Last update shows exactly how it will work. It's simple and easy (though couldn't be done on Windows 7 which was a pain).

@htc The rumors are true! Hero will be getting an Eclair update. We ask for your patience as we update Sense for the fancy new Android OS

e.g. http://twitter.com/googleandroid

- Can you back this up with a source? I'd like to know for sure that HTC is planning to support forward compatibility on all their android-based products.

As for Sense UI being a major change to Android, that actually ISN'T the case. The entire Android architecture is about making everything it can an extended app including the home screen, dialer, keyboard etc. These aren't built into the core of the Android OS.

You can see this with the HTC Hero by killing the TouchFLO service in the Applications list and making it as no longer the default Home application. When you click the home button you'll have choice of TouchFLO or the original Android home screen.

I think the way people see SenseUI as a major overhaul of stock Android is a testament to the incredible customisation that Android offers without the need of hacking it to bits.

I just hope that Orange don't put too much of their own things and spoil the interface. It's due out in July (early) on the £40.00 contract for 24 months, but the phone is free and unlimited internet browsing is thrown in. Still too steep and too long for my liking so I might just wait a few months.

I imagine Orange, T-Mobile + which ever other networks that sell the Hero worldwide will push out OTA updates in their own sweet time, with a ROM available for download from HTC's website. Might be something worth bearing in mind if your a Google fanatic thinking of buying the Hero (like me!). It could mean a bit of a wait to upgrade the device if Google add anything really cool to the Android base platform.