Search
  • Videos
  • 5G Guide
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • Build a Website
    • Enterprise Software
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • 5G Guide
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • Build a Website
    • Enterprise Software
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

A look at HTC's Hero Android phone

1 of 5 NEXT PREV
  • sense.jpg

    The skin used on the Hero is called HTC Sense. The user interface looks similar to the TouchFlo 3D skin that HTC uses on its touchscreen Windows Mobile handsets.

    Apart from adding a new graphical sheen to the underlying Google-derived software, Sense also includes federated search capabilities. For example, people can use one search string to scour Microsoft Exchange emails, Gmail and many other types of webmail account.

    Searching for a contact will bring up their contact details and their Facebook status updates and photos. In addition, a single search can be made across photos on the phone, on Facebook and on Flickr.

    The handset's search button can be used natively in maps, appointments, people, Twitter and, of course, Google search.

    Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

    Caption by: David Meyer

  • bookmarks.jpg

    HTC has spruced up Android's bookmarking system, using large thumbnails of the user's favourite websites.

    The manufacturer worked with Adobe to make sure that Flash content runs in the Hero's browser. HTC also announced on Wednesday that it was joining Adobe's Open Screen Project, which is an industry collaboration to make sure Flash Player 10 and full web browsing work on smartphones, including Android handsets.

    Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

    Caption by: David Meyer

  • teflon.jpg

    The white version of the Hero has a protective Teflon coating — a first for a smartphone, according to HTC.

    The Taiwanese handset maker has also given the Hero's 3.2-inch, 320x480 HVGA touchscreen a special coating that, as with the iPhone 3G S, is supposed to be more resistant than usual to fingerprints.

    ZDNet UK's hands-on experience, however, suggested that fingerprints are as unavoidable on the Hero's screen as on any other touchscreen.

    Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

    Caption by: David Meyer

  • battery.jpg

    The HTC Hero has a 1350mAh battery that will, according to the manufacturer, last comfortably for a day.

    It also has a flashless, five-megapixel, autofocus camera that provides higher resolutions than the G1 and Magic's 3.2 megapixels.

    The Hero runs on a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7200A processor, as used in the Magic. The chip also underpins the Touch Diamond 2, one of HTC's recent Windows Mobile phones.

    Other internal specifications for the Hero include assisted GPS, a digital compass, a gravity sensor and microSD-based expandability.

    Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

    Caption by: David Meyer

  • top.jpg

    The Hero, unlike the G1 and Magic, does not require a mini-USB adapter to use 3.5mm-jacked headphones.

    Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

    Caption by: David Meyer

1 of 5 NEXT PREV
David Meyer

By David Meyer | June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • sense.jpg
  • bookmarks.jpg
  • teflon.jpg
  • battery.jpg
  • top.jpg

The Hero uses an HTC-customised user interface skin called Sense, and is the first Android handset from the manufacturer not to carry Google branding

Read More Read Less

The skin used on the Hero is called HTC Sense. The user interface looks similar to the TouchFlo 3D skin that HTC uses on its touchscreen Windows Mobile handsets.

Apart from adding a new graphical sheen to the underlying Google-derived software, Sense also includes federated search capabilities. For example, people can use one search string to scour Microsoft Exchange emails, Gmail and many other types of webmail account.

Searching for a contact will bring up their contact details and their Facebook status updates and photos. In addition, a single search can be made across photos on the phone, on Facebook and on Flickr.

The handset's search button can be used natively in maps, appointments, people, Twitter and, of course, Google search.

Published: June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT)

Caption by: David Meyer

1 of 5 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
David Meyer

By David Meyer | June 24, 2009 -- 16:16 GMT (09:16 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums