It is safe to say that the iPhone and the BlackBerry are probably the two premier Smartphones in the market today. Both are pioneers in their own regard and have definitely revolutionized the mobile phone arena in one way or another. HTC also wants its taste of the glory and they intend to take some home through the new HTC Hero. Here’s how the new Hero fares against the big boys.
BlackBerry Blues
What made the BlackBerry what it is today can be vastly attributed to its immaculate QWERTY keyboard. It was one of the firsts in the business to have this type of keypad and theirs was definitely a game changer. They revolutionized mobile messaging by not only having excellent messaging applications, but also by accompanying them with probably the best QWERTY keyboard in the market today.
There isn’t much to compare with the HTC Hero as it actually makes use of a digital on-screen QWERTY pad. Although nothing beats the real thing, HTC has done a commendable job here. They’ve improved the functionality and responsiveness of the keyboard which makes typing a breeze on the HTC Hero. But then again, there’s nothing like an actual physical QWERTY keyboard.
iPhone Madness
The HTC Hero definitely has appeal; it makes use of an exceptional and attention-grabbing design. Nonetheless, it still lacks the wow factor of the iPhone which honestly, we don’t think anyone can match in the near future.
OS-wise, the HTC Hero has given the Android a major makeover. They have come up with an excellently revamped OS that when combined with the exceptional Sense UI, makes for a viable contender for the iPhone’s unparalleled operating system.
However, when all things are considered (i.e. application and widget set, hardware, data connectivity, social networking integration, etc) the HTC Hero is definitely able to hold its own. Although it isn’t exactly a pioneer (although its work on the Android is quite revolutionary), it is categorically an excellent device in its own right.
There’s something that falls a little flat with the HTC Hero for us, which is a shame because it has a lot, a hell of a lot, going for it. It’s running Google’s Android OS, of course, meaning that its packed to bursting with all that Google goodness you know and love. It’s also doing so through HTC’s first genuine User Interface for Android, called HTC Sense, which is downright lovely as it goes. It’s got a 3.5mm jack socket (finally, HTC, you listened to us!). A decent camera. GPS. Etc. So on. And so forth. (Have a look at the product overview, or this HTC Hero review for a full specs download.)
But what then, we hear you bleat, is wrong with it? Well, just look at it. Right? Take a look at the video at the bottom of this post. Google some images of the thing. Zoom in. Then zoom out and blink a few times. Then reassure yourself that it’s okay, that you’re alright, it was just a bad dream. But then, it wasn’t. The HTC Hero really is that ugly. Maybe it’s just us, maybe there are plenty out there who want there phone to look like it’s just been punched in the jaw and disfigured. Or like it’s been left next to a roaring fire for a little bit too long and has gone all droopy. Not us though, unfortunately.
HTC claim that the weird bend at the bottom is to make talking on the thing more natural. Okay. But has any out there ever had trouble with straight phones? Do you find yourself straining your mouth to get it closer to the receiving mic to make yourself heard? No, us neither. And come on, are you supposed to expect us to put that thing in our pocket? Then travel around in public places with it there?! We’d get ourselves arrested for indecency in no time. Again.
So, sorry HTC, that bend/curve/lip/whateverthehellitis is not for us. But then who are we to talk.
There’s something that falls a little flat with the 