Over the weekend, I spent some much needed time doing some maintenance work for my wife's photography site which runs on WordPress. One of the concerns I had with the release and automatic update of WordPress 3.8 is how it might impact the Photocrati theme package my wife uses for the site. So far, I haven't found any issues related to the WordPress 3.8 upgrade. I am a little concern we may have an issue with the Photocrati gallery not allowing her to add additional photos to a current gallery, but as far as I can tell this is a separate issue.
As with all WordPress updates, WordPress 3.8 adds some nice features for both users and administrators. There are also lots of bug fixes in this new version which over 188 open source contributors pitched in to fix.
The following are the most significant features we found in WordPress 3.8:
- A fresh new look for the administrative dashboard: This is being done by modernizing the aesthetic, improving typography (using Open Sans typeface), and utilizing refined contrast.
- Customized admin color schemes: Customization options are available to be changed and previewed via the Profile page.
- Refined theme management: Improvements in the widget and theme management system.
- Continued refinements for mobile: Wordpress is now even more mobile friendly for your authors. Wordpress is sharper than ever with new vector-based icons that scale to your screen. This change brings a more pleasing experience on all devices including smartphone, tablet, notebook, and desktop.
- The new Twenty Fourteen core theme: WordPress is gearing this latest theme for magazine style sites. You can choose utilizing a grid or a slider to display featured content on your homepage. Three areas have been reserved to customize your pages with widgets and you also have two different page layout options.
Upgrades to WordPress 3.8 to current sites can be made automatic or through the "Updates" menu in your WordPress admin dashboard. WordPress 3.8 is also available for download from WordPress.org for those that needs a fresh install or prefer the "old school" school method of manually updating their website.