Cingular 8525’s latest ROM is available for download from XDA-Developers.

The versions are:

ROM: 1.34.502.1 09/21/06
Radio: 1.16.00.00
Protocol: 32.53.7018.01H
OS Build: 14955.2.3.0
BootLoader: 1.06

I have downloaded and installed this version. It looks more stable, though it has been only 24 hrs since I did the upgrade, check XDA-developers.com web site for discussions on it.

There are few things you should note:

1. If your current Bootloader version is >=1.06, then first you’ll have to download your own provider’s ROM (HTC, O2, Vodafone, etc), downgrade to Bootloader 1.04 and then you can upgrade. (Bootloader 1.06 strictly checks the OEM CID info). See the wiki page for details.

2. It is possible just to upgrade the radio, the download is available again on XDA-Developers wiki. This does not require hard reset (full ROM upgrade does of course).

3. You’ll be missing the Band tab under Phone settings, as Cingular and HTC chose to lock it, so that the end users won’t mess with it (their reasoning was to ensure a user can make 911 calls). A registry hack is available.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

"ShowUMTSBandPage"=dword:00000001

You can edit the above registry key via Phm Regedit or Resco Explorer. Or download this file, remove the .txt extension and import it on your Hermes.

4. Similarly, the keyboard mapping is messed up. The fix is below:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

"Layout"=dword:00020409

You can edit the above registry key via Phm Regedit or Resco Explorer. Or download this file, remove the .txt extension and import it on your Hermes.

5. The extended rom can be made readable, but you cannot write on it.

If anyone has upgraded, let me know your