The HTC Hero has specifications like a 3.2 inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen display, anti-fingerprint coating (similar to the new iPhone 3GS), 5 megapixel autofocus camera, 3.5mm headset jack (thank you HTC), digital compass, accelerometer, and microSD card slot. Search is also well integrated into the Hero device.
HTC Sense was created with three main principles: Make it Mine, Stay Close, and Discover. As detailed in the press release HTC uses widgets, scenes, integrated communication applications, and hardware design features to create HTC Sense. It looks to me like this is definitely something that has to be seen in person to fully understand. There are reports on site in London and I'll try to find some hands-on articles to link to as the news develops.
The HTC Hero will be available to people across all major European carriers in July and in Asia later this summer. A distinct North American version will be available later in 2009.
Join Discussion