HTC introduced today its latest smartphone running on Google’s Android mobile operating system, the HTC Hero. The new device packs in some better hardware features from its predecessors and brings a revamped user interface (UI) to Android-loving fans.

The software on the HTC Hero is to take center stage in this announcement, as the device is the first Android smartphone to support multitouch (iPhone style) and — surprise! — Adobe Flash.

With the launch of the HTC Hero, Android is raising the stakes against the Palm Pre and the Apple iPhone. The Europeans will get their hands on the new device later this summer, while the U.S. is expected to get a “distinct” version of the HTC Hero later this year. [View slideshow]

Two new business-oriented smart phones are about to the hit store shelves: The latest in Nokia’s line of business phones, the E72, and the long-rumoured BlackBerry Tour 9630.

Both phones will be on the market later on this year, with the BlackBerry 9630 available this summer on Sprint and Verizon, while the Nokia E72 will be available in the third quarter. Here’s a head-to head comparison of these brand new business phones.

For a full rundown on the specifications of both phones, check out the chart I have put together. Read on for an outline of the main pros and cons of the BlackBerry Tour 9630 and the E72.