Sprint HTC Hero2*WishList*

[*JonnyB*]

Alright, as everyone knows by know, the HTC Hero(with Sense UI), is the best Android in the Market. I dont care that the Moto Droid is out with Android 2.0, because the Hero will be upgradable for 2.0 in the near future and will be upgradable to 1.6 in a couple weeks(spoke with a Sprint Agent and he said HTC confirmed this and also Sprint), but anyways, the Hero is pretty much the best out, and might be for a while, but what i was thinking is, even though the Hero is GREAT, imigine The Hero2! No one really is talking about this, maybe too soon, but lets make a little WishList of what we want on the Hero 2;
Amoled Screen.
Faster Processor(cross fingers for SnapDragon).
Dual LED Flash camera, maybe a 7.2 MP.
Larger screen, but not too big, 3.7 inch screen sounds good:]
Maybe a Physcal Qwerty keyboard, or larger, better on-sceen
keyboard.
And dont forget Android 2.1.

And If you want to add anything to our WishList just reply and post what you want, and if you want to comment The Hero2 hopefully future specs, you can do that too:]

 

[Nanan]

Flat non curving sides/face so things like the level app work better, recess buttons, camera bezel, track ball etc. Actually, kill the track ball totally, I have yet to use it, if it is required then fine leave it but recess the thing flush.

Louder speaker, even at full blast the Sprint Hero just isn't very loud, I would love to see 100db at a minimum for things like alarm clocks and ringers in industrial environments that I work in.

I will echo the camera flash, it would be nice.

The screen is fine as is but maybe slightly higher resolution such as 800x600 would look even slicker.

I like the touch only screen, maybe make a physical qwerty for those who like that as a separate version.

 

[illini]

Replace the trackball with a home button.
A dedicated sleep button on top. A little bigger screen.
Better camera, need better low light abilitiy.
Keep developing the SenseUI.
Better MP3 AQ needs to be iphone like.
Make the browser more efficient.
App storage on memory card.
1ghz CPU 1ghz RAM.
I should stop i act like i hate my phone but i dont i love it.

 

[andrewcgrimm]

I dont care that the Moto Droid is out with Android 2.0, because the Hero will be upgradable for 2.0 in the near future and will be upgradable to 1.6 in a couple weeks(spoke with a Sprint Agent and he said HTC confirmed this and also Sprint)

Where??? There has be no confirmed reports that the 1.6 is coming the the Sprint HTC Hero. Working for Sprint and calling HTC on an almost daily basis I have not heard or seen this anywhere.

 

[*JonnyB*]

Where??? There has be no confirmed reports that the 1.6 is coming the the Sprint HTC Hero. Working for Sprint and calling HTC on an almost daily basis I have not heard or seen this anywhere.

Yeah, when i bought my Hero(Saturday), the guy i spoke to, i asked him what the latest firmware update will be for the Hero, and at first i thought it was the 2.0 cuz thats what everyone is saying, but nope, it will be running in 1.6 if you download the update. He told me that both HTC confirmed this, AND Sprint, so idk maybe ask some people about it, but thats what he said and also kinda makes sense, Android wont just let 1.6 dissapear as fast as WinMo 6.5 news went!(rofl)
But yeah so maybe the middle of the month 1.6 will be available

 

[andrewcgrimm]

Any sources stating your claim? Dont get me wrong or thing Im not calling you out but serveral people just regurgitate an online post or word of mouth without anything backing it.

Im a rep that actually cares about what I tell my customer and dont just follow a script. So Im way more involved then anyone at my center with this phone.

I just littlery got off the phone with HTC and the rep stated "We have no information on upcoming releases and cannot support any other OS (1.6 or 2.0) that posted on our web site". "When an update is available it will be released and posted on our site."

 

[*JonnyB*]

Any sources stating your claim? Dont get me wrong or thing Im not calling you out but serveral people just regurgitate an online post or word of mouth without anything backing it.

Im a rep that actually cares about what I tell my customer and dont just follow a script. So Im way more involved then anyone at my center with this phone.

I just littlery got off the phone with HTC and the rep stated "We have no information on upcoming releases and cannot support any other OS (1.6 or 2.0) that posted on our web site". "When an update is available it will be released and posted on our site."

hmmm thats weird, idk maybe the guy i spoke with was BullSh**ing, but its all a matter of time, i personally think 1.6 is as far as it will go since the ROM and Processor is sooo low, im pretty sure the guy wasnt lying though, i should've recorded him!
lol
but yeah lets just wait and see:]

 

[pdragon]

The announcement from HTC was that they were going straight to 2.0. Sales reps will tell you what you want to hear to make a sale.

 

[natrixgli]

My List, though I don't think Hero 2 is necessary to implement these much needed (and in many cases, quite simple) fixes.

- A camera that can snap a picture before my subject is bored and has fallen asleep.

- Ability to hang up on a call that has come in while on another call without hanging up on both calls.

- A properly functioning headphone jack with stereo. (that's left AND right.)

- A calendar with bi-directional support for password protected CalDAV shares.

- A mail app as good as the Gmail app and as well integrated as the regular mail client. Adjustable text size would be nice.

- Since the Gtalk app is probably based on libpurple, how about a few more protocols please? Jabber? Facebook? IRC?

- Facebook stuff in the Contacts app should open in the Facebook app if installed, not the shoddy looking "m.facebook.com". Otherwise use "x.facebook.com"

- Please don't corrupt my album cover artwork. How about support for ID3v2.4?

- IMAP IDLE support.

- Please don't add "Trash/Sent/Drafts" to my IMAP account. Let me use the ones I already have by linking them please.

- A simple switch to mute the phone would be nice, unless it's as cheaply made as the one on the Palm Pre.

- Consistent predictive typing on all text input fields except email/username/password fields.

- Voice command that doesn't require looking at the phone and addressing several on-screen dialogues.

- Voice command that works via Bluetooth.

- A file manager application.

- Fix the SMS application so it doesn't molest my battery.

- Faster startup time, or not have to reboot so often.

- If I am near two known wireless access points, automatically switch to the one with a better signal if one drops to less than 1 'bar'.

- Proximity sensor to kill display whilst I'm on the phone.

- Browser should launch web pages zoomed out to fit screen for easier navigation.

- Browser should resize tables and divs as well as text.

- A (x) to clear out the URL bar in the browser.

- Do something about the awkward mount/unmount process when connected to a computer. Maybe this should be a popup instead of a notification.

- Aim to make things possible with fewer button presses.

- Properly pinpoint my location on Gmaps.

- Add "drive to in Sprint Navigation" feature in Gmaps

- Not have to close Sprint Navigation to enable GPS.

- Lower volume in music players while Sprint Nav is saying directions.

- Sprint Nav should announce the turn before I've passed the street even if I'm listening to music.

- Allow me to adjust the brightness even when auto back light is enabled, like a "Max Brightness" setting.

That's all I can think of right now. I tried to stick with practical "must have" type stuff. Obviously I wish I could press a button and release a personal army of ninja superheroes, but I doubt even the iPhone can do that.

-n8

 

[elguapo76]

For one fix all the known bugs.

1 Ghz or faster processor.

At least 32 GB of integrated high speed ROM. Keep micro sd slot for expansion.

Add physical keyboard while keeping size the same or similar.

AMOLED Screen. Keep screen same size but release a Hero HD(HD2) with larger screen to satisfy those who desire a larger screen.

Voicedial over bluetooth. Definitely voicedial that actually works!

Music App - Better audio quality. Show Artwork Bigger like Pandora/iphone does. Ability to toggle lyrics similar to iphone. Faster navigation between screen modes. Nicer widgets, some with visualizer. Better overall graphical interface.

Camera - 7 Megapixel with 3x zoom and flash. Make it a lot more responsive.

Video Recording - Ability to record 720p (or at least iphone quality video)

Video playback - Add chapter navigation like iphone has. Add more supported codecs. No video skipping up to 720p. Better overall graphical interface and intuitive controls like Act 1.

Change trackball to digital sensor like samsung moment.

Add proximity sensor.

Sense - Fullscreen widgets should fill the screen more but keep translucent UI.

Integrate app closing into application switching module (holding down home button) by sliding apps off the screen/module. Real time previews/switching like Windows 7 by sliding finger over currently open app icons.

Better Album / Video / Music Management.

Home and Car docks similar to the Droid. Sense UI docked and car Modes.

Oh yeah give us back that cool animated clock/weather widget!

Google: Make an Itunes like program to manage music/videos/pictures both on the device and the cloud. Similar to the way picasa functions. Better integration with social networks apps web services. Definitely a better facebook app! Integrate Gtasks, Gdocs. Improve app store significantly.

 

[fildrigar]

The announcement from HTC was that they were going straight to 2.0. Sales reps will tell you what you want to hear to make a sale.

I got it straight from HTC North America's official Twitter:
"The rumors are true! Hero will be getting an Eclair update. We ask for your patience as we update Sense for the fancy new Android OS."

 

[quentinfisher]

1.If Google refuses to allow apps to be downloaded to a sd card, then at least put a gig of system memory in the phone, come on HTC this should have been forseen by someone in your development department...

2. Higher quality screen, maybe AMOLED or OLED. The smudge coating seems noneffective in my case as the screen is more prone to smudging than any touchscreen phone I've experienced.

3. 800mhz processor at least, 1ghz if they can keep it in the under 200 price range.

4. Prettier HTC/Android apps. The phone is capable of this as it is, I really feel like HTC should have dressed up some of the stock Android apps(more appealing and user friendly music player mainly)

5. Better business integration. If you want people to see this has a viable smartphone, contact and email integration have to be solid HTC, its close right now but too many issues in this department as is.

6. Media syncing!!! Should be standard no excuses by this point in time, everyone can do it, should be with the first one.

7. Ship it with the latest Android available. As much as I like it right now, I really feel like Sprint and HTC should have held it back till at least 1.6 was ready for it, the phone feels a little old from the get go shipping with a dated version of Android.

8. BETTER APP STORE. All I want is for the phone to be able to alert me when new updates are available and a compatibility check of some sort, so I know the app will work with my phone. Too much to ask?

 

[*JonnyB*]

I got it straight from HTC North America's official Twitter:
"The rumors are true! Hero will be getting an Eclair update. We ask for your patience as we update Sense for the fancy new Android OS."

So they are skipping 1.6 then, thats weird:-|

 

[quentinfisher]

I'd say its for the best, I'd rather them go straight to the latest and greatest version of Android rather than go 1.6 then in a few months go to the 2.0.

 

[*JonnyB*]

yeah, but i would've thought that google would've used 1.6 on the Hero, and not practically throw it away just cuz 2.0 came out.

 

[cirehawk]

Well Google just provides the Android OS. It's up to the hardware manufacturers (in this case HTC) to decide which updates they provide on their hardware. Google has nothing to do with that.

 

[quentinfisher]

Seeing as it takes them significant time to adjust the Sense UI to each new update, I'm guessing with the Hero is such high demand and 2.0 ready for commercial use, makes sense from a business standpoint to move straight to 2.0 which has people more excited than 1.6 anyway.

 

[Negrito]

Dual LED Flash camera, maybe a 7.2 MP.

Im pretty sure that even having our 5MP cameras is over kill on a cell phone, and just so you know upping the megapixels does not mean better image quality. In fact due to the smaller size of the sensor for phone cameras the higher megapixels may even degrade the quality.

I would not mind a flash though. They make better flashlights than just turning the screen white...

 

[mustang5o]

I personally like the touch screen keyboard just fine. Maybe they should have a Hero and Hero Pro like they did with the Touch for those who want a physical keyboard. Many of the other suggestions would be good though like better screen, flash for camera, better track ball (recessed)...

Then again, much of this might be in the Dragon anyway.

 

[Negrito]

I personally like the touch screen keyboard just fine. Maybe they should have a Hero and Hero Pro like they did with the Touch for those who want a physical keyboard.[snip]

I despise hard keyboards, as to me they are useless, and just add unnecessary weight and girth to my device. However im sure thats why Sprint released the Moment as well. Android w/ a keyboard.

 

[*JonnyB*]

I personally like the touch screen keyboard just fine. Maybe they should have a Hero and Hero Pro like they did with the Touch for those who want a physical keyboard. Many of the other suggestions would be good though like better screen, flash for camera, better track ball (recessed)...

Then again, much of this might be in the Dragon anyway.

ahahah yeah the Dragon mgiht just be the Hero2, who knows
BREATHhh the Fire

 

[TF1984]

Prepare yourself.

@ natrixgli - You should buy a different phone. In all the devices I've used over the past 2 years (iPhone 1st gen, 2nd gen and 3gs, Pre, Tour, Curve, Touch, Pro2, Bold, Pearl, Q, Epic, Blackjack and a few more) and all the forums i've read, I HAVE NEVER seen anyone so disappointed in the "simple" issues you have with your Hero. Did you not use one before purchase? Did you not review the specs? Seems like you don't appreciate any function of the device, why'd you even buy one!!?? Really!?

@ elguapo76 - Same to you elguapo. I think every complaint in your post includes a comparison to the iPhone. Go back to your iPhone if you enjoy it so much.

@quentinfisher - I think you make good points, I would like a better screen but there's nothing wrong with the one I paid for. 800GHz or better, 32gig mem???? HELLO, does anyone research purchases before they buy?


I know it looks like I'm burning everybody, but frankly I'm fed up. I have 6 separate operating devices, all released within the past two months, various carriers, various OS, Blah blah blah. I am fed up with reading these posts filled with complete dissatisfaction about these devices. Listen, Sprint has units to play with. AND when you purchase one you have THIRTY DAYS to return it. What did you do, leave it in the box the first month?

Hey while we're at it, I say give us a 3000GHz processor, 160Gig Mem. I want a 40" AMOLED screen that folds up, WITH THE PUSH OF A NON-EXISTENT YET AVAILABLE button to a device I can fit in a keyhole. And don't forget, I want an appstore that mocks Apple AppStore, has a billion more apps, ALL FREE and they all have to be idiot proof. Better yet, before pushing a device out with this "old software" let's just wait until my physical phone can actually just be a hologram. Oh, and I only expect to be charged $50 for it... and after I buy it, be sure to listen to my endless complaining about how you screwed it up, maybe you should hire me to make final decisions on product line development, you'd be a much more profitable company with a higher market share! We could rule the world.

WTF?? Get a grip.

 

[Ceger]

I want the ability to place widgets more freely like in SPB Mobile Shell 3.5 on WinMo. I could overlap widgets and make better looking displays that suit my needs as opposed to this boxed area approach Sense and Android use.

I also want the HTC mail software to allow the specification of which email folders I want to sync, as opposed to all. ActiveSync and Messaging on WinMo had this down to a science.

Ceger

 

[jamiedolan]

I know it looks like I'm burning everybody, but frankly I'm fed up. I have 6 separate operating devices, all released within the past two months, various carriers, various OS, Blah blah blah. I am fed up with reading these posts filled with complete dissatisfaction about these devices. Listen, Sprint has units to play with. AND when you purchase one you have THIRTY DAYS to return it. What did you do, leave it in the box the first month?

I do see some of the product suggestions being made as being valid. There are a couple bugs that need to be worked out. I spent maybe a hour researching the phone and a half hour in the store testing it out.

I got basically exactly what I expected. My battery drained a bit faster than I expected, but I think I figured that out now.

I am overall quite happy with my purchase and would recommend this to anyone else that is looking at a phone in this class.

When I came on here tonight, I was really surprised to see how many people were not just making a feature suggestion or two, but were just bashing the phone. I understand some people may have a defective phone, but it seemed a bit crazy with some of the complaints I read, not just in this thread, but overall.

I do have to agree that the camera could be better, (it is convenient if I need to document something in a hurry) I don't care much about a high MP camera, but it would be nice if this one was a bit better at taking lower light photos, even at the expense of MP. 1 or 2 MP is fine if it could take a clear photo with normal inside home lighting.

Once in a while some things have lagged a bit, but not so much that I would even complain about it.

J

 

[TF1984]

I do see some of the product suggestions being made as being valid. There are a couple bugs that need to be worked out. I spent maybe a hour researching the phone and a half hour in the store testing it out.

I got basically exactly what I expected. My battery drained a bit faster than I expected, but I think I figured that out now.

I am overall quite happy with my purchase and would recommend this to anyone else that is looking at a phone in this class.

When I came on here tonight, I was really surprised to see how many people were not just making a feature suggestion or two, but were just bashing the phone. I understand some people may have a defective phone, but it seemed a bit crazy with some of the complaints I read, not just in this thread, but overall.

I do have to agree that the camera could be better, (it is convenient if I need to document something in a hurry) I don't care much about a high MP camera, but it would be nice if this one was a bit better at taking lower light photos, even at the expense of MP. 1 or 2 MP is fine if it could take a clear photo with normal inside home lighting.

Once in a while some things have lagged a bit, but not so much that I would even complain about it.

J

J, Nice to see someone who understands what I'm trying to put across. I don't know if you've ever read other forums but this is essentially a general practice. But this wishlist thread, wowo. You'd think these guys girlfriends were murdered by evil little HTC Heros that came to life in the middle of the night.