Whats new in Minecraft 1.6?

Note: This topic was for the Beta version of Minecraft (2011). For the current 1.6 version (2013) see: Minecraft 1.6 (final)- New features discussion

Minecraft 1.6 comes complete with some great new features. A new mini-map item, hatches (trap doors), wildgrass mod and a tonne of bug fixes. Its not all gain though, Notch has removed some things too!

New features added in Minecraft 1.6

Minimap / auto map (sometimes called hand held maps) – a new craftable mini map that shows your recent explorations. Also shows the players spawn point which you can share with other players.

Sky Dimension – it's the opposite of the Nether (hell). Sometimes referred to as Heaven or the Floating Island Dimension). Its not been confirmed how you will travel to the Sky Dimension but a similar concept to the portal will be required.

Hatches (sometimes referred to as trap doors) – these are similar to doors but they lie flat on the ground. They look like doors but open vertically. Can be used as a trap or quick escape route for tunnels or dungeons.

What's been fixed?

Apart from a whole tonne of minor bug fixes these are the major ones..

Nether now works in SMP (multiplayer Minecraft) – Nether is hell in Minecraft. You can reach the Nether by building a portal. Certain blocks can be collected in the Nether. They include Netherrack, Glowstone and Soul Sand. Portals could be built in 1.5 but they didn't used to work. In version 1.6 they will!!

Booster tracks are now realistically faster. Booster tracks are items used to make the Minecart move faster along mine tracks.

Beds fixed in the Nether.

What's been removed in 1.6?

Map height limited to 7.

Creepers (mob) have been removed.

It's not possible to create water/boat elevators anymore

What might be coming..

These features have not been confirmed for 1.6 but are being developed for future versions.

Capture the Flag – a new game mode
Food meter / hunger – a new feature where the player will get hungry
Rain will re-grow flowers (from grass or dirt blocks)
Web blocks – created by spiders as their nest. Its possible the spider will shoot webs at the player
Fences – could be used to decorate and keep out mobs from your house and garden