Almost two weeks ago we noted that T-Mobile had finally gotten around to releasing the Android 2.1 update for the HTC Hero, and now it seems that Orange are following suit, with reports coming through that the OTA update is now coming through on Orange branded handsets.
The HTC Hero was one of the first 'big' handsets running on the Android platform, but from being a market leader it was soon left behind as many other handsets were released, sporting a later version of the Android OS. Despite running the excellent Sense UI, underneath it the Hero was stuck on Android OS 1.5, which meant no access to some of the more recently released apps on the Android Market. Now with T-Mobile and Orange both bringing forth their official updates for the handset, the Hero is able to hold its own against the other big handsets in the smartphone market.
Operating System fragmentation has been a bit of an issue for Android devices over recent months, but gradually all handsets are either being updated to, or being released on Android 2.1, this should become less of a problem. The next step of course is to get users onto the OS version 2.2, with Android 3.0 already being talked about. It is highly unlikely that HTC will be officially bringing these updates to the Hero, though.
4:45 pm
Can somebody explain as to why I have not received any part of this update for my Orange Hero?
12:28 pm
The update is rolled out in two stages, and doesn't hit every Hero simultaneously. But it is going through, so keep an eye out for an OTA update. You could also try manually, there is an option to check for the latest software version in the settings menu on your handset.
2:25 pm
Jay,
Would you kindly outline where in the settings menu one may find the manual update option? I've already been told it's under settings > about phone > check for updates... but there is no such option on my phone. The only selectable options under 'about' are status, legal and systems tutorial; all the info about firmware version, build number, software version, etc are in grey and unclickable.
My Hero is sim free and I am on Orange PAYG, so is it the case that I am at a disadvantage for not being a pay monthly customer? So far I haven't received any updates and am becoming increasingly frustrated at being unable to manually prompt the process.
7:49 pm
Being on PAYG shouldn't cause a problem. Do you know anyone on a contract? You could try with their SIM and see if it makes a difference. Good luck.
7:30 pm
I am on Orange monthly contract and I too have the problem as described by Mohammed - (No option to upgrade) How do you get the update, my phone has offered me the chance a few days ago but i had to decline as it recommended i was on Wi-Fi. If i had known i would have left the box open while finding a connection!
7:32 pm
I too have an HTC on Orange pay monthly, tried moving the dates backwards and forwards as suggested on other forums, nothing!