Oct 26, 2010 14:24 GMT  ·  By

A new software update is available for HTC Hero owners on TELUS Canada's airwaves, none other than the Android 2.1 Éclair ROM Update they have been waiting for ever since early 2010. The new software update, Éclair ROM Update 3.36.661.1 was already made available for download from HTC's support website for all Hero devices on TELUS' network.

“This software update is intended for the HTC Hero for TELUS only and users should not load or attempt to load this version on any other device as it may cause serious issues/damage,” the mobile phone maker announced.

The new software update should deliver to HTC Hero handsets out there the Android Éclair 2.1 OS version, complemented by Google Navigation (Web-based Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance) and Voice activated dialing.

The installation should perform without altering the user files on HTC Hero, but the phone owners are still advised to perform a backup before proceeding with the update, so as to make sure that nothing important is lost in the process.

“Please note that during the update process, your user data will be retained, however, we still advise you to back up your information, including contacts and calendar appointments. You can use HTC Sync to back up your information,” the handset vendor notes on its website.

“This software will be installed over the air through your data connection on your phone. You may choose to update via Wi-Fi if a Wi-Fi hotspot is available. You will get a notification on your phone say that you have an update available,” the company continues.

The HTC Hero would check for updates every 7 days, the handset vendor announced, adding that, as soon as the Android 2.1 Éclair update is made available, users would be informed on the matter.

The following message should appear on Hero's screen if the solution is available: “A system update is available, would you like to download the following system software.”

HTC Hero owners without a data plan should not download the update unless a Wi-Fi connection is at hand. Data charges would apply otherwise.

However, users would also have to possibility to cancel the update, and the HTC Hero would check for its availability again in 7 days.

Additional info on the new software update for HTC Hero can be found on HTC's website here.