SlashGear Japan
It’s taken them a while to catch up, but HTC have finally added the new Hero firmware to their UK download page. The English 2.73.405.5 ROM brings with it a new lease of speed and general perkiness to the Android smartphone, together with adding touch-to-focus to the Hero’s 5-megapixel camera.
According to HTC, the update will take around ten minutes to install and wipe your Hero clean in the process. That includes any carrier changes that may be present, so if you bought your Hero from Orange, T-Mobile or another carrier and they made some tweaks to the ROM then this generic one will lose them. Frustratingly for Linux/Mac users, you’ll need a Windows PC to install the update.
38 Responses to “HTC Hero firmware upgrade goes live on UK site”
Hmm, Just tried downloading using the serial number from my T’mobile phone and all i get is “Sorry, this software download is not suitable for your device”
+3Chris Davies September 15, 2009
That’s interesting, maybe they’re blocking non-generic (i.e. carrier supplied) versions of the Hero? In which case, hopefully T-Mobile (and Orange) will be pushing out their own updates soon, else there will be a large number of very displeased people!
+2jordan31 September 15, 2009
I’ve had the same problem with Orange – I’m getting the same message. I emailed orange the other day to see how we would be receiving the update but I’ve yet to get a reply. What I dont understand is, why should it need to be tweaked for the carrier? – orange havent added any extra features, apart from bookmarks to orange support pages which I dont need anyway :l
+5beni September 15, 2009
the firmware update is now available on various national versions of the HTC site. The most universal version seems to be available by selecting “Europe” as country:
http://www.htc.com/europe/Supp.....ews_id=254
It works with my version of the phone (unlocked, unbranded European version, purchased in Switzerland).
NeutralHTC told me tmobile have the Rom and its in testing. Ie adding settings and bloatware to slow back down
Neutralbin2hex September 15, 2009
Im also being told that its not suitable for my device (Im on Orange)
Neutraljordan31 September 15, 2009
I’ve just heard from orange now and apparently they dont support htc updates and never have done. Any updates would apparently come through htc. Looks like us orange users are stuck then :l
NeutralI think HTC have been overloaded with downloads as I can only get download speeds of about 1kb/s…not 1mb/s, 1kb/s!
Neutralbeni September 15, 2009
try downloading from Asian (Taiwan) or US servers when asked. They are much faster (still slow, but not as overloaded)..
+1Evert September 15, 2009
Hmm, usually speed increases mean battery life decreases. Any benchmarks available on by how much this update slashes battery life?
+1Craglle September 15, 2009
ARGH!! The d/l site says “Sorry, this software download is not suitable for your device.”
I’m on Orange UK.
I spoke to Orange today:
NeutralOperator 1: “Installing this software will invalidate your Orange warranty.”
Colleague 2 (data dept.): “[Definately] install this software, it can’t invalidate the warranty as the software is from the manufacturer. The first thing I do is uninstall Orange [bloatware] software. Wiping it off shouldn’t be a problem, and I have done this with my Samsung Tocco.”
petersandbach September 15, 2009
I’m on orange (bought phone from the Carphone warehouse) and I’ve been able to download. I think I inadvertently acquired an unlocked version as there is no Orange badge on the phone and its charcoal rather than pink or brown… Any idea what content orange installed on the phones that I’m going to wipe?
Neutralbelfunk September 15, 2009
For all the unlucky Orange users, i think I’ve found a solution. Instead of using your actual serial number try amending the last three digits to something random. In my case this serial has worked HT97JL908756.
-1This might not be the best idea, but we all want to get our hands on this update and nothing should stand in our way :)
belfunk September 15, 2009
20 min later, I’ve found out that this will not work. The installation software will throw me out with the following error message:
ERROR [131]: CUSTOMER ID ERROR
One of these error messages will appear when you use the wrong RUU to do the update. The RUU will check if the Model ID and Language ID are compatible with the Android phone. Make sure you use the correct RUU to update.
WIll need to think of another way…
+1petersandbach September 15, 2009
So you wouldn’t even be able to “acquire” the update from another user?
Neutralbelfunk September 16, 2009
Doesn’t look like it.
NeutralCraglle September 16, 2009
This just in from HTC, based on email query to their website:
Dear valued HTC customer,
Thank you for contacting our Customer Support Center. We are dedicated to providing you with the best quality service and answering all of your questions and concerns.
You recently wrote us about an issue that you have encountered with your device.
To clarify your issue, you stated that you have not been able to download an update from our website.
If your device is network branded or locked your network has restricted your access to our downloads. If you wish to download an upgrade to your device you will need to contact your network. They may have customised updates available on their website.
Another possibility is that you have been trying to download a version which is not suitable for your region (as example an Eastern European ROM for a Western European device) which is not possible.
If the above steps do not resolve your issue, we invite you to visit the support area on our Web site. Please go to: http://www.htc.com/www/support.aspx
Or you can go to: http://www.htc.com/select_country.htm, select your country and then click on the Support tab.
You can also call our Call Center at: 08458900079if you have further questions.
Thank you once again for your continued patronage.
Best regards,
+2Europe customer support team
HTC Corp. Global Service Division
Craglle September 16, 2009
P.S. Looks like this is with Orange UK now then.
+2jaydot September 16, 2009
I contacted HTC after the orange rep on their support line told me to go download from the HTC site! got this reply from them “I am afraid that Orange have given you incorrect information. None of the updates on the HTC Website will work on an Orange branded handset, and they know this. I am afraid they have simply wasted your time by referring back to us for the update. They have indeed told us and other customers that they will be releasing the update themselves through their support pages for the owners of orange branded devices. They also confirmed this on twitter.” Will be interesting to see if this is true, Orange don’t seem to know their Ar#e from their elbow”!
+1jordan31 September 16, 2009
I’ve just heard the same. Orange really should get their act together – its not fair we should have to wait even longer for them to tweak it.
Plus this is only for a minor update – when donut is released we’ll have to wait for htc to update their sense ui and then even longer for orange to do their bit.
If anyone finds the link to the update when orange make it live let us know
Neutraljaydot September 16, 2009
If you look at this site:
http://help.orange.co.uk/orang...../index.jsp
You see that orange points you in the direction of the OEMs for software updates…..but no HTC??
Maybe this is where it will appear??
Neutraljordan31 September 16, 2009
I noticed that, I’ve kept checking back to it but no change as of yet. HTC gave me this link – its labelled as orange business but it has all the updates for other htc phones so maybe its here…
http://www.business.orange.co......5315302024
NeutralCraglle September 16, 2009
What Twitter account for Orange?
Neutraljaydot September 16, 2009
Don’t know twitter account
NeutralIt’s http://twitter.com/OrangeWorldWide
+1jimvti September 16, 2009
Damn branded phones, lets hope that Orange pulls their fingers out.
NeutralOk, hi guys, I’ve got a Orange phone as well, so I could’t download the update from the HTC page. As I was looking for the update guide or whatever I found a guy showing how to root the phone and he’s got a vid as well about how to update the phone to the 2.73.405.5 version(this newest version). Even though I thought I’m going to shit my self as I didn’t really know if it works for orange, it works. And It’s really, really freaking fast thing! You’ve got to do few things to set all up but I know you’re gonna love it.
Now, this is the guy where he explain everything and gives you all the links you need. All is working for me and you can even back everything up so, gl (btw. just a note: I read that the warranty is gone with rooting your phone or something but who cares if you have insurance, right…?) So, here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....annel_page
-1belfunk September 17, 2009
This is brilliant – everything’s worked on my Orange phone. Enjoying the speedy Hero, although not as quick as I was hoping :)
+1jordan31 September 17, 2009
Things are looking bad for us orange users. I’ve done a comparison of other htc phones sold by orange and came across something that suggests we’re going to have to wait a few months.
The HTC Touch HD had a rom upgrade released by htc 7th April 2009, the orange version of that update was released August 2009.
The way its going, android donut will be out before we get hold of this relatively minor update. Orange better get their act together – theres no way this phone is going to be an iphone killer if we have to wait weeks/months for an update.
Also, T3.com are claiming the tmobile version will be out in the coming weeks. Looks like a while for all carrier branded users then.
Neutraljaydot September 18, 2009
Well, here is my long awaited reply from Orange…..this is absolute CRAP…there is absolutely no information here regarding whether they are testing or not
Thank you for your email regarding your HTC Hero handset.
I am sorry to learn that you believe you have not been correctly informed regarding ROM firmware upgrade for your phone. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
I would like to that you are only able to process ROM updates for an Orange branded handset directly from the Orange website and not direct from HTC themselves, this is due to the Orange branding that you have on your phone that allows you to use this on our network.
Please find below a link to our website where you are able to check in the future if a ROM update via Orange has been released.
http://www2.orange.co.uk/servl.....mp;tabid=1
I have also supplied below the required steps that you will need to take in order to organise an update to your phone. Be advised to follow the on-screen instructions as it will give you necessary and required information regarding your phone.
“your phone’s features” > “download software updates” > “how do I download the latest software update” > “HTC Hero ROM update”
When a new ROM update is made available by a handset manufacturer they will pass a version of this to Orange so that we can run the required tests to confirm that this ROM update they have released will co-exist with the Orange branding that you are required to use on your phone.
It is possible that the new ROM update that is released may not co-exist with the Orange branding and thus we will not be able to release the ROM update for the HTC Hero, if they can not co-exist and we were to release this to your phone, this could affective be detrimental to your handset and Orange will not process for this reason.
If the ROM update version can not co-exist with the Orange branding then we will wait for HTC to release a new ROM update to which we will restart the testing process accordingly.
Be aware that it is not possible to advise of any estimated timescale for the testing of this ROM update by Orange, furthermore, we can not guarantee that a ROM update will be released at all regarding the HTC Hero as the ROM updates that could be released may never work alongside the Orange branding on the phone.
Because some of this information is speculative and based on situations regarding the testing of ROM updates that may or may not ever be released by HTC and the time it takes to complete the testing of the new ROM updates, please accept my sincere apologies that we can not be more specific regarding your query.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your phone then we will need to run a diagnostic check to ascertain the cause of the problem. As this is a question and answer process, we are not able to diagnose problems by email. Please contact the Helpdesk on 150 from any Orange contract phone or 07973100150 from a landline.
One of our specially trained Customer Service Representatives will be happy to help with any difficulty you may be having with your phone. If the phone is diagnosed as faulty they will be able to advise you of your options. We are open from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.
Please have your IMEI number to hand before you call. This can be located on the barcode within the battery cavity on the phone or by keying in *#06# from the Orange front screen.
If you experience any problems contacting our customer services, please can you email us with a phone number so we can contact you and arrange to transfer you to the relevant department to assist with your query.
I trust this information clarifies your query and sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Kind regards
Wendy
+1Orange Online Services
Tall Rick September 19, 2009
Hi everyone,
First of thanks for all of your comments, good and bad we do care and we needed to ask a few internal questions so that we could give you the right answer.
The G2 update was initially scheduled for release at the end of October / early November. However, as a result of your feedback on our forum this is no longer the case. Subsequently:
· The update is currently undergoing intensive testing as part of an accelerated activity
· We expect to release the update to you within the next 10 days
· We will give you an update on Weds afternoon as to how this is going and confirm the timelines
We can also confirm that the update will be available via a download and not as an OTA update. It will be available through the T-Mobile website and we’ll post the link to it in the forums as soon as it’s available.
Thanks again for all your feedback, please keep it coming and we’ll update again on Weds.
Cheers, T-Mobile Forum Team
Neutraljaydot September 19, 2009
Well done Tmobile……it’s your turn now orange….show us your true colours!! STEP UP TO IT
Neutraljordan31 September 20, 2009
Orange Update is live guys!!!
+2jordan31 September 20, 2009
On the HTC site btw
+1jaydot September 20, 2009
Orange upgrade on htc site yesterday!!!!!
+1jordan31 September 20, 2009
Is anyone noticing much difference with this update? I did when I had a quick flick through first before restoring my data but as soon as i’d done that it just seems the same as before. The touch is also being a bit sticky for me .
NeutralLet me know how yours are
jordan31 September 20, 2009
Also, does anyone else think mybackup is a bit rubbish?
NeutralIt restored my contacts and messages fine which is what counts but all my applications lost their data (lost save games etc) and it messed up my home screen layout
jaydot September 21, 2009
I find mine is responding quicker. I used sprite backup and seemed to get similar results as you.
Neutral