HTC Hero gets new functionality

Ben Woods

An update to the HTC Hero's firmware is said to significantly reduce lag on the Android-based handset

Published on Sep 17, 2009

A new ROM update for the HTC Hero is available to download now, bringing with it new functionality and significantly increased performance.

The update is numbered 2.73.405.5 and is available to download now for free from HTC's UK download page.

We suggest that you make a full back-up of your Hero before upgrading to the new firmware (or ROM as HTC is calling it) as installation wipes all your existing data during the process.

On the positive side, if you do decide to take the plunge then touchfocus functionality is awaiting your camera's new repertoire.

Early user reports also suggest that the new ROM significantly improves performance of the Hero as a whole, as well as app loading times.

One thing that is sure to ruffle a few feathers amongst the Android community is the necessity of a Windows based PC to perform the upgrade; there's currently no compatibility for Mac or Linux users – a situation that's particularly disappointing considering the open-source operating system on the handset itself.