Most probably, GIMP 2.8 will yet be released 2009, so it has been time to have a look at the current developer version. Though GIMP 2.8 doesn't bring revolutionary things like non-destructive image editing, there are some features you will like.

1 GUI changes
- When the window is minimized, the Tools window and other aren't shown anymore.
- The close button (X on right top) doesn't close the whole application anymore but only the Tools window. GIMP is closed as soon as the last image window is closed or you choose File / Exit.

2. New: Rotating brushes, brush aspect ratio

Finally, you can rotate brushes at your will. Very useful, especially for drawers and painters. The aspect ratio allows you to squeeze a brush along the horizontal/vertical axis.

rest here w/ graphics