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It appears AT&T (formally Cingular) has finally delivered a long-rumored firmware update for its 8525 smartphone. Don't get your hopes up; it is not a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for the Pocket PC Phone, which is based on the original design manufacturer HTC's Hermes design.

HTC's page devoted to the upgrade doesn't say much about what improvements it'll deliver. It's safe to assume, however, that it sports some bug fixes and adds Nextel-style push-to-talk (PTT)—a feature the device has been ready for since the carrier introduced the device back in the fall. There's even a (currently) non-functioning button for this very functionality on the 8525.

And, as with a recently released firmware upgrade for the Samsung BlackJack, also carried by this operator, it should change the branding on the smartphone from Cingular to AT&T.

The upgrade process is supposed to last for about 25 minutes. As with all ROM updates, it is recommended that you close all programs on your PC prior to starting the update program and do not open any applications or files while the update is in process. And because all personal data stored on the device will be lost during the process, be sure to back it all up prior to starting.

The Windows Mobile 6 update for the 8525 isn't due until the third quarter, according to the rumors.