control can only be compared with the iPhone's. You can now take advantage of the multi-touch gestures to quickly zoom in/out. The browsing experience is one of the best embedded into a smartphone.
Bluetooth still hasn't received its upgrade and can mostly be used for headset support. You don't have the possibility to transfer files over the Bluetooth connectivity, as the platform lacks the OBEX protocol. Let's hope that future updates will make available this feature too.
HTC Hero is compatible with all email clients and protocols (POP3, IMAP) and can be synchronized with Microsoft Exchange. The rest of the email accounts can be set to be checked at various intervals (five, ten, 30 minutes). The device is also compatible with SMS, EMS, and MMS text features. Instant-messaging options include Google Talk, but other IMs can also be installed. The interface is pretty straightforward and user-friendly. The Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity is another option that will surely reduce costs for those that are heavily using Internet browsing or data transfers. The built-in GPS receiver and digital compass work together with the Google Maps, so that you won't get lost. Unfortunately, there's no software behind the integrated GPS receiver, so vocal guiding is out of the question.
HTC Hero is a quad-band GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) handset that is also compatible with HSDPA 900/2100 networks. The in-call sound quality is excellent, one of the best that I have encountered in HTC devices. The GSM signal is also good, but avoid keeping the gadget set on the 3G band, as the reception is rather mediocre.
Processor and Memory
HTC Hero is powered by a single Qualcomm MSM7200A ARM11 family processor, running at speeds of up to 528 Mhz. Overall, I haven't experienced any lock-downs, crashes, or lags. Moreover, the phone acts very fast to any command, even when multiple applications are running in the background. Even though it's been added a new great looking graphical interface, the phone seems to be working excellent with no apparent hiccups.
The smartphone embeds 288 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM memory. The storage space can be expanded up to 32GB through the hot-swappable microSD slot card that has been placed under the back cover, on the left upper corner of the phone. The sales package also contains a 2GB or a better microSD card, depending on the location.
Multimedia
HTC Hero features an MP3 player that can also be used as a widget from the Homescreen. Unfortunately, there are no visible upgrades since the last Android device. This may be the only downside of the phone. Still, HTC is not known for its good quality music phones, so we should’ve expected this. Even though the MP3 player looks nice, you are still unable to use any kind of equalizers or visualization effects. The only improvement that can be easily noticed is the added 3.5mm jcak port on the top side of the phone. Thus, you will now be able to add your own headphone for a better music playback experience.
The music player supports audio files in MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, MPEG4, WAV, MIDI, Real Audio and Ogg formats. The music sound is somewhat average in quality, but a little bit too low. The video player that appeared for the first time into Magic's firmware is also present in this model, but do not look for it in the menu. The video player will open itself every time you click on a video file. HTC Hero wasn't made to be used as an MP3 player, that's for sure, but at least it offers some decent features for those that want to casually listen to some music or watch a short movie.
Battery
HTC Hero includes a slim 1350 mAh Li-Ion, which has an officially stated life expectancy of 440 hours in standby (750 hours for 3G) and 8 hours in talk-time mode (7 hours for 3G). Our test unit made it for about two days, but it was heavy used. During the tests, I noticed that you can prolong battery life if you disable the live connection for all widgets that need to updated regularly, and the emails. In fact, you can almost double the lifetime of the battery by doing these changes, which means that you will only need to charge it twice per week at most. Anyway, HTC Hero has one of the best autonomies from all other Android devices.
Impressions
The latest Android smartphone from HTC and the first to feature the new Sense interface attracts users with every aspect. Design, GUI, ease of use, performance, these are making the Hero one of the best choices for those in search of a good-looking, powerful smartphone. I was very happy to use the phone and I can say that HTC has made almost a perfect job in trying to offer an alternative to the Apple's iPhone.
The Good
Just about everything has been included into this smartphone, but its main highlight is definitely the great Sense UI and the multi-touch feature. I would also like to add to the positive side of the device the improved lifetime of the battery, excellent browser and good HSDPA data transfer speed.
The Bad
I think the main drawback of the phone is the mediocre quality of the multimedia features. More settings and functions for the MP3 player, as well as a better quality of the sound would've been great. There are also some minor downsides, such as the inability to transfer data through the Bluetooth connection and the lack of any advanced functions for the camera. Perhaps a secondary front camera for video-calls would've been nice to add. Also, I should probably mention that the price of the smartphone is very high, and even though I think it's worth every penny, I still have to add it as a negative aspect.
Sales Package
HTC Hero handset;
Stereo headset;
2GB microSD Card;
1350 mAh Li-Ion Battery;
Charger;
USB Cable.
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