28 June 2009

Holding on for a Hero

I heard this week (albeit a tad late) about the forthcoming Android phone, the HTC Hero. Basically, it looks like HTC are going in for the kill with an iPhone-alike, and they might just do it!

This new phone is not only all-touch with no physical keyboard and a similar form-factor to the Apple Fashion Accessory, it supports Flash and has a somewhat controversial new UI called Sense.

However, what has impressed me the most about it is that it will be coming to Orange as of July 2009. Sweet! I can get an Android smartphone without switching networks (hopefully).

On Twitter, a fellow tweeter was somewhat dismayed at the phone's chinrest. Yes, it is a bit odd, but I think it can be lived with.

Anyway, here's a video of Hero's Sense UI in action:



I know, glossy sales pitch video, but I'm pretty much sold already.

I am, however, a little concerned over Android's lack of support for running apps from memory card. I know it can be hacked, but why isn't that a standard piece of functionality?