Lighter, Faster, HTML 5 Ready!

WordPress just released their NEW 3.2 version and here at E.S. Technical Solutions we got hands on it to test out the new updated features that were implemented and available right out of the box. Also known as “Gershwin”, the new version was just released to the public, and in 24 hours, the latest iteration of the website and blogging platform has been downloaded over 330,000 times. With WordPress 3.1 just being released only four months ago and surpassing the 15 million download threshold on Monday it's amazing to see how fast the newer version actually took to roll out and into the hands of the developers.

With the release of 3.2 WordPress also introduces the fully HTML5 Twenty Eleven theme, which is in line with WordPress' plan to replace the default theme every year. It has a redesigned post editor that allows bloggers to enter a "distraction-free writing or zen mode" that fills up the screen, not like the full screen function of previous releases. "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 without the distraction of menu bars and other items.

In fact when testing the new version we did see in incremental difference in performance and flexibility, the code seemed to run smoother and the slight adjustments to the dashboard made the application feel nimble and ready to use. I must admit that we haven't had the opportunity to really load it and put it to the test but we have plans on a future post in which by then we should be able to see if these new changes have completely won us over. For all you IE 6 users I do have sad new to tell you, this new version does not support IE6 which Microsoft doesn't seem to be too upset over.

WordPress 3.2 is available both as an update in your dashboard and a download on WordPress.org.