For the first time in WordPress history, 2 WordPress releases are being developed concurrently.
What does this mean? It means that there are 2 teams working on WordPress – one is working on version 3.7 and another team is working on version 3.8 at the same time! And if you are thinking that it seems like version 3.6 was just released, you are correct! It *was* just released a short time ago!
Version 3.7 will focus on stability and security, while version 3.8 will be more experimental and its features will be initially developed as plugins.
WordPress v3.7
3.7 will have a “super short” timeline of just two months. It will be the fastest turnaround of any version of WordPress and is planned for release about 90 days after WordPress 3.6 was made available. Currently there is no official release date set, but it is looking like it will be around the week of October 7th.
The goals for this release are:
- Language packs
- Auto-updates for minor releases
- Enhancements to help strengthen user passwords
WordPress v3.8
As for features in version 3.8, suggested ideas include:
- An overhaul of widgets
- Featured content – managing the information of which posts are featured in what order at which location. Presentation of this information depends on the theme.
- Improving the content editing experience
- Dashboard help
- Global turn off comments
- Explore front-end posting/art direction – possibly utilizing the existing customizer
- Re-imagine the WP.org theme directory for a better user experience
You can read more over at: What to Expect in WordPress 3.7 and 3.8
As one who mostly uses WP as a CMS, I like the idea of turning comments off globally.
Have you seen this plugin, Don?
Yep, but there is something better about it being built in. At least it seems thet way to me.
Of course! Built is is better, however, until a function gets adopted into the core functionality, there is nothing wrong with using a plugin.
Of course, if the plugin is not coded correctly, effectively, or efficiently… all bets are off!