Release Date: June 24, 2025
Version: 1.5.0
What’s New in Version 1.5.0
Major New Features
Enhanced CDN & Streaming Service Support
- Google Drive Integration: Full support for Google Drive audio files with iframe player
- SoundCloud Integration: Native SoundCloud embed support with Widget API
- Dropbox Support: Direct playback from Dropbox shared links
- Amazon S3 & CloudFront: Enhanced support for AWS storage services
- Auto-Detection: Automatic CDN service detection with visual indicators
Improved User Interface
- Modern Player Design: Completely redesigned audio player with neutral theme compatibility
- Fixed 3-Field Layout: Streamlined interface with exactly 3 audio preview slots
- CDN Indicators: Visual badges showing the source service (Google Drive, SoundCloud, etc.)
- Progressive Enhancement: Better loading states and error handling
- Mobile Optimization: Improved responsive design for all devices
Enhanced Admin Experience
- Smart File Validation: Real-time URL validation with CDN detection
- Media Library Integration: Seamless WordPress media library support
- Clear Field Functionality: Easy removal of audio previews with confirmation
- Intelligent Asset Loading: Automatic minified/RTL file detection
- Better Error Messages: Detailed validation feedback with helpful suggestions
Technical Improvements
Audio Format Support
- Extended Compatibility: Added support for FLAC, WMA, and WEBM formats
- MIME Type Detection: Intelligent content type detection for better browser compatibility
- Fallback Handling: Graceful degradation for unsupported formats
Performance Enhancements
- Lazy Loading: Audio files load only when needed
- Asset Optimization: Intelligent CSS/JS file loading with minification support
- Memory Management: Improved JavaScript performance with better event handling
- CDN Optimization: Efficient handling of external audio sources
Security & Validation
- URL Sanitization: Enhanced security for external audio URLs
- Nonce Verification: Improved AJAX security with proper nonce handling
- Input Validation: Comprehensive validation for all audio inputs
- XSS Protection: Additional security measures for user inputs
User Experience Improvements
Frontend Player
- Unified Player Experience: Consistent interface across all audio sources
- Progress Tracking: Visual progress bars with time display
- Multiple Player Management: Seamless switching between different audio previews
- Error Recovery: Better error handling with user-friendly messages
- Accessibility: Improved screen reader support and keyboard navigation
Admin Interface
- Contextual Help: Comprehensive help sections with usage examples
- Pro Feature Previews: Clear indication of premium features available
- FAQ Integration: Built-in frequently asked questions
- Welcome Guide: Step-by-step setup instructions for new users
Mobile & Responsive Design
Mobile Optimizations
- Touch-Friendly Controls: Larger buttons and improved touch targets
- Responsive Layouts: Adaptive design for all screen sizes
- Performance: Optimized loading for mobile devices
- Gesture Support: Intuitive mobile interactions
Developer Features
Code Quality
- Modern JavaScript: Updated to ES6+ standards with better browser support
- CSS Improvements: Enhanced styling with CSS custom properties support
- Asset Management: Intelligent file loading with fallback support
- Documentation: Improved inline documentation and code comments
Extensibility
- Filter Hooks: New filters for customizing audio format support
- Action Hooks: Additional hooks for extending functionality
- CSS Classes: Better CSS class structure for easier customization
- API Improvements: Enhanced internal APIs for developers
Key Benefits
For Store Owners
- Professional Presentation: Modern, clean audio player that matches any theme
- Multiple Sources: Support for various audio hosting services reduces server load
- Easy Management: Simplified interface with clear visual feedback
- Better Conversions: Professional audio previews increase customer confidence
For Customers
- Seamless Experience: Unified player interface regardless of audio source
- Fast Loading: Optimized performance with lazy loading
- Mobile-Friendly: Great experience on all devices
- Reliable Playback: Better compatibility across different browsers and devices
For Developers
- Clean Code: Modern, well-documented codebase
- Extensible: Multiple hooks and filters for customization
- Performance: Optimized asset loading and management
- Standards Compliant: Follows WordPress and WooCommerce best practices
Upgrade Notes
Automatic Upgrades
- All existing audio previews will continue to work seamlessly
- The new 3-field layout will automatically organize existing data
- CDN URLs will be automatically detected and enhanced
New Features Available Immediately
- CDN service detection works on existing URLs
- Enhanced player interface applies to all audio previews
- Improved mobile experience is active for all users
Recommended Actions After Upgrade
- Review your existing audio previews in the product editor
- Test CDN URLs to see the new service indicators
- Check the new FAQ section for tips and best practices
- Consider upgrading to Pro for unlimited audio previews
Bug Fixes
- Fixed: Audio player conflicts when multiple products have previews
- Fixed: Mobile responsiveness issues on smaller screens
- Fixed: Loading spinner not showing during audio loading
- Fixed: Progress bar click accuracy on different screen sizes
- Fixed: XSS vulnerabilities in audio URL handling
- Fixed: Memory leaks in JavaScript audio management
- Fixed: CSS conflicts with some theme frameworks
- Fixed: Accessibility issues with screen readers
Support & Resources
- Documentation: View Complete Guide
- Community Support: WordPress.org Forum
- Pro Version: Upgrade to Pro
- Contact: Get Premium Support
Thank You
Thank you for using Audio Preview for WooCommerce! This major update represents months of development focused on improving your experience. We’re committed to making this the best audio preview solution for WooCommerce.
Happy selling with audio previews!
Audio Preview for WooCommerce v1.5.0 – Developed with love by Wbcom Designs
