We need a Hero, and like Bonnie Tyler, it's gotta be soon. So be still our beating hearts, because we're witnessing HTC Heros getting that the long-awaited update to Android 2.1 today in the UK.
So far, we've only seen updates to unlocked, SIM-free phones rather than phones bought on contract from networks such as 3 and Orange. We'll update this story as soon as we have confirmation from the networks when their customers will receive the refresh.
We say it's about time, since HTC has been swearing for months that the update will be out by the end of June and it's only two days till that do-or-die deadline.
Don't forget that you'll need two updates before your Hero is fully updated, and the second one will be data-heavy and it will wipe your phone. So you should backup anything that's not synced to Google or another cloud-based service. We suggest grabbing the free 30-day trial of MyBackup Pro to save all your text messages, settings and apps, and happily you can download it using a QR code straight from our story on the best Android apps.
The update will bring so many sweet treats that users of phones such as the HTC Desire have been using for months, including native Exchange support so you can look at your Outlook emails without installing a separate app.
We're so excited that we want each and every one of you Hero owners to let us know when you get your update in the comments -- especially if you have a Hero on contract with one of the networks.
Update: Orange and 3 have been in touch about the update. If you're on one of those networks, you might want to look away now...
3 says, "Android 2.1 is currently in testing and is looking to be rolled out by the end of July. Exact dates are still TBC, but we will keep you posted when exact dates become more apparent."
Orange is less specific but more positive. "The HTC 2.1 update will be available in the near future -- we'll keep you posted on
specific timings," said a spokesperson for the network.
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Comments 28
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Anonymous 20 July, 2010 21:14
Got this from Orange after asking them when i would get the update.
Thank you for your email regarding your HTC Hero handset.
I am sorry to learn that you are unaware of our process regarding firmware updates for Orange phones. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
I would like to advise that Orange customers are not able to obtain firmware updates not direct from HTC themselves, this is due to the Orange branding that you have on your phone that allows you to use this on our network.
I have also supplied below the required steps that you will need to take in order to organise an update to your phone. Be advised to follow the on-screen instructions as it will give you necessary and required information regarding your phone.
"your phone's features" > "download software updates" > "how do I download the latest software update" > "HTC Hero update"
When a new update is made available by a handset manufacturer they will pass a version of this to Orange so that we can run the required tests to confirm that this update they have released will co-exist with the Orange branding that you are required to use on your phone.
It is possible that the new update that is released may not co-exist with the Orange branding and thus we will not be able to release the update for the HTC Hero, if they can not co-exist and we were to release this to your phone, this could effectively be detrimental to your handset and Orange will not process for this reason.
If the update version can not co-exist with the Orange branding then we will wait for HTC to release a new update to which we will restart the testing process accordingly.
Be aware that it is not possible to advise of any estimated timescale for the testing of this update by Orange, furthermore, we can not guarantee that an update will be released at all regarding the HTC Hero as the updates that could be released may never work alongside the Orange branding on the phone.
Because some of this information is speculative and based on situations regarding the testing of updates that may or may not ever be released by HTC and the time it takes to complete the testing of the new updates, please accept my sincere apologies that we can not be more specific regarding your query
anonymous 22 July, 2010 16:40
put pressure on orange to release the 2.1 update by joining this group http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=140327502658782&v=info&ref=notif
Anonymous 24 July, 2010 12:20
2.2, 2.1, what are these stranges titles people keep referring to. I've got a Hero on Orange (great phone, love it), which uses 1.5.......1.5, I can't even get 1.6.
On 1.5, I feel like a caveman who just discovered fire, running out of my dark damp cave to share with the rest of the village, only to discover that everyone else has moved into condos and penhouses, throwing BBQs and all nights parties.
What is the delay. . . . .this is unacceptable. Added to which, everytime you speak to HTC and Orange, both companies tell you that you should look to the others for its arrival.
How much longer do I/we on Hero (with contracts) have to wait. . . . . . . . . the flames going out on
tc_2001 25 July, 2010 13:25
Well I am pretty much giving up all hope of orange changing the 2 things its needs to make this update "co-exist" with its branding (a intro animation and some settings files)? This update came out 6 months ago! Any tips on where to get a custom 2.1 rom for the hero?
Anonymous 25 July, 2010 19:16
still not on orange!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous 25 July, 2010 19:21
i used one for the sprint on the hero and it works ok........and told orange to get stuffed.
Bantu 26 July, 2010 15:02
It's pretty ridiculous of Orange not to have released it yet.. i'm so happy that i rooted and re-flashed my hero a while ago so as not to be slave to this! For anyone looking to do the same my recommended sources are "xda-developers" and "android at modaco". Search for these 2 forums and you should be able to find instructions. Obligatory disclaimer that (although the chance is almost 0) you may break your phone! Just make sure you do your flashing with FULL (100%, not charging) battery.
Anonymous 27 July, 2010 11:50
With the delay in getting updates through Orange I would be wary about buying a phone such as the Desire/Legend etc. on Orange. Would you be able to update it?
Surely Orange/3/Vodafone et al should have a closer relationship with the handset manufacturers/OS companies so that they can get the latest release of OS out for their customers soon after release.
And maybe if it is true that they need to test the release to see if it "fits with their branding" (as I have heard mention of) then they should ensure that their branding fits with the OS update instead rather than not release.
As a new customer of Orange (for 4 months or so) I am already becoming disillusioned with them
Anonymous 27 July, 2010 11:53
Just spoken to orange and the roll out for the hero has been held back :(
It is with their tech team at to moment and will take atleast 2 more weeks before it is released :(
Anonymous 27 July, 2010 12:48
T-mobile HTC Hero (G2) update to 2.1 came through FOTA today (after having the YouTube and System update a month or so ago).
Anonymous 27 July, 2010 13:52
try setting the date forward a year and waiting a minute or so you should then get the download prompt.
Anonymous 27 July, 2010 16:02
HTC Hero on Orange,
I just received the You-Tube update "over the air". Originally I thought it was the big eclair instead it was an update I thought I had already installed this from HTC but hey ho!
Still on firmware 1.5 and cannot find any differences with the functionality. A large number of apps on the market are still not accessible etc. This will teach me to buy network locked phones!
Cheers Orange!
Anonymous 28 July, 2010 08:48
Just received the over the air upgrade - first part - can'f find any extra functionality however there is a software Upgrade option in the Settings\About Phone section - which I don't remember being there before - so I guess there's hope - another place I can keep trying. At least it's better than calling\emailing\begging\pleading with Orange.....
Anonymous 30 July, 2010 18:50
i got the update today on orange
Anonymous 30 July, 2010 19:57
Has anyone got the update for the Hero on orange, who got the phone free on a contract? Not who purchased an unlocked phone?
Anonymous 30 July, 2010 22:26
Got the 1st part of update on July 27th. There was an software update that appeared in settings/about. That gave me andriod 2.1. My friend was stood next 2 me with a hero and nothing appeared on his phone. I used his wi fi to download. We both have the same phone on a £20pm orange contract. Free upgrade. Why have I got update. Am I a test case. I lost no apps. Just got a different look and home screens with no lag. Sat nav is good. All text messages and call history remained. My friend is not happy he has not Got update.
Anonymous 31 July, 2010 14:23
HTC Hero Orange Network 2.1 éclair update finally received!
On 30th after reading the last post I checked the software update option and would you believe it?
I couldn't.... there was the 2.1 update waiting for me! Hurrah, about time!
Monkeyspam 4 August, 2010 11:43
Still no update for me on Orange.
Am I the last lonley sole still on 1.5 :-(
jedx 4 August, 2010 15:25
On contract with 3 phoned 3 them to ask when I would get upgrade was told soon that was June still waiting
jedx 4 August, 2010 15:35
As anyone on 3 contract phone been upgrade from 1 .5 to 2.1
Anonymous 5 August, 2010 13:35
http://www.htc.com/uk/faqs.aspx?p_id=283&cat=86&id=136932
Link to HTCs guide to upgrading for Orange Customers.
Nice one HTC, finally!!!!
Anonymous 5 August, 2010 13:39
I think Orange are writing all the upgrades down with pen and paper and will ten post this to your house, hence the delay!
Could the delay be the future linking of Orange and T-Mobile?
Monkeyspam 6 August, 2010 18:56
About time.. Hurray..
I never downloaded to update "ROM Version:2.73.61.66 for Orange" (I did see this update ages ago but never downloaded it from the HTC website, for some unknown reason)
After I downloaded this ROM (After problems with sync and Error 107 (sorted by downloading on Vista not Windows 7))
I moved the date forward to december and I was prompted to down load the 1st part of the update 2.1. (Hurray)
I then went to ‘Settings’ then ‘About phone’ then ‘System software udpates’ (Hurray again second part done)
2.1 Recived.
Anonymous 10 August, 2010 23:56
When will it arrive on Orange phones?!?!?!?!
Monkeyspam 12 August, 2010 15:52
anonymous, Check out my above post.
Its out,
Make sure you have downloaded "ROM Version:2.73.61.66 for Orange" from the HTC website first.
Then moved the date forward to december and you will be propted to down load the 1st part of the update 2.1.
Once you have done this go to phone settings, about phone then system software updates. check now.
Job Done.
Disapointed no live wallpapers, but Google sat Nav is cool (Apart from the Womens voice).
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 10:02
I still haven't recieved the second part and lost count how many times I've tried changing dates and checking fo updates.
I recieved the first part 3 weeks ago by setting my date forward and my build number is now:
Build Number: 2.73.61.91
This is different to the build numbers in HTC's link about upgrading http://www.htc.com/uk/faqs.aspx?p_id=283&cat=86&id=136932
Could this be my problem as I'm not on 2.73.61.92? I rang HTC and spoke to a guy who didn't have a clue.....
Anonymous 22 September, 2010 12:54
STILL waiting for any updates whatsoever. Orange UK. What is a guy to do?
Anonymous 28 October, 2010 19:22
how do i update my htc hero to the 2.1 version?