WordPress 2.5 gets 2.5 thumbs up!
On March 29th, 2008 WordPress announced the release of their newest baby: WordPress version 2.5
OLD DESIGN
NEW DESIGN
WordPress 2.5 is not a required upgrade like the recent 2.3.3 urgent security release.
It is a newly designed, newly functioning WordPress CMS - redesigned from the ground-up. Features include a cool new admin interface, multi-file uploading, one-click plugin upgrades, built-in galleries, customizable dashboard, media library.
SNEAK PEAK
If you are curious to see what all the fuss is about, view screenshots of the new Admin Interface, new features, and watch a 4 minute screencast.
2.5 DOWNLOAD & UPGRADE
So, like the eager beaver that I am, I quickly downloaded Wordpress 2.5 and upgraded my blog.
The 
2.5 PLUGIN COMPATIBILITY
WordPress 2.5 Plugin Compatibility List
Next I began testing the site for anything suspicious. Low and behold I discovered that one of my plugins is no longer working.
No suprise here. You can’t go and redesign a site from the ground up and expect all the previous versions of plugins to be compatible.
I’d been using Gregarious a social bookmarking plugin (DIGG etc.), but it is not compatible with 2.5, and support for it is limited if non-existant according to its developer: “Due to time constraints, I cannot guarantee support for this plugin. Not compatible with WP 2.5.”
The Dagon Design people (PHP Form Mailer) are also currently in the process of testing all of their scripts and plugins for 2.5 compatibility.
SimpleTags (Technorati) and Askimet (Spam Catcher) are both working fine.
2.5 THEME COMPATIBILITY
WordPress 2.5 Theme Compatibility List
Persons using the very popular K2 WordPress Theme will want to make note that older versions of K2 are not compatible with WordPress 2.5, although they are busy at work and made this K2 support announcement just over a week ago:
The revision currently in subversion should support WordPress 2.5, so if you’re in need of a new K2 for the latest WordPress release, go grab the latest nightly. Meanwhile, Steve is hard at work at putting together a new release, which is right around the corner.
The new Admin GUI is nice, and the new features are cool, but because there are still some compatibility issues (no fault of their own) I’d hold off upgrading your website if you have lots of vital plugins installed.
If you’re developing a new site or blog, go ahead and install WordPress 2.5 - just remember that some themes and plugins are not yet available.
Overall, for looks & functionality, JenTekk gives WordPress 2.5 a great big 2.5 thumbs up! 
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