StudioPress released Genesis 1.8 as beta for those interested in having a sneak at what is upcoming. As Genesis 1.8 is a beta release, those who are using the latest stable version. 1.7 will not be able to see the yellow update bar unless they change a line of code in one of the Theme’s core file. I would not specially recommend this if you are just a user and not a Theme Developer or one like me who is always getting their hands dirty with new releases of WordPress Themes. Just wait it out. Genesis 1.8 will be out before long.
What Is The Coolest Change In Genesis 1.8
Aside from a long list of bug fixes and changes which I will not delve into, there are 2 very noticeable changes with Genesis 1.8.
A New Default Genesis Theme
Genesis 1.8 comes with an improved default look. Running on it’s own without any child Theme Genesis 1.8 looks more elegant and clean largely due to the change in the fonts used for the Titles. It now sports the Oswald for all the Theme’s titles. Oswald is one of the more popular fonts in the Google Webfont Directory and is the favourite font of Brian Gardner, the top gun in Studiopress. He uses the same font for his personal blog and almost all his designs.
Frankly, if you are minimalistic kind of guy, the default look is nice enough already. You do not need to buy any more Child Theme.
Genesis 1.8 Is A Responsive Theme
Yes, Genesis 1.8 is a responsive theme. That means, the Theme responds dynamically to the size of the viewers screen resolution without any distortion or overflow, if that is the word I should use.
Why is a Responsive Theme so cool?
Because this single improvement alone puts Genesis ahead of the pack.
There has been discussions in the Catalyst Forums concerning the issue of a responsive theme and the feedback is work is already on the board. We Catalyst users too will be enjoying this feature before too long.
Why is a Responsive Theme so important?
Because this is an era of smart phones and tablets. Millions are already using smart phones and tablets to browse the Net and if the Themes we are using to dot respond positively to such small screens, we will be losing many readers and sales.
Lets see some simple example of what happens if my Theme is viewed in a smart phone. They will be looking at something like this. That’s because my Theme is not a responsive theme and it does not re-size itself dynamically.
Theme That Is Not Responsive
Now look at the Genesis 1.8 Beta. The whole Theme shrinks in tandem with the screen size without distorting anything. When the size gets too narrow to accommodate the sidebars, it will automatically be pushed down to the bottom, still arranged in perfect order.
Genesis 1.8 Is Responsive To Screen Size
The Sidebars Are Responsive Too
That is called a Responsive Theme.
How Genesis 1.8 Achieved This Responsive Behaviour
If you keep up with times in the web designing world, then you will know that responsive designs is a very new technology. It is already achievable with CSS3 but the fact remains that browsers have yet to incorporate this new technology so developers are also waiting it out.
However, the developers of Genesis took a step ahead and implemented responsiveness in the Theme with a very smart and intelligent method. From what I saw in the Styesheet of Genesis 1.8, they did this with quite a lot of maths calculation and a bunch of new elements that directly responds to the size of the screen.
Basically, they use columns or should I say grids, and have CSS elements that tells the Theme to shrink the column, or grids according to the percentage of the screen. Nowhere in the stylesheet are they using the latest CSS3 codes to make the Theme a responsive one.
With this method, all browsers will be compatible regardless.
What About WordPress Plugins
What about them? Yes there are a bunch of WordPress Plugins that can display your site to those viewing it in an iPhone or iPad. However, what they are viewing is not the original design that you have spent time and money on. A plugin only generates a different looking theme with the minimum features so they can fit all your contents inside the narrow layout.
You sacrifice a lot of contents using a plugin, but as it is there wasn’t much of a choice. In fact, it was the only choice if a good portion of your readers are smart phone or tablet users. It is either that, or you suffer like me with half of the Theme cut of when viewed.
There was no alternative way.
Until Genesis 1.8 came along.. or should I say, is coming along.
