The latest release of Gutenberg, version 19.9, brings a suite of powerful features, tools, and improvements for WordPress users. From enhancing classic themes with the Style Book to introducing the new Query Total block, here’s everything you need to know about this update. Style Book Comes to Classic Themes One of the standout features in Gutenberg 19.9 is the introduction …
Recap of the State of the Word 2024
WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg delivered his annual State of the Word (SOTW) address today from Tokyo Node Hall in Tokyo, Japan. This marks the second time the event was held outside North America, following last year’s address in Madrid, Spain. This year’s event spanned three hours, with a special emphasis on Japanese culture. Matt explained, “We’ve gotten so much inspiration …
WordPress.org Login Introduces Mandatory Pineapple Pizza Checkbox
Does pineapple belong on pizza? The answer may vary from person to person. But WordPress users were in for a surprise when they tried to login to the WordPress.org website. A new mandatory checkbox require users to confirm that “Pineapple is delicious on pizza” before accessing their accounts. Following the dispute with WP Engine, WordPress.org had introduced a mandatory check …
25% Off Annual Plans at WordPress.com
WordPress.com is now offering new annual plans at 25% off as part of their year-end promotion. The offer includes a free domain for the first year. This exclusive deal ends on December 31st, 2024. To claim the offer, use the coupon code DREAM25 at checkout. Please note this offer is only for new annual plan purchases and does not apply …
Automattic Complies with Court Ruling: WP.org Login Checkbox and WP Engine Tracker CSV File Removed
After the court issued a preliminary injunction in favor of WP Engine, Automattic has begun complying with the orders. The mandatory login checkbox in WordPress.org website has been removed, and the WP Engine Tracker website has been updated, including removing the controversial domains.csv files. The mandatory login check box in WordPress.org, introduced in October this year after WP Engine filed …
Barn2Plugins, Patchstack, and WP Deals Diversify Beyond WordPress
The CEOs of Barn2Plugins, Patchstack, and LayerWP have announced plans to expand their businesses beyond WordPress. While none of them are leaving the WordPress ecosystem, they are branching out into new territories to diversify their offerings and drive growth. Barn2Plugins: Entering the Shopify Ecosystem Katie Keith, CEO of Barn2Plugins, revealed on Twitter that the company will begin selling Shopify apps …
Court Grants WP Engine Preliminary Injunction Against Automattic
Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín of the Northern California District Court has granted WP Engine’s motion for a preliminary injunction against Automattic and Matt Mullenweg. The ruling follows a November 26, 2024, hearing where the judge expressed an inclination to approve WP Engine’s request for injunction. Both parties were directed to collaborate on a stipulated order, but having failed to reach an …
Automattic Acquires AI Company ‘WPAI’
Automattic has announced that it has acquired WPAI, a company specializing in AI-powered tools for WordPress. Founded two years ago, WPAI has developed innovative products like CodeWP (an AI IDE for WordPress developers), AgentWP (an AI agent for WordPress), and WP.Chat (a ChatGPT alternative for WordPress). No financial details of the deal have been disclosed. WPAI’s founding members James LePage, …
Jessica Lyschik Wins the WordPress Speed Build Challenge Against Matt Mullenweg
Jessica Lyschik, a WordPress Developer at GREYD, has won the highly anticipated WordPress Speed Build Challenge, defeating WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg. Jessica announced that she would donate her $5,000 prize money to Girls Who Code. The showdown was set following Jessica’s public challenge to Matt during WordCamp Europe. The challenge hosted by Jamie Marsland, required both participants to replicate the …
WordCamp Asia 2025 Unveils Official Wapuu Mascot Tahopuu
WordCamp Asia has unveiled its official Wapuu mascot for the 2025 edition: Tahopuu. Designed by Andrew dela Serna, a talented graphic designer from the Philippines, the mascot was chosen from 10 submissions by designers from India, Malaysia, Nepal, Lithuania, the Philippines, and Ukraine. Tahopuu pays homage to Filipino street culture, drawing inspiration from the iconic Taho vendor. Taho is a …