Download Sprint HTC Hero Android 2.1 Software Update

Official Android 2.1 update for HTC Hero on Sprint cellular network has been released. The long-awaited Android 2.1 update for HTC Hero had been postponed for several times from its rumored release dates, and is finally been released on May 19th, 2010.

Prior to official release, the Android 2.1 for Sprint HTC Hero upgrade firmware had also been found to be leaked on the Internet with the file name of RUU_Hero_C_Sprint_2.27.651.5_R_signed_release.exe.

Here’s the version information of software update for HTC Hero published by Sprint:

Software – 2.27.651.5
Firmware – 2.1 Eclair

The enhancements and fixes of the HTC Hero 2.1 software update includes:

• Upgraded operating system to Android 2.1 Eclair
• Enhancements to sense user interface (UI)
• Enhanced corporate email support
• Variety of minor bug fixes

Note that installing the Android OS 2.1 version 2.27.651.5 update onto HTC Hero will delete all the data and information on the phone. User will lose contacts that have not been synced to an email account, text messages that have not been forwarded, saved voicemail messages older than 5 days, voicemails older than 20 days that have not been listened to, and call history. The calendar and email settings will also revert back to factory defaults. microSD memory card stores and saves pictures, music, videos and files and should be removed before updating.

Prior to updating HTC Hero to Android 2.1, HTC Sync must be installed. Download HTC Sync version 2.0.33: htc_sync_2.0.33.exe

The RUU ROM Update Utility for Software Update for the HTC Hero with Google is available for free download on both HTC and Sprint website.

Download from Sprint: htc_sprint_hero_mr_2.27.651.5.zip
Download from HTC (ftp): HTC Sprint Hero MR 2.27.651.5.exe
Download from HTC (http): HTC Sprint Hero MR 2.27.651.5.exe

The update will available via OTW (over the wire) only, which means the update must be done via PC. OTA (over the air) update is not available, probably due to large file size.