Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which tone jumps become noticeable in some images, depending on the shooting scene, when shooting with the Auto Lighting Optimizer settings (Low / Standard / Strong).

Firmware version 1.0.9 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.8. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.9, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Link: EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

Yep! 

So has anyone experienced any drastic changes? I just updated the firmware, but I'm not sure why lol.

I worked for Apple Inc. for almost 15 years, it was not uncommon that there were fixes and patches and any number of other things that would be rolled into updates that were not fully disclosed.  There would always be a list on what the update included that was a public list, then there were always one or two things that were fixed as well.  Sometimes there were issues they did not want to cop to publicly but might get fixed "silently" now and then.  Engineers always reserve the right to do anything under "corporate confidentiality" that they deem necessary or are instructed to.

In this case I don't suspect much in that regard.  I was however having an issue where my overheating icon would come on way to early. 40 min. or so where as others its well over an hour.   IM going to test this now in case that was... well reset.
 

CM

Does the firmware compatible to EOS Kiss X4?

too bad it doesn't allow you to take longer video in hd. this 12 minutes crud is just crud, lol. any hopes if this being unlimited in the future? (I know why it is set at such limit because of the EU stuff, just hoping someone is working to disable it)

I also heard that it is also because of the European Taxes. Something about the difference between DSLR and Camcorder.