While most people were celebrating on the 4th of July, WordPress decided to release version 3.2 of their blogging software. WordPress founder, Matt Mullenweg, thought that doing a major release on U.S. Independence Day was somehow fitting.
Here in the U.S. we are observing Independence Day, and I can’t think of a more fitting way to mark a day that celebrates freedom than by releasing more free software to help democratize publishing around the globe.
Version 3.2 is the fifteenth major release of WordPress and comes just four months after 3.1. The focus for this release was making WordPress faster and lighter. The first thing you’ll notice when you log into 3.2 is a refreshed dashboard design that tightens the typography, design, and code behind the admin. If you’re starting a new blog, you’ll also appreciate the fully HTML5 new Twenty Eleven theme, fulfilling the plan to replace the default theme every year.
The redesigned post editor allows you to do “distraction-free writing.” This is just a full-screen button in the editing toolbar that puts the editing window into full-screen zen mode. All of the widgets, menus, buttons, and interface elements fade away to allow you to compose and edit your thoughts in a completely clean environment conducive to writing great blog posts.
The one thing I miss in the new WordPress is the New Post button at the top right of admin screen. It was there in version 3.1 but disappeared in 3.2. Please bring back the new post button and add it back to the admin bar as well! Another than this little gripe, I’m really enjoying WordPress 3.2. However, like previous WordPress releases, I expect version 3.2.1 any day now.
How are you liking WordPress 3.2? Please share your views in the comments!