Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 25, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The new release candidate is not a so-called full release, but the scope of functions added is nevertheless considerable. Modelling tools are said to have been improved and a Skin Modifier added. Bevel and Inset are modal operators with mouse control, while sculpting can now be controlled through the use of masks.
There are also new Keying Nodes intended to simplify work with green screens. In addition, the new "small" release has an improved Motion Tracker including Planar Tracking. Colour management control has likewise received a substantial extension. Fine-tuning includes optimisations in the Collada export function to work better with game engines. Code improvements have given the Sequencer a higher working speed, which is evident during colour grading.
The following link leads to the current versions of Blender for Windows (32-bit/64-bit), Linux and Mac OS. -> Redirect to the download portal
Detailed information on all new features is available on the official homepage.

