After 10 beta releases, Zap Calendar 3.0 has finally reached the "Release Candidate" status.  This is the final phase before the product production status.  This release fixes numerous issues, include PHP 5.3 compatibility issues with several plugins.  Zap Calendar 3.0 supports Joomla versions 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and the just released 2.5 version.  It is available now to all current subscribers.

This release includes the new password plugin, available to standard and pro subscriptions.  This plugin provides a simple mechanism for requiring a password when adding or editing events on a calendar in the front-end.  This is a simpler alternative to creating ACL rules in Joomla 1.6+ or for Joomla 1.5 sites where ACL support is not available.

This release also expands the quick add event feature, found in Zap Calendar's back-end panel display.  This feature allows a user to create an event by just typing a sentence.  Meeting or all day events can be created, and a new enhancement allows the ability to create multi-day events as well as include start and end times.  The quick add feature has also been enhanced to allow for European style dates (i.e. "1.27" for January 27).  For example, the following sentences can be used to create a new event:

Staff Meeting Wednesday 2pm

Staff Retreat Thursday to Friday

Holiday Office Party 12/23 5pm to 7pm

If only one time is specified, then a one hour meeting is assumed.  If no time is specified, then an all day meeting is assumed.