Distraction Free Writing

One of the features that will be coming along with WordPress 3.2 is something they call “Distraction Free Writing”. Now, my first thought was, how can WordPress make the kids be quiet, the phone stop ringing, and the dogs not want to be walked? I found out that’s not what they meant.

Distraction Free Writing is the ability to write your posts in a full screen mode where all the buttons and boxes are invisible. Here is a screen shot taken as I write this post:

Distraction Free Writing

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If you need to get the buttons back you just move the cursor somewhere else on the screen. Like so:

Distraction Free Writing II

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Nice, isn’t it? Now if they would go walk the dog for me. Be back later.

New Theme

I have been playing around with the new theme, and I think I’ve got it where I want it. So, what do you think. I’ve placed a poll on the live site and look for your comments here or there.

We’ve made it to RC1

WordPress 3.1 RC1 is ready, just in time for your Christmas celebration.

The first release candidate (RC1) for WordPress 3.1 is now available.

An RC comes after the beta period and before final release. That means we think we’re done. We currently have no known issues or bugs to squash. But with tens of millions of users, a variety of configurations, and thousands of plugins, it’s possible we’ve missed something. So if you haven’t tested WordPress 3.1 yet, now is the time! Please though, not on your live site unless you’re extra adventurous.

If you want to take it out for a test ride you can download it here.

Getting Closer

We are getting closer to the release of 3.1. It is currently in Beta-1 and will probably go to Beta-2 very soon. The developers are squashing all the remaining little bugs, and before you can say 2011 we’ll have a new version to play with. Some of the things you will want to check out when this version is released:

  • Post Formats – This one is going to get a lot of attention. I have already demonstrated it’s use with asides and gallery postings. Other possibilities include audio, video, chat, quote, and more.
  • Admin Bar – Show up on the front end of single sites and also on the back end for MU sites.
  • Internal Linking – This functionality “should make it easier to link to internal content (a previous post or page).”

There are other enhancements, and many bug fixes. Check back for more information as I find it.