HTC unveils Android-powered Hero handset

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HTC today unveiled its HTC Hero handset, which will run Google's Android operating system and feature a customised user interface.

The Hero boasts a 3.2in display, with an anti-fingerprint finish, in addition to a five megapixel camera, A-GPS, a digital compass and enhanced multimedia and search functionality.

There are also simple to use widgets and applications for both business and consumers alike, in addition to Teflon coating, according to HTC.

HTC also used the launch to announced a collaboration with Adobe focusing on beefing up Flash support on the handset.

The handset is the result of listening to users and trying to put them at the centre of the mobile experience, according to Peter Chou, HTC’s chief executive, who also announced that Orange and T-Mobile would be the first network partners.

“For us this begins with listening and observing people as they use their phone. This insight has given us the ability to shape the experience around people,” he said.

“In 2009 as long expected there has been a fundamental shift in people’s phone expectations. People want to stay close with the important people in their life… However, the expectation is changing; voice is key but no longer enough.”

The Hero is HTC’s third Android handset, following in the footsteps of the G1 and Magic. Horace Luke, the company’s chief innovation officer even pointed out that HTC has more Android and Windows Mobile developers outside of Google and Microsoft.

Users in Europe will be able to get their hands on the new handset from next month, while those in Asia will have to wait until later this summer.

The new software that enables customisation is called HTC Sense and will be rolled out across a number of HTC’s handsets, starting with the Hero.

“We have been talking for so long of smartphones being the future. But the future is now. The smartphone is the new phone. People no longer expect their internet to be at their desk. They expect it everywhere they are,” added Chou.

“The Hero is a unique design, a unique product that I’m very excited about.”

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