Screenshots tour: WordPress 2.7 beta 3 (#)
Beta 3 of the upcoming version of WordPress, 2.7, was released a couple of days ago. The new release brings a redesigned administration panel, automatic WordPress core update and a host of other features. See full features list. Another notable feature will be the comment moderation shortcuts - like those on Google Reader.
If you are already on a previous beta version of WordPress, simply go to Tools > Update for one-click update.
The new admin backend has a few surprises up. The look has been refreshed, and sports a grey/black/white color scheme that looks much more professional than the clumsy orange/blue scheme in WordPress 2.6. One has to wonder why Automattic hired Happy Cog for the redesign and then scrapped it for the next version.
Plugins can now be uploaded from within the web interface - simply upload the zip file (most plugins are packaged in zip files). Popular plugins can be installed with a single click (no download/extraction/upload required). Overall, the new plugin management section saves a lot of time and hassle.
Overall, the new backend design is pleasing to the eye, and convenient. Small details have been cared for, and it makes a world of difference. Good work, Automattic!
Richard Spencer Davies said on November 24th, 2008
This looks bloody great, much better than 2.6, can’t wait for it to get out of BETA!