Our chinned Hero brethren from Europe, it looks like your time has finally come - minutes ago, HTC posted a new update which finally brings the long-awaited Android 2.1 to your Heroes, following a small update earlier this week which was released in preparation for the big one

Update 1: it's another 1.5 update, though at 102MB and requiring a wipe. We jumped the gun a bit - apologies for giving you false hope. Why HTC would post another 1.5 update this large and requiring a wipe, if 2.1 is expected soon, which would require yet another wipe, is beyond me right now.

Update 2: the update seems to be a full 1.5 ROM which leaves you with a cleanly wiped 1.5 OS, without the recently released 4MB OTA. What the hell, HTC?

Warning: Remember, this update will wipe your phone clean, so back up your data first.

So far the download seems to be available for Nordic countries but I am sure other European countries are going to follow right up.

Download The Update

The update comes in a Windows .exe file format and is not OTA at the moment. It is unknown whether an OTA update will be released at all.

Here are the download links we found so far:

An updated ROM is now available for HTC Hero customers to download. As always, HTC is committed to providing customers with the best possible mobile experience.

ROM version 2.73.405.6_R

1. Hardware Requirements (PC)

1 GHz or higher processor clock speed recommended

512 MB of RAM or higher recommended

Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

150 MB of available free hard disk space

USB 2.0 is required

2. Software Requirements - Supported Operating Systems (PC)

Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2

Windows XP Professional Edition Service Pack 2

Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise Edition

Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic Edition

3. Installation Instructions

Before you proceed the ROM Update Utility (RUU), please confirm the following items:

(1) This software upgrade is a newer version than what is currently installed on your phone. If it is the same version and your phone is operating normally, there is no need to reinstall the software.

To check what version is installed on your phone, press Home > Menu > Settings > About phone > Build number, and note the Build number.

(2) HTC Sync has been installed on your PC. HTC Sync can be found on the MicroSD card that was shipped with your phone. You can also download and install HTC Sync at www.htc.com/www/support/

(3) Your phone is connected to your PC using a USB cable. The PC must recognize your phone.You will see a sync icon in the taskbar once the phone has been connected.

(4) Standby and hibernation mode on your PC has been disabled.

(5) Close all running applications on the PC.

(6) The Screen unlock pattern has been disabled, press Home > Menu > Settings > Security and uncheck Require pattern

(7) Make sure that the battery level of the phone is at least 30% (at least 3 green blocks). To check the battery level, tap Home > Menu > Settings > About phone > Status > Battery level.

(8) Once the RUU is downloaded, launch the application on your PC and follow the instructions on screen.

Warning!

* Please note that this upgrade will erase any data stored on the phone. We recommend that you back up all your data before performing this upgrade.

* This is a generic software update. Any additional software or settings provided by your mobile operator or company will be lost. If you require this customization, please contact your supplier first before upgrading.

* The update will take up to 10 minutes, DO NOT interrupt the update process, make/receive phone calls, disconnect the phone from the PC, or press any buttons until the process has been completed.

* Click View Readme when executing the ROM Upgrade Utility (RUU) to view detailed upgrade procedure, error message information or Q&A.

Thanks, mclemmnsn