Finnally, QGIS 2.8 is ready for download in the QGIS download page.

This is a special release since it is designated an ‘LTR’ (Long Term Release). It will be supported with backported bug fixes for one year, and will be in permanent feature freeze (i.e. no new features will be added, only bug fixes and trivial updates).

The purpose of this releases is to provide a stable and less frequently changing platform for enterprises and organisations that do not want to deal with updating user skills, training materials etc. more than once per year.

QGIS 2.8 is also a special release because it includes so many great new features, tweaks and enhancements to make the most popular Free desktop GIS even more feature filled and useful.

following is a short list of the important new features in the QGIS 2.8 :

Support for contextual WMS legend graphics

Support for creation of temporary memory layers

Support for calculations on selected rows

Advanced digitizing tools

Improved simplify tool

Snapping improvements

Map rotation in canvas, improved rotation in composer

Bookmarks can be imported/exported

To download QGIS 2.8, this is the official download page