HTC Hero to get social networking, new UI?
updated 10:50 am EDT, Mon May 18, 2009
HTC Hero UI Leak
The HTC Hero may not only be T-Mobile's third major Android phone but the first to include a major revision of Google's smartphone interface, an unofficial test shows. Using a T-Mobile G1 as a testbed, the interface has a significantly improved interface with more polish as well as some noticeable redesigns, including a browser with sleeker controls as well as new calendar and music player apps. A new centerpiece appears to be built-in social networking with hooks for Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and likely other services as well.
It's unclear whether the software is evidence of a new build of Android for all devices or only for HTC. Google is known to be working on Android 2.0, nicknamed "Donut," but the user interface shown in the video has evidence of a TouchFLO-like bottom bar for switching between different common media tasks, hinting that this is likely a specific modification made by HTC for at least one phone.
The Hero could show as early as the summer and may reach the US as the T-Mobile G3. [via Phonedog]
