HTC Hero release date slips

htchero

The HTC Hero is an important device for AR. Built on the Android platform, it looks like it should be the flagship device for this technology. Spec wise, it meets or exceeds the iPhone 3Gs, but it’s being on the Android platform makes all the difference. Android is open source, meaning developers (and API providers) don’t have to get Apple’s approval to innovate.

Perhaps it’s because it’s so advanced, that this particular phone seems to be having a lot of trouble getting out the door. Originally slated for an early July release, then today (July 21), it now appears the date has slipped to mid-August, apparently due to manufacturing issues. We really hope these are tiny niggles, and not an indication of larger underlying problems.

The phone will be available from Orange (in graphite or white) and T-Mobile on contract. Sim-free versions will be widely available for around £400. You can pre-order at
Amazon

UPDATE:

It appears Orange have pulled some strings -the phone is available in retail stores and online from today (22 July). Orange are the only carrier currently to have the phone in graphite.