The latest Android offering from HTC, the HTC Hero, is an absolutely gorgeous smartphone with a great UI and even better apps. This is the very first Android phone from the Taiwanese company. The device comes with sturdy hardware, with a strong body and form factor. There is a kind of protrusion in the device, which may feel strange at first but is actually nice while using the buttons. The device uses an unusual trackball (maybe ‘inspired’ from BlackBerry, we feel) and several buttons on the bottom of the screen.

HTC Hero - 1

The display is absolutely clear and the Sense UI makes it easy to navigate with feather touch. The Teflon-backing of the device isn’t bad at all and feels good to hold. Now, coming to the homescreen, this is absolutely perfect and contains easily customizable widgets, shortcuts and bookmarks. You can also give shortcuts to several apps that you don’t always use that often, but would like to keep handy, just in case.

HTC Hero - 2

The browser of the HTC Hero is truly something else – this actually supports Flash! That is a rarity that is found to be working beautifully on this device. This handheld also has a virtual QWERTY keyboard, which is great for messaging as well. The device also gives you access on social networking sites such as Twitter, Flickr, Facebook and so on.

HTC Hero - 3

On the whole, the HTC Hero is a truly fantastic device, which is also quite reasonably priced, as compared to iPhone and the like. So, if you’re looking for a nice smartphone, which also fits into your budget, go for the HTC Hero!

HTC Hero

Source: IntoMobile

While the US is getting ready to welcome the HTC Magic lookalike myTouch 3G smartphone, the UK has gone one step ahead and is now going to launch an Android-based version of the HTC Hero, calling it the G2 Touch. The official carrier for this one will be T-Mobile UK.

The G2 Touch is expected to hit the European market in a few weeks from now. British customers can expect the smartphone for online sale tomorrow itself, with the device hitting retail stores very soon, “over the next few days”. Now we are truly jealous of UK residents. Grr….

T-Mobile G2 Touch Date

Source: EngadgetMobile

We have already told you a lot about the HTC Hero, HTC’s Android smartphone. We now have a video walkthrough of the HTC Hero and Sense UI. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Now the HTC Hero smartphone will be taking an avatar in Graphite as a ranged device for Orange UK. Orange UK has now updated their site to include this one. Orange tariffs range between £50 and £100 for an 18 or 24 month contract. The line rental will cost about £35 per month – the actual details will vary with each plan.

Click here to know more about Orange UK’s various plans.

HTC Hero Graphite Orange

Source: IntoMobile