Oracle has announced that early access to new features of MySQL 5.6. The new version of MySQL 5.6 is now available for test and deployment. It is believed that new features are focused on better scalability, performance and flexibility. New and improved MySQL replication features help with performance, scale-out and data integration.

The reason Oracle has provided early access to MySQL 5.6 features, is the objective to MySQL community provide feedback. Once the development is complete the new suggested features would be incorporated in to the  General Availability Releases.

Improved Replication, InnoDB, Search Enhance MySQL Usability and Performance

The following MySQL 5.6 early access features are available through http://labs.mysql.com, for community testing and feedback.

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Future of MySQL