HTC Hero to finally get Android 2.1 update
HTC has apologised for the long wait, but promises the 2.1 roll-out is coming next week.


Users of the HTC Hero on Orange's network have been waiting for an update to Google's mobile operating system for a very long time.
Now HTC has finally confirmed it will be updating the current 1.6 Android OS to 2.1 codenamed clair within a matter of weeks and has apologised for the wait.
"Testing the [2.1] update across European markets took longer than anticipated," claimed the Taiwanese manufacturer.
"We hope to receive final approval by the end of the week and Orange handsets should start updating from next week."
However, some Android customers already have version 2.2 of the OS codenamed Froyo and users of other HTC devices, such as the HTC Desire, are expecting the update from 2.1 in the third quarter of this year, still leaving Hero users behind.
But delays have not stopped Android's popularity growing in the UK.
A report released yesterday by GfK Retail and Technology (GfK) showed market share for the phones had quadrupled in the past year, whilst sales of the phones grew by a massive 350 per cent.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.
Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.
-
The IT industry’s shift to circular, low-carbon solutions
Maximize your hardware investment and reach your sustainability goals with HP’s Renew Solutions
-
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition review
Reviews This thin and light ultraportable will draw you in with its vibrant screen – but it isn't as powerful as some of its competitors
-
Orange to land Medusa submarine cable in Marseille to boost Mediterranean connectivity
News The French telco will provide one of the 16 landing points the Medusa cable will connect to around the Mediterranean
-
TalkTalk leads Ofcom's list of most complained about telcos
News BT takes top spot for broadband complaints
-
Everything Everywhere unveils management restructure
News The mobile firm has outlined management changes under the leadership of its new chief executive.
-
Everything Everywhere CEO resigns
News Tom Alexander steps down after just over a year in charge of Everything Everywhere.
-
Everything Everywhere revenues edge up
News The mobile merger is happy with small revenue growth during tough economic times.
-
Everything Everywhere reports mixed debut results
News Revenues and pre-pay customers drop in numbers but contracts are on the rise for the joint venture.
-
Worldwide operators collaborate on NFC
News Vodafone and Orange are amongst those to pledge their commitment to Near Field Communications technology by 2012 but the GSMA can't reveal where.
-
MWC 2011: Everything Everywhere merger ‘good for UK economy’
News The chief financial officer of the Orange and T-Mobile joint venture claims it will serve the UK economy well.