WordPress has a long history of naming their software releases after Jazz musicians, and this new version of the WordPress software is dedicated to the Jazz musician, Charlie Parker. Here is a short simple video from WordPress.org folks with some highlights of the new features:
Here are some of the highlights of the new features of WordPress 3.8:
1) Pick a Color Scheme in the Admin Dashboard: The admin dashboard has been updated with lots of new colors! You can pick a different color scheme for each of your websites to make it easier for you to know at a glance where you are. Or pick one you just think is pretty!
2) New Widget Area: The way you add widgets to your sidebars has now changed. You no longer have the ‘drag and drop’ you had before, instead you click to add widgets to your sidebar areas. This makes it easier for folks using WordPress on mobile devices.
3) Better Mobile Interface: if you create pages or posts or whatever on your site, you now have a better experience when you are doing this on your iPad, iPhone, or whatever mobile device you use!
4) New Theme Area: to activate, customize and get the theme Details
5) New 2014 Magazine Style Theme: WordPress has released a new mobile responsive theme. Not sure if I like it yet, as the left sidebar is something to get used to, but check it out for yourself.
My widget area is still drag and drop. Could the difference be in the framework and theme I use?
Debra,
Yes I am seeing that as well. I prefer the drag and drop. The change was made so that widgets would be easier to use on iPads, iPhones, and other tablets and smart phones. Go ahead and try it out on another device and see what it’s doing there
Christina,
Like a lot of things on the Internet, one just has to play with it. While it all still looks the same initially, once I clicked on a widget the new option appeared. However, I can still drag and drop if I like. I have either option available on my Kindle Fire as well.
Thanks!
Debra,
yes they give you both options on your computer, yet make it easy for other devices. I LOVE the new WP 3.8 🙂
Thanks for posting this, Christina. And thanks for the step-by-step process for updating. You rock!
Debra,
My pleasure! Check out the new version, it’s way cooler! Love changing the admin colors too 🙂