Cellular South is pushing out an update of the
Android 2.1 for the HTC Hero
advanced touchscreen smartphone. Features of the update include voiced Google Navigation, pinch-to-zoom in maps/photo gallery, Leap, multiple Gmail logins, Yahoo! mail and voice commands.
Customers are receiving e-mails and other communication from
Cellular
South with download instructions for the new HTC Hero Android 2.1 software
update. Printed and video step-by-step instructions on how to
perform the
download and a link to the software update are available on the
company's website. Be sure to backup your data (contacts) and have at least 30% of battery charge before the upgrade.
Among the enhancements featured in the 2.1 Android software
update:
-
Google™ Maps with Navigation, a free, voice-aided, turn-by-turn
navigation application -
Download books directly to your device and save your place with
new
Kindle for Android application. - Pinch to zoom gesture support for the Gallery and Google™ Maps.
- Leap thumbnail views with pinch gesture support.
-
New enhanced graphical Android Market with access to over 66,000
applications.
- Simultaneous log on to multiple Google e-mail accounts.
-
Intelligent desk clock screen dimmer and current time display
while
charging device. - Location-based, full screen, real-time weather animation
- Integrated Yahoo! Mail™ account support.
- Improved YouTube™ video playback.
- Bluetooth contact transfer support.
- Improved battery life with power meter and savings features.
- Improved search across entire phone contents in one place.
- Voice dialing and voice commands.
- Dozens of new preloaded Android and HTC widgets.
- Active call screen with speakerphone and mute buttons on screen.
-
Digital camera enhancements, including ability to touch area for
auto
white balance and auto focus. -
Dictionary management so users can add, delete and edit custom
words
used for messages and typing. - Enhanced secure connectivity options for Wi-Fi and VPN.
- Updated graphical icons throughout the phone.
Cellular South was one of the first U.S. carriers to introduce an
Andriod™-powered smartphone with the launch of the HTC Hero last
November. The device already has become the company's most popular
smartphone. "We're excited about this new software update for HTC
Hero
owners," said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular
South.
"The update is loaded with a wide array of enhancements, updates
and
improvements to features and applications that make it an even
more
powerful and versatile advanced touchscreen smartphone device."
With the enhancements and new features in the Android 2.1 software
update, Hankins said customers can expect improved performance
from
their HTC Hero. "This is the most comprehensive software update
for
Android smartphones yet and we fully expect users to quickly
embrace all
of the new features and functionality offered through this
upgrade," he
said.