Telus gets Samsung Fascinate, updates Hero to Android 2.1
updated 06:20 pm EDT, Mon October 25, 2010
Samsung Fascinate due at Telus, Hero updated
Canadian wireless provider Telus announced it has added the Samsung Fascinate smartphone to its lineup and released Android 2.1 software update to the already available HTC Hero. The former sports a 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen, a 1GHz CPU and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot sharing feature for up to five devices. Its version should run on GSM and HSPA, however, where Verizon needs CDMA and EVDO.
Samsung's own customizations are intact and include Social Hub, letting users access social network services such as Facebook and Twitter, messaging services and contacts. Texting and text input in general on the virtual QWERTY keyboard is made easier thanks to Swype. Telus is likely to allow Google widgets instead of forcing the use of Bing.
Pricing and ship dates for the Fascinate haven't been announced.
As for the Hero's firmware update, it should bring the same improvements as the US-based Heros, including a voice recognition feature, an improved HTC Sense interface and full access to Android Market. Several fixes are also included, as is better integration with Exchange e-mail.
