Problems with WordPress 2.5 New Automatic Plugin Upgrade

I just published WordPress 2.5 Plugins Beware: Automatic Plugin Upgrade Problems on the Blog Herald and recommend that you check it out before using the new Automatic Plugin Upgrade feature in the just released Release Candidate 1 for WordPress 2.5 for beta-testers only.

The issue with the new Automatic Plugin Upgrade feature is explained by Darren of Unfolding Neurons in Be Careful Using The Automatic Plugins Upgrades In WordPress 2.5.

WordPress 2.5 is anticipated to be ready by its original Roadmap due date of March 24, give or take. Rumors are flying that it should be released just before WordCamp Dallas March 29-30, 2008.

While the issues with the Plugin Upgrade are not blog-threatening issues, especially if you avoid using the Automatic Plugin Upgrade feature until reassured it has been fixed and all Plugins comply with the new standards, a broken blog due to a poorly installed WordPress Plugin is still broken and not to be taken lightly.

If you are currently using WordPress 2.5, the article offers tips on upgrading Plugins - the old fashioned way.
More News on WordPress 2.5

While, the first beta testing, release candidate for WordPress 2.5 has just been issued for testers only, you can keep up with what’s going on with the upcoming release of WordPress 2.5 and prepare for the upgrade through these articles:

* WordPress Upgrade Preparation Checklist
* Are You Ready for WordPress 2.5?
* WordPress 2.5 Due March 17, Administration Plugins May Break, Tons of Plugins Updated, Add Buttons to Toolbar, WordPress Dallas and Now Milan!
* Codex: WordPress 2.5
* Prepare For WP 2.5
* WordPress 2.5 Plugin Settings Pages Style Guide
* WordPress 2.5 Revealed and Compared to Version 2.3.x
* Mashable - WordPress 2.5 Preview
* Dougal Gunters - WordPress 2.5 RC1
* WordPress 2.5 - Get a Sneak Peek Before Launch
* Weblog Tools Collection - WordPress 2.5 Release Candidate Released

WARNING: Beware announcing to the world which version of WordPress you are using, even the new version. There are hackers aware of version specific security vulnerabilities and they are looking for your blog. Also note that installing WordPress 2.5 prior to the official release is at your own risk. Even those testing WordPress for development and bug fixing purposes test it on test blogs, and rarely risk their main sites during the development stage.