WordPress – the very same software that powers this ‘umble site – has just enjoyed an upgrade to version 3.3, with the latest update including useful features like iPad Optimisation, a new drag-and-drop uploader and a Tumblr Importer.
With over 65 million downloads since version 3.0 was released, the open source blogging tool and publishing platform continues to grow in popularity, and the latest iteration has been codenamed “Sonny” in honour of the jazz saxophonist Sonny Stitt.
Here’s how WordPress describe the updates:
For Users
Experienced users will appreciate the new drag-and-drop uploader, hover menus for the navigation, the new toolbar, improved co-editing support, and the new Tumblr importer. We’ve also been thinking a ton about what the WordPress experience is like for people completely new to the software. Version 3.3 has significant improvements there with pointer tips for new features included in each update, a friendly welcome message for first-time users, and revamped help tabs throughout the interface. Finally we’ve improved the dashboard experience on the iPad and other tablets with better touch support.
For Developers
There is a ton of candy for developers as well. I’d recommend starting your exploration with the new editor API, new jQuery version, better ways to hook into the help screens, more performant post-slug-only permalinks, and of course the entire list of improvements on the Codex and in Trac.
WordPress 3.3 is available now for download or users can update via their WordPress dashboard. Which is what we did across several installations, thankfully all without incident.
Here’s a demo showing off the changes:
