WordPress 6.9 is coming December 2 – Here’s What to Expect

• Block-Level Commenting
  • Writers and editors can leave, view, and resolve comments directly inside the editor at the block level.
  • This sets the stage for real-time collaboration within WordPress.
• Block Hiding & Powerful Editing Controls
  • New options to hide blocks on the front end while keeping them editable in the back end.
  • This will be very useful for staging, testing, and preparing content without publishing it.
• Command Palette Everywhere
  • The shortcut (Command K / Ctrl K) command palette will now be available across the entire dashboard, not just the site editor, speeding up actions and workflow.
• AI Integration & Abilities API
  • The new Abilities API will allow plugin developers to allow direct AI interaction.
    Example: AI could generate stock reports in WooCommerce using the new abilities (see this interesting X post from James Kemp)
• Additional features include portable templates from one block theme to another, REST API enhancements, and new core blocks like accordion and stretchy text.
• For a quick overview, check out this video from Jamie Marsland or get more detail in the Roadmap to 6.9 post.

This Dark Web Tool is like HubSpot for Phishing Attacks

• A new AI toolkit called SpamGPT is being sold on the dark web as a spam-as-a-service platform.
• It enables cyber criminals to launch large-scale phishing campaigns that are harder to detect, and is specifically designed to compromise servers, bypass filters, and steal financial data.
• “SpamGPT is essentially a CRM for cybercriminals, automating phishing at scale, personalizing attacks with stolen data, and optimizing conversion rates much like a seasoned marketer would,” said Rob Sobers of cybersecurity firm Varonis.
• SpamGPT works like legitimate email marketing tools with mail servers, testing features, campaign monitoring, and even an AI assistant to help craft natural-sounding messages.
• Experts warn it will increase both the volume and sophistication of phishing attacks.
• Agencies… how are you talking to your clients about these phishing attacks that are getting more sophisticated every day?

WooCommerce 10.2 is Out after a Brief Delay

• WooCommerce 10.2 was released last week (with 10.2.1 dropping earlier today with some minor fixes).
• 10.2 includes a product collection carousel, and a product collection block for cross-sells.
• The cart block includes some performance improvements that make it feel faster to the users by immediately rendering placeholders for items, cart totals, and express payment options.
• A new taxonomy filtering block also provides new options for customers to narrow down their searches.
• Considering a WooCommerce replacement?
  • The release of FluentCart is expected in the next 2 weeks according to an email that was sent to waitlisters.
  • The release was delayed to address beta tester feedback about critical portions of the plugin.
  • In particular, the tax module, reporting, blocks, and extendability are receiving attention.

Worth a Look

• Kayak founder is taking on Calendly with Supercal, a well-executed free scheduling platform.
• GravityMCP is a clever new tool from GravityKit that connects AI tools to Gravity Forms.
• Google AI Mode is live in the latest Chrome browser update. Clicking the “AI Mode” icon in the address bar opens a context-aware chat interface.
• A new Core Program Team has been created to improve collaboration between groups. The announcement created some new #WPDRAMA (read the recap and the response).
• Russian state TV has launched an AI-Generated new satire show called “PolitStacker,” the world’s first TV program created by artificial intelligence.
• Godaddy has launched Airo Site Designer that can create a WordPress site from a text prompt in minutes.