WordPress 2.9 loaded with enhancements

WordPress released a new version this week they are calling 2.9 Carmen (after Jazz singer Carmen McRae). It includes the usual bug fixes along with several interesting enhancements including:

• Better plug-in management: The new version lets you manage your plug-ins for upgrade purposes. You can choose any or all plug-ins and check for compatibility with the most recent upgrade in one quick step.
• Light-weight image editing: I've never been crazy about the way that WordPress handles images, but at least the new version offers a way to do some light-weight image editing including cropping and flipping. There is also some control over aspect ratio.
• Simpler video embedding: As with images, it has taken a bit of work to embed video into WordPress blogs. In the new version, you simply place the URL for the video into the body of the post and WordPress converts it automatically and embeds the video. Looks very slick and supports most major video sites.
• Trash receptacle: Instead of deleting your posts outright, they now go to a trash can where they remain for 30 days. This way, if you change your mind, you have the option of restoring the deleted item.

You can read the full list of enhancements on the WordPress blog, but for an interim release, it includes some very welcome updates.

For more information:
- see the WordPress blog announcement

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