Verizon has started rolling out an updated ROM for the DORID Eris by HTC. Don't get too excited, as this ROM update is only a minor bug fix and does not add any additional functionality to the handset. The ROM update addressed the issue: Rare instances where the display locked or appeared to be in an out-of-service states when attempting to wake up the DROID ERIS from screen saver mode no longer occurs. It's not the most exciting bug fix in the world, but at least Verizon and HTC want to make sure your Android phone work properly while you patiently await your Android 2.1 update. Check out the Verizon DROID Eris support page (http://verizonwireless.com/droiderissupport) if you need help downloading and installing the update.

A few weeks back, we shared a list of code names (http://htcsource.com/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=843 Itemid=50 PHPSESSID=2bfd5d7d2670f7aa030801cb8259785a) hidden deep within the HTC Hero Android 2.1 leak. Nestled between names like the Liberty, Supersonic, and Paradise was a plain mention of Espresso. If you were thinking that Espresso would be just another plain old cup of what we've already seen before, think again. We still don't have any clues on the handset itself, but we do have leaked images from a supposed ROM dump of the new handset. It looks like HTC is planning a little facelift to HTC Sense. From what we can tell, HTC is simply refining a few details throughout the UI to give it a little more style. They are adding transparent bubbles around the app icons in the app drawer and the home screen and have replaced the curved bottom bar with a sleek, semi-transparent one. It's unclear when we might actually see the HTC Espresso, but to our recollection, there was no mention of the handset in HTC's leaked roadmap (http://htcsource.com/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=847 Itemid=58) for the first six months of 2010. Source: AndroidGuys (http://www.androidguys.com/2009/12/20/first-glimpes-of-espresso-sense-ui/)

If you were hoping to get Android 2.0 on your Sprint HTC Hero, we've got some bad news for you. Sprint has chosen not to roll out 2.0 for the Hero. Instead, they thought you might be a little more interested in Android 2.1 instead. This decision isn't really shocking since we have already seen the leaked HTC Hero ROM with Android 2.1 hit the web. Sprint made the announcement through their Twitter account today: Slight clarification on Android OS updates for the HTC Hero Samsung Moment. Will be updating straight to Android 2.1, not 2.0, in 1H2010. I'm a bit disappointed that Sprint is still sticking to the 1H 2010 launch time frame, but it's better than nothing I guess. Source: Twitter (http://twitter.com/sprint/statuses/6776198327)

If you were thinking that you needed a few more widgets for your HTC Hero, DROID Eris, or HTC Tattoo, you were right. HTC has just released four new Android widgets to the Android Market that will compliment their other Sense widgets quite nicely. The list of new Widgets include: Tip Calculator, Dice, Today in History, and Battery. They aren’t anything revolutionary, but they will fit in quite nicely with HTC's 15 or so other widgets you already have. Unfortunately if you were thinking you would head on over to the Android market and install these widgets on your G1 of myTouch 3G, think again. HTC is blocking their new widgets from all Android phone that do not run HTC Sense. It could be that HTC is simply using the widgets to show the extra value that HTC and Sense have to offer. However, last time I checked, the home app on stock Android does not support animation or live scrolling for widgets. Check out the images of the new HTC widgets after the jump or head on over to the Android market if you're running and HTC Android phone with Sense. Note: we're looking in to seeing if rooted phones running a Hero build can download the widgets as well. We'll keep you posted.

The title simply says is all. HTC is working on an Android 2.x Eclair update for the Sprint HTC Hero. The ROM update is expected to launch in early 2010. year, it's a big vague, but that's all the information that was released by HTC. The note came from HTC's official Twitter account (http://twitter.com/htc), which reads: Did you know your Sprint Hero will be getting Eclair early next year? Well... now you do! Happy Friday ladies and gents :) Just last week, Verizon announced that their version of the HTC Hero (HTC DROID Eris) would be getting a 2.x update in early Q1of 2010. I'd imagine that the rollout of the two ROM updates will be around the same time. We'll be sure to keep you updated with any new information as it comes in.

By now I'm sure that you've already done all your Christmas shopping. But what about something special for you? Teltonic, an online authorized retailer of Sprint products is hoping that you'll be the lucky winner of a brand new HTC Sprint Hero. All you have to do is follow them on Twitter @Teltonic (http://twitter.com/Teltonic ) and retweet some details about the competition. On December 24th, Teltonic will be announcing one lucky winner who will walk away with a new CDMA HTC Hero. Other prizes include an MB6800 Wireless Router (2nd place) and a Blue Trek Bluetooth Headset (3rd place). Check out the details on the Teltonic's Twitter drawing after the jump.

If you're a proud owner of the new HTC DROID Eris on Verizon's network, you might be interested in knowing that they are currently rolling out an update to the handset. Don't get your hopes up though since this is only a minor update to fix a few bugs, not Android 2.x. The update is named ROM:1.16.605.1/Radio:2.32.40.11.09 and will be rolled out to the DROID Eris over the next seven days. The most important fix in the new ROM is a fix which requires a double press of the end key to end a call when the screen is turned off. Apparently, a lot of people have been accidentally hanging up on their mom when they simply wanted to turn their screen back on. The ROM update includes the following changes: While on a call and the device is in screensaver mode, pressing the End key now takes the device out of screensaver mode, and a second press will end the call. On-call mute and speakerphone icon functionality is enhanced. Upgraded functionality after activation eliminates the delay users were experiencing in receiving their first call. Device now switches effectively from 1x mode to 3G. Device no longer requires users to reselect a default email after power-cycling. SMS and MMS messaging delivery is improved. Eighty-character MMS/SMS message subject lines are now allowed. Improved picture messaging functionality allows messages from LG phones to be opened. Check out full details (http://learning.verizonwireless.com/learning/Droid_Eris_Sofware_Update.pdf) on the Eris ROM update and how to install it (http://support.vzw.com/how_to_use/droid_eris_upgrade.html).

Last Thursday, HTC rolled out a few new YOU commercials to their YouTube page, but I noted that there were a few commercials that were surprisingly missing. Last week’s batch of clips highlighted the HD2, Touch2, and Tattoo. After doing some digging, I was able to find the TV ads on HTC's new site, but since they give any embed options from the clips I had to do a little work of my own to get them on our YouTube channel. After the jump you'll find five new clips (two for the Sprint Hero, two for the Verizon Imagio, and one for the At t Tilt2). Hope you enjoy!

We've known about HTC's plans to bring Android 2.0 to the Hero for quite a while already. But Verizon DROID Eris owners have been wondering if their handsets would be getting an update as well. Last weekend a leaked Android 2.1 ROM for the Hero made it's way on to the web, indicating that the official 2.1 ROM for the Hero could be right around the corner. Today, Verizon announced that the DROID Eris would be getting an Android update in the first quarter of 2010. The Droid Eris currently using Android 1.5, can and will be upgraded to newer a Android operating system software in first quarter 2010. The enhancement will allow customers to continue to enjoy the powerful HTC Sense experience while also gaining the additional benefits of Google Maps Navigation. - Verizon spokesperson Brenda Raney Brenda Raney later clarified that the Android update would be at least to 2.0 but could be 2.1. HTC Eris owners can new rest assured that their Android 1.5 handsets will be getting an update in the near future. Q1 2010 is only a little over three weeks away. If you're a Sprint HTC Hero owner, we still don't have any updates for you. HTC has indicated that it is up to the carriers to request firmware updates on all handsets. My suggestion would be to pressure Sprint into speeding things up so that your Sprint Hero isn't the only Hero variant left on Android 1.5. Source: InformationWeek (http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/12/htc_droid_eris_1.html;jsessionid=FAQ5QBH0RM4ZZQE1GHRSKHWATMY32JVN)

If you've been holding out on getting a new Android phone from HTC, we congratulate you on your patience. Good things come to those who wait. If you thought that the leaked Android 2.1 ROM for the Hero was a great gift, then you'll be happy to know that it's a gift that just keeps on giving! Apparently HTC thought that their new Android 2.1 ROM was a good place to stash a list of handset code names. Bahamas, Bravo, DesireC, Dragon, Dream, Espresso, Halo, HeroCT, HeroC, Hero, Huangshan, Incredible, Legend, Liberty, Memphis, Paradise, PassionC, Passion, Sapphire, Supersonic. The list is interlaced this current and upcoming Android phone liek the Hero, Dream, Sapphire, and Dragon. But then there are those references to Espresso, Supersonic, Paradise, and Liberty. As much as i would love to get my hands on a Dragon, I'd rather have a phone called the HTC Supersonic. If that name doesn't inspire pure speed, I don't know what does. As of now, all we have is a list. Lets hope that HTC plans on leaking their full lineup for 2010 like they did for 2009. Source: AndroidRelease (http://androidrelease.com/2009/12/03/htc-handset-code-names-uncovered-in-android-2-1-rom/)

Over the weekend we got our first glimpses of the new Android 2.1 build for the HTC Hero. Not much was known about the build at the time, but apparently the guys at xda-developers were able to get their hands on the build and have released it for the HTC Hero. The initial release had some issues with Google Sync (not able to pull in contacts or access Gmail) but things look to be working just fine now. Like many of the other Hero ROMs, the new Hero 2.1 is already being ported to the HTC Dream as well. The Dream port is a little further behind. Many of the Sense widgets are still missing and Google Sync is not working yet. We've got video of the Hero 2.1 port working on the HTC Dream after the jump. Hero 2.1 build for HTC Hero (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=592596) Hero 2.1 build for HTC Dream (http://Over the weekend we got our first glimpses of the new Android 2.1 build for the HTC Hero. Not much was known about the build at the time, but apparently the guys at xda-developers were able to get their hands on the build and have released it for the HTC Hero. The innitial release had some issues with Google Sync (not able to pull in contacts or access Gmail) but things look to be working just fine now. Like many of the other Hero ROMs, the new Hero 2.1 is already being ported to the HTC Dream as well. The Dream port is a little further behind. Many of the Sense widgets are still missing and Gogole Sync is not working yet. )

If you're in the market for a new Android powered candy bar styled phone, you've most likely been keeping your eye on the HTC DROID Eris and the Samsung Behold 2. To us, it's obvious who the winner is, but CNET has come to the same conclusion. CNET has stacked up all the features of the two handsets and after five different rounds; the DROID Eris is the clear winner. In our opinion, CNET did a great job of showing off the features of both handsets, but we think the Eris should have won by the larger margin. HTC DROID Eris Samsung Behold 2 Sexiness: 4.7 Navigation: 4 Features: 4 Web Browsing/Multimedia: 3.7 Call Quality: 4.7 TOTAL: 4.2/5 Sexiness: 3.7 Navigation: 3 Features: 4.3 Web Browsing/Multimedia: 4 Call Quality: 4TOTAL: 3.8/5 Check out the matchup after the break.

If you really had your heart set on an Android 2.0 update for you're HTC Hero, I'm hoping you're not going to be disappointed to learn that HTC has skipped 2.0 and jumped to 2.1 instead. Some new screen shots have been leaked showing a revamped HTC Sense UI which have been updated to run on Android 2.1. From the looks of it, Sense has not changed much, but I'm sure most of you were looking for all the new android 2.0 goodies since Sense seemed to work just fine on android 1.5. Check out a handful of screenshots after the jump.

A lot of people were disappointed when T-Mobile announced that they didn’t have any plans to release the HTC Hero in the U.S. market. Granted, they were asked the question during the launch of the myTouch 3G and to be fair, their response was more like “we CURRENTLY have no plans.” Since then, the HTC Hero has shown up on Sprint, Verizon (DROID Eris), and even Telus up in Canada. But it appears as if T-mobile USA may be keeping a secret. Back in early August, HTC accidentally launched the HTC Hero (T-Mobile USA) support page (http://htcsource.com/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=636 Itemid=50) on their site. That’s not a huge deal, but they also did the same for the Sprint HTC Hero which is now on sale. Now, TmoNews (http://www.tmonews.com/2009/11/t-mobile-job-opening-leads-to-speculation/) has just uncovered a new job listing from T-Mobile which might hold a few new clues about the Hero coming to the U.S. market. The job title says it all: “Senior Product Manager, Hero Handsets.” Ok so that could simply indicate that T-Mobile is working on a new line of handsets, but I don’t think that it’s any coincidence that the job location is in Bellvue, WA. That’s right, the same Bellvue, WA where HTC’s North American headquarters is located. If that doesn’t convince you that HTC and T-Mobile are working together to release a GSM Hero, I don’t know what will. Check out the full job posting after the jump. Source: TmoNews (http://www.tmonews.com/2009/11/t-mobile-job-opening-leads-to-speculation/)

The HTC made Verizon DROID Eris is undoubtedly the best band for your buck when it comes to Android phones. Verizon is selling it for only $99.99, making it the cheapest Android phone in the U.S. market. But that has not stopped companies like Wifefly and LetsTalk from heating things up for the busiest shopping week of the year. Wirefly (http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=21427_b41e92359acf407c848d9dcd720c64e2) has had the DROID Eris flirting with the $50 price point for a few days already, but now LetsTalk (http://www.letstalk.com/cell-phones/shop.htm?serviceCorpId=660 ?serviceCorpId=660) is playing hardball by slashing the price of the HTC DROID Eris to ZERO. Don’t worry, you read that right. If you’re in the market for a new Android phone and want the best deal available, the DROID Eris should be right up your alley. Unfortunately, if you’re already with Verizon, you will not be able to take advantage of the deal since it is only available to new customer or a brand new line.

Three days ago, we reported that Sprint was working on a small firmware update for the HTC Hero that would fix a few bugs in the Android OS. Last night Sprint's update showed up! According to a few different reports, the OTA update for the Hero is just under 4 MB and takes about a minute to download. For those who have not seen the update pop up yet in their notification bar, you can manually download it. From your Home screen, press Menu > Settings > About Phone > System Updates > Firmware Update. You'll then see a message that reads: “A firmware update for your HERO200 is available. Would you like to download?” After the file has downloaded from Sprint's servers you'll receive a second message: “The firmware update for your HERO200 is now ready to be installed. Your device will be updated to version 1.56.651.2. You cannot make or receive calls during the installation, even for emergencies. Do you want to install?” In all, the download and install process should take less than 10 minutes. the biggest issue that the firmware update fixes is the battery drain problem with HTC's SMS app. After the update, you should be able to use the stock app to send and receive messages without worrying about your phone dying a few hours later. Let me know how the download and install process goes. Source: Androinica (http://androinica.com/2009/11/19/sprint-is-rolling-out-the-first-over-the-air-htc-hero-update/)

The past few weeks have been great for Android. Every time you turn on the TV, you're bombarded with Android commercials. HTC has been featuring the Sprint HTC Hero for a few weeks with their new YOU marketing campaign, but now Sprint is stepping up as well. It's not a dedicated HTC Hero ad spot, but It's better than nothing. Sprint doesn't talk much about the handset or Android though they do mention that the Hero can be customized and has access to thousands of apps. Check out the 30 second ad after the jump.

Owners of the Sprint HTC Hero have had to come up with workarounds to a few glitches in the Android build over the past month or so. The biggest issue they have been plagued with is a hiccup in the HTC Sense SMS app that does not allow the Hero to sleep and continually drains the batter. since Android is an open platform and even code apps can be swapped out, Sprint Hero owners simply had to download a new SMS app from the market and ditch the old one. Soon, the workaround will no longer be needed since the glitch will be fixed in an upcoming maintenance update for the Hero. A maintenance release is being developed for the Hero to address key items such as SMS and DST issues. The target launch is in the next few weeks, but I do not have the exact date or a list of everything that will be included yet. I will post updates as they are made available to me. There's also a rumor flying around the internet, claiming that the Sprint HTC Hero will also be getting a price cut to match the new HTC DROID Eris price from Verizon Wireless. The Sprint Hero's price would be slashed to $99, but it looks like the cut may be limited to Best Buy stores only. That's ok with us since Best Buy already takes care of all rebate hassles for you. Does a price cut (and a maintenance update) make the Sprint Hero a more attractive offer than the new DROID Eris? Source: AndroidGuys (http://www.androidguys.com/2009/11/15/sprint-working-on-maintenance-release-for-hero/) Androinica (http://androinica.com/2009/11/16/rumor-sprint-htc-hero-dropping-to-99-at-best-buy/) via AndroidRelease (http://androidrelease.com/2009/11/16/sprint-maintenance-update-to-fix-software-glitches/)

If you've been waiting for root access for the Sprint HTC Hero, you can now breathe a sigh of relief. Xda-develoeprs has come through once again. Just like the Dream, Magic and GSM Hero, the CDMA Hero now can be hacked away at. Developers can now start to create cool hacks and custom ROMs for the CDMA Hero so it might be a while until root access on the CDMA Hero might be worth your time. Don't forget, rooting your phone will most likely void your warranty and then there's always that chance that your precious little toy might die from unknown causes. Don't come crying to us if things turn ugly. Source: Android Release (http://androidrelease.com/2009/11/09/sprints-cdma-htc-hero-gets-rooted/)

It’s no secret that Verizon has been picking on At t and the iPhone lately. First they featured the iDon’t commercials which pointed out everything that the iphone couldn’t do and then they started with the “there’s a map for that” which compared the Verizon 3Gcoverage map to that of At t. With the holiday season ramping up, Verizon is putting out three new commercials that feature the iPhone and At t’s poor 3G coverage. Fortunately for HTC, Verizon has chosen to feature the Imagio and the new DROID Eris while banishing the iPhone to the island of misfit toys. If At t was mad about the commercials a few weeks ago, I’m sure they are not going to like these new ones. Check out the commercial after the break.