HorizonForumsone horizon
Log inSign up

[ms] · Est. May 2002

Music madethis place,we just kept itgoing...

One durable person. One social graph. Many communities—and every way people speak, share, listen, write, gather and remember.

Forums / Computers / Electronics / Games

HTC Hero

26 durable postsStarted 2009-12-17Latest 2010-05-22
#78321Post 1 of 26

Just got one of these when i renewed my contact. Loving it so far and actually prefer it to the iphone. Not as bulky although the interface is strange to get used to. Anyone else used/own one. What were your opinions?

#1311456Post 2 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

I've got one, and I love it. Important tip -- there is a known issue with the messaging program that is supposed to be fixed in the next firmware update that results in the program running constantly, which drains your battery like crazy. There is a workaround for it, though -- download Handcent SMS and make that your default messaging app. Bonus: it's much better than the messaging program that comes with the Hero.

Other great apps: Dolphin (to replace the default browser) TasKiller Free (helps eliminate unnecessary background operations, which can slow performance) ShopSavvy (barcode reader) Cab4Me (very handy if you need to take cabs or travel a lot) Ringdroid (on the fly custom ringtones) Pandora Google Sky Map (just download it and check it out -- amazing technology

#1311481Post 3 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

Not sure why I read the thread title as HTPC Revo and was thinking about the Acer Revo :what

The mind sure can play some tricks sometimes....

#1311720Post 4 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

Cheers for them toasty, I will have a look.

#1311730Post 5 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=toasty;816199] Google Sky Map (just download it and check it out -- amazing technology[/QUOTE] I use this on my husbands G1 all the time, I love sky map!

#1311772Post 6 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=DreamGirlie;816506]I use this on my husbands G1 all the time, I love sky map![/QUOTE]

you got married? congrats. (so out of the loop)

#1311776Post 7 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=Kamal;816554]you got married? congrats. (so out of the loop)[/QUOTE]

Yep it was 2 yrs this past September :) Thanks!

#1312594Post 8 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

I have this phone as well and freakin' love it. For comparison, my wife got the other android phone on Sprint, and I far prefer the hero.

#1312595Post 9 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=toasty;816199]I've got one, and I love it. Important tip -- there is a known issue with the messaging program that is supposed to be fixed in the next firmware update that results in the program running constantly, which drains your battery like crazy. There is a workaround for it, though -- download Handcent SMS and make that your default messaging app. Bonus: it's much better than the messaging program that comes with the Hero.[/QUOTE]

If the chat app is running ,will it show up in my task list? I don't see it there, but actually prefer the original one that comes with the phone to the handcent SMS, but my battery does seem to go awful quick.

#1312674Post 10 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=threehills;817464]If the chat app is running ,will it show up in my task list? [/QUOTE]

I'm honestly not sure -- maybe it's that, like all of the apps, it continues to run in the background once it's been activated, and when it runs, it sucks down juice like crazy. Not sure if manually killing the task after each use would address the issue or not. I really like Hanscent, so it hasn't been an issue.

#1312675Post 11 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=threehills;817463]For comparison, my wife got the other android phone on Sprint, and I far prefer the hero.[/QUOTE]

We actually did the same thing -- my wife has the Moment -- and I can see pros and cons to both of them. Hers seems a bit faster to me and the camera has a flash, but I really prefer the UI on the Hero...

#1319488Post 12 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

I downloaded handcent sms and made it the default app but every time i received a message the message alert went off twice because both programs were getting the message, how do i stop that?

#1319495Post 13 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

open the default messages app and turn off notifications

#1319498Post 14 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

hey toasty, thanks for the suggestions. i have an eris and that taskiller program made a huge difference in battery life.

a cool app is shazam for those who haven't heard of it. it recognizes almost any song being played even externally from the phone so if you like something playing on the radio, just put your phone up to it, use shazam and it'll give you all the details.

#1322867Post 15 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

Right, i got fed up with the laggy-ness of the stock t-mobile ROM so i have rooted it and used the latest Modaco ROM as that was what everyone seemed to be going on about. What an improvement, phone is a lot more responsive, got loads more software on there as standard as uses a lot less memory aswell. Was a pain in the arse to do though, took about 4 hours messing around but now its done any future ROM upgrades are simple to do.

#1322953Post 16 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=poults;825867]Right, i got fed up with the laggy-ness of the stock t-mobile ROM so i have rooted it and used the latest Modaco ROM as that was what everyone seemed to be going on about. What an improvement, phone is a lot more responsive, got loads more software on there as standard as uses a lot less memory aswell. Was a pain in the arse to do though, took about 4 hours messing around but now its done any future ROM upgrades are simple to do.[/QUOTE]

If you root your phone, what happens when there is a system update? I know that at some point in the pretty near future, Sprint Hero users are supposed to get an upgrade to Android 2.1. If you've rooted your phone, do you still get that? I assume that would wipe out all of your hard work?

#1323095Post 17 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

You wont receive the update to 2.1 until it is re-released by a developer as a new ROM which is usually pretty quick. Updates that are released periodically dont usually wipe your phone although it is wise to backup! The other thing to bear in mind is taking off the stock ROM invalidates your warranty, but as mine was only for 6 months was a risk i'm willing to take.

#1340390Post 18 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

Is the HTC hero worth $49.00 on a 3 year contract? And what does rooting the phone mean? Any other advantages of getting the Hero over other android based phones?

#1356185Post 19 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

The update to android 2.1 is coming April 9th!

[url]http://www.cooltechzone.com/2010/03/26/sprint-htc-hero-to-get-android-2-1-update-on-april-9/[/url]

#1356186Post 20 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=threehills;850508]The update to android 2.1 is coming April 9th!

[URL]http://www.cooltechzone.com/2010/03/26/sprint-htc-hero-to-get-android-2-1-update-on-april-9/[/URL][/QUOTE]

I wouldn't get too worked up just yet. This is something I've been tracking pretty closely, and there have been a LOT of false alarms, all purporting to be based upon "leaked documents," "reliable sources," etc. I'm hopeful, but I've had my heart broken too many times already to get too excited over this. March 26 was the latest in a long line of dates that have come and gone with no update. We just won't know for sure until Sprint makes its official announcement.

With that said, it certainly could be the 9th, and we won't have to wait long to find out. I'm pulling for it, for sure!

#1356188Post 21 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

[QUOTE=dusk;839215]And what does rooting the phone mean? [/QUOTE]

"Rooting allows you to gain SU access to your phone. It allows you to flash custom ROMs, install custom themes, lock screens and more. It basically gives you complete and full control over your phone."

More info here: [url]http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-sprint-hero/38911-guide-root-rom-faq-tutorial.html[/url]

#1372673Post 22 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

2.1 update is available NOW :D

[url]http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Find_and_update_the_software_version_on_your_HTC_Hero/case-gb746811-20091009-155624[/url]

#1373103Post 23 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

^^^ This is only good for the Sprint Hero correct?

#1373143Post 24 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

yes, sorry

#1373166Post 25 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

2.2 was just announced :D

Built-in tethering, Google TV, and 450% faster. I can't wait

#1373319Post 26 of 26

Re: HTC Hero

^^^ Totally excited however can't root my phone yet.. my baseband is too high, so no custom roms for me ....arrrgh!

This is now very frustrating.

Log in to reply