It seems extremely likely that the Hero will be getting the 2.1 update. The only thing disconcerting about the news of this new device is that they are claiming it will be the first Android 2.1 device. That bothers me because I can't imagine this phone is quite ready for prime time, and if it's to be the first 2.1 phone, that means our Heros will need to wait until after its release.
If this does turn out to be the case, I will very likely be flashing my Hero to one of the unofficial 2.1 ROMs, assuming MoDaCo doesnt have a 2.1 flavored version out.