* Service layer updates:
  * Created Tax Calculation service
  * Implemented search Tax Rates(search criteria) in TaxRate service
  * Refactored Tax Helper to use Tax Service
  * Validated and ensured that after helper fix, all modules with cross-dependencies use Tax Services
  * Refactored Bundle, Catalog, Checkout, Customer, Downloadable, Review, Logging Modules to use Tax Services
  * Refactored Internal Tax Module Blocks/Templates to use Tax Services
* GitHub requests:
  * [#579] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/579) -- update GA code from ga.js to analytics.js
  * [#584] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/584) -- Merge and minify js - Exception
  * [#585] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/585) -- Add forgotten return statement
  * [#592] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/592) -- Module name pattern
* Tax calculation updates:
  * Separate and display Weee line item totals from Tax
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue when Custom attribute template was not applied to a product  during product creation
  * Fixed an issue when report grid with no results contained unnecessary empty "total" section
  * Fixed an issue where MCRYPT_RIJNDAEL_128 Cipher was set instead of 256 version
  * Fixed an issue when inline translate script was always included in the page even if it was not used
  * Fixed an issue where URL Generation was affected by previously processed URLs
  * Fixed an issue with cross-site scripting vulnerability via cookie exploitation
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect success message after system variable was deleted
  * Fixed an issue with category page not opening if it had bundle product with fixed price assigned to it
  * Fixed an issue when subtotal price in a shopping cart was not updated if the product qty is changed
  * Fixed an issue when syntax error appeared while creating new Google Content attribute mapping
  * Fixed an issue with JS error when adding associated simple product to the grouped one
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect items label for the cases when there are more than one item in the category
  * Fixed an issue when configurable product was out of stock in Google Shopping while being in stock in the Magento backend
  * Fixed an issue when swipe gesture in menu widget was not supported on mobile
  * Fixed an issue when it was impossible to enter alpha-numeric zip code on the stage of  estimating shipping and tax rates
  * Fixed an issue when it was impossible to edit gift card account
  * Fixed an issue when custom price was not applied when editing an order
  * Fixed an issue when  items were  not returned to stock after unsuccessful order was placed
  * Fixed an issue when error message appeared "Cannot save the credit memo while creating credit memo
  * Fixed an issue when Catalog price rule was not shown for the product if price was less than a discount
* Indexer implementation:
  * Implemented a new Stock indexer
  * Implemented a new EAV indexer
  * Fixed failed L1 plan on phpunit 4.1.0
  * Minor updates for integration test framework
  * Split action controllers classes into action classes
  * Added public MTF repository to the packagist.org
* Added the following functional tests:
  * Create Admin User
  * Create Category
  * Create Custom Url Rewrite
  * Create Frontend Product Review
  * Delete CMS Page
  * Delete Product
  * Delete System Variable
  * Update Admin User Role
  * Update Product Review
* Indexer-less implementation of URL Rewrites functionality in new UrlRedirect module:
  * Ported Admin UI from old UrlRewrite module
  * Implemented URL Rewrites unified storage
* Covered the following Magento application components with unit tests:
  * `Magento/Bundle/Block/Sales/Order/Items/Renderer.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Helper/Catalog/Product/Configuration.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Helper/Data.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Model/Option.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Model/Plugin/PriceBackend.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Model/Product/Attribute/Source/Price/View.php`
  * `Magento/Bundle/Model/Sales/Order/Pdf/Items/AbstractItems.php`
  * `Magento/Catalog/Model/Product/Attribute/Source/Msrp/Type/Enabled.php`
  * `Magento/Catalog/Model/Product/Attribute/Source/Msrp/Type/Price.php`
  * `Magento/Catalog/Model/Product/Visibility.php`
  * `Magento/Eav/Model/Entity/Attribute/AbstractAttribute.php`
  * `Magento/Eav/Model/Entity/Attribute/Source/AbstractSource.php`
  * `Magento/Eav/Model/Entity/Attribute/Source/Boolean.php`
  * `Magento/Eav/Model/Entity/Attribute/Source/Table.php`
  * `Magento/Tax/Model/TaxClass/Source/Product.php`
* Covered Magento library with unit tests :
  * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Simplexml/Config/Cache/AbstractCache.php`
  * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Simplexml/Config.php`
  * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Stdlib/DateTime/DateTime.php`
  * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Stdlib/DateTime/Timezone.php`
  * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Stdlib/String.php`

* Service layer updates:
  * Created Category service and methods
  * Renamed attribute option service
  * Implemented an API method to remove for attribute options
  * Created TaxClass service and methods
  * Created APIs for Tax service
* Framework improvements:
  * REST/SOAP calls uses default store if store code not provided
  * Added a warning about using a not secure protocol for theidentity link URL
  * Fixed exception masking and removed unnecessary exceptions from the Webapi framework
* WEEE features parity:
  * Fixed an issue with Tax calculations when FPT is enabled
  * Fixed an issue where FPT was not included in the subtotal number on invoice pages
  * Fixed an issue where FPT was not included in the subtotal number on credit memo pages
  * Free shipping calculated with FPT
  * Fixed an issue where discounts where applied to FPT
  * Fixed an issue with rounding is the Tax detailed info
  * Fixed issues with bundle product pricing with tier and special prices
* Added an integrity test to verify that dictionary and code are synced
* i18n Improvements:
  * Improved the wording of the i18n CLI Tools
  * Removed the helpers which became unused after i18n Improvements
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where configurable attributes were not chosen according to the hash tag
  * Fixed an issue where the Compare Products functionality did not work correctly
  * Fixed an issue where product attribute values were duplicated after import
  * Fixed an issue were the scope of an attribute was not considered in catalog price rule conditions
  * Fixed an issue where shipping address was not saved if it was added during checkout
  * Fixed an issue where there was no POST request when saving a customer group
  * Fixed an issue where an attribute template was not applied after changing it for the first time during product creation
  * Fixed an issue where the Sale Report Grid with no results found contained an unnecessary empty Total section
  * Fixed an issue where a notice was added to system.log when a product was added to cart
  * Fixed integration test coverage failure
  * Fixed an issue where a message about inequality of password and confirmation was displayed in the wrong place
  * Fixed an issue with an XSS warning in 'Used for Sorting in Product Listing' property of Product Attribute
  * Fixed an issue where an order was not displayed  on frontend if its order status was deleted
  * Fixed an issue where  tier pricing was not displayed on a grouped product page
  * Verified and fixed the content of errors returned from SOAP calls
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to create a tax rule when using a complex Customer/Product tax class
  * Fixed an issue where the Street Address line count setting was not applied.
  * Fixed an issue where customers were not assigned to the correct VAT customer groups during admin order creation
  * The unused translateArray method of AbstractHelper was removed
  * Fixed an issue where localization did not work for strings containing a single quote (')
  * Fixed issues with  the translate and the logging transformation tools
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to create a URL rewrite for a CMS Page with Temporary (302) or Permanent (301) redirect
* GitHub requests:
  * [#598] Add Sort Order to Rules
  * [#580] Set changed status on model to prevent status overwriting when model gets saved
* Unit Tests Coverage:
  * Part of the Catalog module covered with the unit tests
* Added the following functional tests:
  * Applying Several Catalog Price Rules
  * Attribute Set Creation
  * Category Deletion
  * Customer Group Deletion
  * Generating Sitemap
  * Product Attribute Deletion
  * Update Admin User
  * Update Cms Page
  * Update Customer Group
  * Update Downloadable Product
  * Update Product Attribute
  * Update Sales Rule
  * Update Sitemap

* Service layer updates:
  * Implemented API for the CatalogInventory module
  * Refactored the external usages of the CatalogInventory module to service
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where a coupon usage option was not comprehensible enough
  * Fixed an issue where products selection for adding to a bundle option was lost when switching between pages with product grids
  * Fixed an issue where  Google Content was not sending the correct 'description' attribute
  * Fixed an issue where custom attributes were not displayed in layered navigation after a product import
  * Fixed an issue where the Category URL keys did not work correctly after saving
  * Fixed an issue where an admin could not create a Target rule with a certain Products to Display condition
  * Fixed a jQuery error on a product page in the Admin panel, which appeared when switching between product tabs
* Framework Improvements:
  * Created ProductsCustomOptions Service API for Catalog module
  * Created DownloadableLink Service API for Catalog module
* GitHub requests:
  * [#257] JSON loading should follow OWASP recommendation

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where an invalidly filled option did not become in focus after saving attempt on the Create New Order page in the backend
  * Fixed an issue with the default configuration not being applied properly in the CAPTCHA configuration section
  * Fixed an issue with optional State/Province fields on the Create New Order page being marked as required
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect Customer model usage on session in community modules
  * Fixed an issue where cache was not invalidated after applying catalog price rule
  * Fixed an issue where an admin with custom permissions could not create Shopping Cart Price Rule/Catalog Price Rule
  * Fixed an issue with REST request and response format being inconsistent
  * Fixed an issue where there was an error on a bundle product page if bundle items contained an out of stock product
  * Fixed a JS issue which appeared when adding associated products for a grouped product
  * Fixed an issue where layered navigation was absent on the Advanced Search results page
  * Fixed an issue where the leading "0" in numbers were truncated when exporting using Excel XML
  * Fixed the price type attribute filter in Layered Navigation
  * Fixed an issue with a fatal error in \Magento\Framework\ArchiveTest when bz2 extension was not installed
  * Fixed an issue where an admin could search product by attributes set on the Store View level (except default store view)
  * Fixed an issue where extra spaces in search values were not ignored during search and thus wrong search results were given
* GitHub requests:
  * [#542]  Fix ImportExport bug which occurs while importing multiple rows per entity
  * [#544]  Performance tests not working
* Framework improvements:
  * Covered the following Magento application components with unit tests:
      * `Customer/Model/Address.php`
      * `Customer/Model/Address/AbstractAddress.php `
      * `Customer/Model/Address/Converter.php`
      * `Customer/Model/Customer.php`
      * `Customer/Model/Customer/Attribute/Backend/Billing.php`
      * `Customer/Model/Customer/Attribute/Backend/Shipping.php`
      * `Customer/Model/Customer/Attribute/Backend/Store.php `
      * `Customer/Model/Customer/Attribute/Backend/Website.php `
      * `Customer/Model/Customer/Attribute/Backend/PasswordTest.php`
      * `Customer/Helper/Address.php`
      * `Customer/Helper/View.php`
      * `Customer/Service/V1/CustomerAccountService.php`
  * Covered Magento lib with unit tests:
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Filter/*`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Model/Resource/Db/AbstractDb.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Model/Resource/Db/Collection/AbstractCollection.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/File/Uploader.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/File/Csv.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Less/File/Collector/Aggregated.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Less/File/Collector/Library.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Locale/Config.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/Locale/Currency.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/Config/Element.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/Config/Value.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/DefaultPath/DefaultPath.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/EntryPoint/EntryPoint.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/Helper/AbstractHelper.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/Resource/ConnectionFactory.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/App/Route/Config.php`
  * Implemented the ability for a mobile client to get a partial response
  * Added authentication support for mobile
  * Refactored the Oauth lib exception not to reference module classes
  * Moved the authorization services according to the new directory format: was \Magento\Authz\Service\AuthorizationV1Interface, became \Magento\Authz\Service\V1\AuthorizationInterface
  * Moved the integration services according to the new directory format:
    * Was \Magento\Integration\Service\IntegrationV1, became \Magento\Integration\Service\V1\Integration
    * Was \Magento\Integration\Service\OauthV1, became \Magento\Integration\Service\V1\Oauth
  * Improved security of the integration registration
  * Introduced language packages with ability to inherit dictionaries
* Improved modularity of ImportExport
* Created Service API for Magento_Catalog module:
   * Implemented Product Attribute Media API
   * Implemented Product Group Price API
   * Implemented Product Attribute Write API
   * Implemented Product Attribute Options Read and Write API
* Created Service for the Magento Tax module:
  * Implemented Tax Rule Service
  * Implemented Tax Rate Service
  * Implemented Tax Calculation Data Objects
  * Implemented Tax Calculation Builders
  * Implemented Tax Calculation Service
* Covered the part of the Catalog Module with unit tests
* Added PayPall Bill Me Later button
* Streamlined checkout experience
* Improved order review page for PayPal Express Checkout

* Created the Service API for the Magento_Catalog Module:
   * Product Attribute Media API
   * Product Group Price API
* Tax calculation updates:
  * Fixed tax calculation rounding issues which appeared when a discount was applied
  * Fixed extra penny issue which appeared when exact tax amount ended with 0.5 cent
  * Fixed tax calculation issues which appeared when a customer tax rate was different from the store tax rate
  * Fixed price inconsistencies between catalog and shopping cart
  * Added support for maintaining consistent prices including tax for customers with different tax rates
  * Added support for applying tax rules with different priorities to be applied to subtotal only
  * Added support for tax rounding at individual tax rate
* Porting Tax Features from Magento 1.x:
  * Price consistency UX and algorithm
  * Canadian provincial sales taxes
  * Fixed issues with bundle product price inconsistency across the system
  * Added warnings if invalid tax configuration is created in the Admin panel
  * Fixed issues with regards to hidden tax
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where grouped price was not applied for grouped products
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error occurred when opening a grouped product page without assigned products on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was possible to apply an inactive discount coupon
  * Fixed an issue where the linked products information was lost when exporting products
  * Fixed non-informative error messages for "Attribute Group Service"
  * Fixed the invalid default value of the "apply_after_discount" tax setting
  * Fixed an issue where the integration tests coverage whitelist was broken
  * Fixed Admin panel UI issues: grids, headers and footers
* Added the following functional tests:
  * Create Product Url Rewrite
  * Delete Catalog Price Rule
  * Delete Category Url Rewrite
  * Delete CMS Page Rewrite
  * Delete Product Rating
  * Delete Sales Rule
  * Delete Tax Rate
  * Update Catalog Price Rule
  * Update Shopping Cart

* Added support for MTF Reporting Tool
* Framework improvements:
  * Covered the following Magento application components with unit tests:
      * `ConfigurableProduct/Helper/Data.php`
      * `ConfigurableProduct/Model/Export/RowCustomizer.php`
      * `ConfigurableProduct/Model/Product/Type/Configurable.php`
      * `ConfigurableProduct/Model/Product/Type/Plugin.php`
      * `ConfigurableProduct/Model/Quote/Item/QuantityValidator/Initializer/Option/Plugin/ConfigurableProduct.php`
      * `CatalogSearch/Helper/Data.php`
  * Covered Magento lib with unit tests:
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/DB/Helper/AbstractHelper.php`
      * `lib/internal/Magento/Framework/DB/Tree/Node.php`
* Created Service API for Magento_Catalog Module:
  * Implemented the Product API
  * Implemented the ProductAttributeRead API
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed issues with form elements visibility on the backend
  * Fixed an issue where backend forms contained an excessive container
  * Fixed an issue where a wrong category structure was displayed on the Category page
  * Fixed an issue where the pub/index.php entry point was broken because of the obsolete constants
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to pass an empty array as an argument in DI configuration and layout updates
  * Fixed an issue with status and visibility settings of a related product on the backend
  * Fixed an issue with unused DB indexes, which used resources, but did not contribute to higher performance
  * Fixed an issue where it was possible to create a downloadable product without specifying a link or a file
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error occured when opening a fixed bundle product with custom options page on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where the was a wrong config key for backend cataloginventory
* Processed GitHub requests:
  * [#548] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/548) -- Console installer doesn't checks filesystem permissions
  * [#552] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/552) -- backend notifications sitebuild bug
  * [#562] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/562) -- Bugfix Magento\Framework\DB\Adapter\Pdo\Mysql::getCreateTable()
  * [#565] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/565) -- Magento\CatalogSearch\Model\Query::getResultCollection() not working
  * [#557] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/557) -- translation anomalies backend login page
* Added the following functional tests:
  * Advanced Search
  * Existing Customer Creation
  * Product Attribute Creation
  * Product Rating Creation
  * Sales Rule Creation
  * System Product Attribute Deletion
  * Tax Rate Creation
  * Tax Rule Deletion
  * Update Category
  * Update Category Url Rewrite
  * Update Product Url Rewrite

* Framework improvements:
  * Covered the following Magento application components with unit tests:
      * `SalesRule/Model/Observer`
      * `SalesRule/Helper/*`
      * `SalesRule/Model/Plugin/*`
      * `SalesRule/Model/System/Config*`
      * `Sales/Model/Config.php`
      * `Sales/Model/Download.php`
      * `Sales/Model/Quote.php`
  * Covered the following Magento lib form elements with unit tests:
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Flag.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Escaper`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Event`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Logger`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Util`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Registry.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Backup/Media`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Backup/NoMedia`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Archive`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Translate.php`
  * Created Service API for Magento_Catalog module:
      * AttributeSet service
      * AttributeSetGroup service
      * ProductLinks service
      * ProductType service
* Payments Improvements:
  * Resolved a performance issue with Merchant Country selector under Payment Methods settings
  * Removed the PayPal Payments Pro Payflow Edition payment solution
  * Removed the Saved Credit Card payment method
* Added the following functional tests:
  * Delete Admin User
  * Delete Backend Customer
  * Delete Product UrlRewrite
  * Downloadable Product Creation
  * Update Simple Product
  * Update Tax Rule
  * Update Tax Rate
  * Suggest Searching Result
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where the Create Order page title was not correct when scrolling down was performed
  * Fixed the concurrent test running in MTF
  * Fixed an issue where product custom options were merged incorrectly
  * Fixed an issue where customer group discount was not applied for bundle products
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to  create a refund for the PayPal Exprecch Checkout Payflow Edition if captured from the PayPal admin
  * Fixed an issue where adding customer review caused an error in system.log
  * Fixed an issue where  the Manage Stock option was automatically reset to No after changing the Stock Availability option
  * Fixed an issue where the recurring profile attributes where displayed for a product when they were not included in the product attribute set.
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared in some cases on attempt to add a product to  cart when FPT was enabled
  * Fixed an issue where back in stock product alert emails showed HTML markup
  * Fixed an issue where the Refresh Statistics link on the Sales Report page redirected to the frontend after setting  Add Store Code to Urls to Yes
  * Fixed an issue where the selected bundle options price was included to the price displayed in the MAP popup
  * Fixed an issue where the wrong allowed countries list was used in Checkout
  * Fixed an issue where configurable products with out of stock associated simple products were displayed in layered navigation
  * Fixed an issue where configurable products lost options  after being duplicated using the Save and Duplicate button
  * Fixed issues with simple product custom options where it was impossible to import them from a product page and they were not duplicated correctly using the Save and Duplicate button
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to create a customer on the backend in a single store mode
  * Fixed an issue where reviews created on the backend appeared with the Guest status
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add an image for a configurable product variation during editing
* Processed GitHub requests:
  * [#539] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/539) The "{config.xml,*/config.xml}" pattern cannot be processed
  * [#564] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/564) Catalog product images - Do not removing from file system
  * [#256] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/256) Unused file app\code\core\Mage\Backend\view\adminhtml\store\switcher\enhanced.phtml
  * [#561] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/561) Bugfix Magento\Framework\DB\Adapter\Pdo\Mysql::getForeignKeys()
  * [#576] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/576) Change Request for InvokerDefault::_callObserverMethod()

* Framework improvements:
  * Reworked subsystem of static view files preprocessing
     * Refactored implementation of the view files "fallback" and "collecting" (layout XML files, LESS files for @magento_import) mechanisms for better abstraction
     * Used the concept of "view asset" in client code of the View library across the board
     * Refactored and simplified LESS preprocessing library, mechanisms of merging and minifying static view files
     * Reworked the way how links to static view files are generated and served):
         * Changed the strategy of generating unique URL for view static files
         * Separated the view files publication process from the page generation
         * Added a separate entry point (pub/static.php) for file materialization
     * View files deployment tool changes:
         * Renamed CLI script from generator.php to deploy.php
         * Fixed the known limitation of view files deployment tool of being unable to materialize files per languages. Now the list of intended languages can be provided as a CLI parameter
         * Expanded the tool parameters
     * Improved security and reliability of view files structure:
         * Restructured the module view folder by file type: "web"  view static files, "templates"  module template files, and "layout"  module layout files
         * Reworked the theme module folder to repeat the same structure as in the module
         * Added web folder to a theme root which contains static view files
         * Renamed the pub/lib to lib/web. Currently there are no static files that are publicly accessible by default. All static view files may be subject of preprocessing
         * Renamed the former lib to lib/internal
  * Support of RequireJS:
     * Adopted RequireJS library and implemented ability for modules or themes to introduce RequireJS configuration (aka shim-config)
     * Refactored scripts in the Magento_ConfigurableProduct module to be loaded via RequireJS
* Tax calculation updates:
  * Fixed tax calculation rounding issues when discount is applied
  * Fixed extra penny problem when exact tax amount ends with 0.5 cent
  * Fixed tax calculation errors when customer tax rate is different from store tax rate
  * Added support to round tax at individual tax rate
  * Fixed price inconsistencies between catalog and shopping cart
  * Added support to maintain consistent price including tax for customers with different tax rates
  * Added support to allow tax rules with different priorities to be applied to subtotal only
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to place an order with Zero Subtotal Checkout using checkout with multiple addresses
  * Fixed an issue where an irrelevant  confirmation window appeared when placing an order with Zero Subtotal Checkout in the backend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to create an order for a new customer in the backend if gift options were  enabled
  * Fixed an issue where a wrong message about backordered items in cart was displayed in the backend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to perform a checkout with multiple addresses when the  Validate Each Address Separately option in Multi-address Checkout was enabled
  * Fixed an issue where the Minimum Order Amount option was applied to the orders
  * Fixed an issue where the duplicated element  caused  problems when attempting to customize styling  of the section
  * Fixed an issue where a user was redirected to Dashboard when clicking the Search  and Reset buttons on the Recurring Profile page
  * Fixed an issue where the Enabled for RMA option was available for online shipping method in Magento 2 CE
  * Fixed an issue when free shipping was applied even if the Free Shipping with Minimum Order Amount option was disabled
  * Fixed an issue with not displaying a downloadable product with the Links can be purchased separately option enabled on the grouped product page
  * Fixed an issue of not generating product price variations during configurable product creation
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect work of category pager
  * Fixed an issue with file permissions change after the system backup was run
  * Fixed an issue with inconsistency between the REST request and response format
  * Fixed an issue with the Magento Contact Us form not submitted if secure_base_url doesn't contain "https"
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect display of the Price as configured field which didnt count product options cost
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect redirect when clicking the product URL in Pending Review Rss
* JavaScript improvements:
  * Added standard validation to the front-end address fields
  * Implemented the wishlist widget
  * Implemented the tabs widget
  * Implemented the collapsible widget
  * Implemented the accordion widget
  * Implemented the tooltip widget
  * Standardized widgets used on one page checkout

* Tax calculation updates:
 * Fixed issues in tax calculation rounding with discount applied
 * Fixed an issue with extra penny  when exact tax amount ended with 0.5 cent
 * Fixed an issue where there were tax calculation errors when customer tax rate was different from store tax rate
 * Added support to round tax at individual tax rate
 * Fixed price inconsistencies between catalog and shopping cart
 * Added support for maintaining consistent price including tax for customers with different tax rates
 * Added support for applying tax rules with different priorities to subtotal only
* Fixed bugs:
  * Removed the extra '%' sign in the error\notice message on Gift Card Accounts page on the backend
  * Fixed an issue with image uploading functionality in the Catalog configuration
  * Fixed an issue where a customer could not navigate the store when downloading the downloadable product
  * Fixed an issue where adding CMS block Catalog Events Lister caused an error
  * Fixed an issue where the price was displayed twice on the Product page on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where an admin could not open search results on the backend
  * Fixed an issue where the Rule Based Product Relations functionality was generating incorrect SQL when product category attribute was set through "is one of" or "contains" operator by constant value
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add a product to the Compare list for  categories with three-column page layout
  * Fixed an issue where a blank page opened when changing store view on a product page on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where the  "Please specify at least one search term." error message was not displayed if search is performed without search data specified on the frontend
  * Fixed a Google Chrome specific issue where page layout was broken when updating status for reviews on the backend
  * Fixed admin look and feel issues
  * Fixed an issue where the order notices and error messages were not red
  * Fixed a UI issue which appeared during custom attribute creation
  * Fixed an issue where the popup did not open after clicking What's this? next to the Remember Me check box  when persistent shopping cart was enabled
  * Fixed an issue where the options of the Add Product split dropdown did not fit the page
  * Fixed an issue where the default theme preview image sample link was missing
  * Fixed a Safari and Internet Explorer 9 specific issue where the backend menu is not displayed for users with custom admin roles
  * Fixed an issue where  the price of bundle products was not  displayed correctly on the product page on the frontend
  * Fixed a UI issue in the debug mode configuration
  * Fixed minor issues with page layout
  * Fixed an issue where the mini shopping cart loaded data from cache
  * Fixed an issue where there was an incorrect value in the Grand Total (Base) column in the Orders grid if Catalog Price Scope was set to Website
  * Fixed an issue where the Entity Generator tool did not accept the "class" parameter
  * Fixed an issue where the default email template was not applied when the custom template in use was deleted
  * Fixed an issue where shipping price for flat rate was set to 0 in the side block during checkout of a product with a configured recurring profile
  * Fixed an issue where it was possible to create more Shipping Labels than there were products in the shipment
  * Fixed an issue where data about "SHA-IN Pass Phrase" was missing after changing "Payment Action" in the Ogone payment method configuration
  * Fixed performance issues with reindexing of the Price indexer
  * Fixed an issue where importing tax rates with postal code = * led to incorrect data entered into database
  * Fixed an issue where incorrect link to reset password was sent if secure URL was used on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where the Links section was absent while editing downloadable products from the Wishlist
  * Fixed an issue where specified details for composite products were lost after adding to Gift Card and Downloadable products to the Wishlist
  * Fixed and issue where the Date widget was set to incorrect date when creating a new customer
  * Fixed an issue where a customer was redirected to Dashboard if the Redirect user to dashboard after login option was set to No
  * Fixed an issue where a customer was not able to register during checkout if Guest Checkout was not allowed
  * Fixed an issue where System logs were not generated properly in integration tests
  * Fixed benchmarking script
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to put store to the maintenance mode during backup
  * Fixed insecure use of mt_rand()
  * Fixed an issue where Quoted price was displayed incorrectly from the shopping cart in the backend
* Functional tests:
  * Tax Rule Creation
  * Admin User Roe Creation
  * Simple Product Creation
  * Customer Group Creation
  * Update Backend Customer
  * Newsletter Creation
* Updated composer.json.dist to download and install MTF from Public GitHub repository
* GitHub requests:
  * [#542] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/542) Fix ImportExport bug which occurs while importing multiple rows per entity
  * [#507] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/507) "Insert Image" window is overlapped on menu

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where a blank page was displayed when changing store view on a product page
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to change attribute template during product creation
  * Fixed an issue where the Categories field and the New Category button was displayed during product creation for users with no permissions to access Products and Categories
  * Fixed an issue where no records were found in the User Roles grid if no users were assigned to a role
  * Fixed an issue where variable values in the Newsletter templates were not displayed
  * Fixed an issue where 'No files found' was displayed in the JS Editor on the Design page
  * Fixed an issue where the State/Province list on frontend was displayed with HTML tags if inline translate was enabled
  * Fixed an issue where CAPTCHA was not displayed on the Contact Us page
  * Fixed an issue where scheduled backups were not displayed and neither performed
  * Fixed functional tests failing PSR-2 test

* Themes update:
  * Blank theme was refactored to implement the mobile-first approach
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to place order using store credit
  * Fixed an issue where adding products with custom options from a wishlist to shopping cart caused an error
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add a product to the shopping cart from the Wishlist sidebar
  * Fixed an issue where the Add to Wishlist drop-down arrow was missed on the category page on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to manage multiple wishlists on the frontend if FPC was disabled
  * Fixed an issue where prices with taxes were not displayed on the category and product pages on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to store cache when using either Varnish or built-in cache
  * Fixed an issue where all refactored indexers were in the REINDEX REQUIRED status after installation
  * Fixed an issue where admins with limited access could perform operations not allowed by role permissions
  * Fixed an issue where http links were generated instead of https links
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to use Subcategories when building a condition for a catalog price rule
  * Fixed an issue where a registered customer could not place an order using PayPal Payments Advanced
  * Fixed an issue where PayPal Settlement report was empty
  * Fixed an issue where a newly created subcategory was still active after switching to the Default category
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to save changes or remove a customer address on the backend
  * Fixed an issue where for an admin with restricted permissions previewing a newsletter template caused a fatal error
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to save a Tax Rate if specified that Zip was a range, and the Zip/Post Code field was left empty
  * Fixed an issue where Puerto Rico was listed both as a state and as a country
  * Fixed an issue where the Special Price was displayed instead of the place of Original Price in the Items Ordered column if the orders list.
  * Fixed an issue in Widget configuration where category check boxes did not stay selected when Anchor Categories were specified in the Display On drop-down list.
  * Fixed an issue where admin user password confirmation was not validated on the server side
  * Fixed an issue where adding a customer review caused an error
  * Fixed an issue where the incorrect error messages were displayed if an invalid email was entered during admin user or customer creation
  * Fixed an issue with the Debug section in developer settings, which should only be displayed for the website or store view scope level
  * Fixed an issue where the fatal error was displayed after uninstall if during installation it was specified to save session in the database
  * Fixed an issue where a wrong error message was displayed when a non-existing database was specified when installing Magento using the console install script
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add products from a wishlist to a shopping cart
  * Fixed an issue where an error appeared after Magento installation
  * Improved the Blank theme UI
  * Fixed an issue with a zooming product image overlapped by category design on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to select only billing or only shipping address when editing the user address on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to view a Wishlist in the Wishlist Search widget
  * Fixed an issue where partial cache invalidation did not work for built-in caching
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to find a catalog event using the Countdown Ticker grid filter if the event had been specified to be displayed on both category and product pages
  * Fixed incorrect error messages displayed during customer registration
  * Fixed an issue where product attributes from other store views were displayed for products in a Wishlist
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to place an order without the CheckoutAgreements module
  * Fixed an issue where the Media Image attribute type was not available when creating the product attribute
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect label attribute for the State/Province drop-down list on the Shipping Information tab
  * Fixed an issue where using only digits in the SKU field of configurable products led to a confusing behavior
  * Fixed an issue where a catalog price rule was not shown on the catalog and product pages on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where Recurring Profiles (payments) were available on the frontend for any registered user who had the URL
  * Fixed an issue where a credit card frame was absent on the Payment Information step of Onepage Checkout, if there was only one payment method with a credit card available
  * Fixed an issued where it was impossible to use inline translate for the My Account and Register links on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to activate a customer using REST
  * Fixed an issue with the undefined version_compate method called in \lib\Magento\Connect\Validator.php
  * Fixed an issue with invalid XML formatting of Boolean in REST response
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to perform installation using index.php from the pub folder (problem with JS and CSS)
  * Fixed an issue where the Multiple Wishlist functionality did not work correctly with enabled Full Page Cache in the Chrome browser
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to change an admin frontname using console installation
  * Fixed an exception on the Transaction page when searching by payment method
  * Fixed an issue where the "Add to wishlist" link was displayed in catalog even when the Wishlist functionality was disabled
  * Fixed an issue where the system was broken if an admin user unassigned his own role
  * Fixed an issue with exceptions thrown on attempt to export products for users with store-level restrictions
  * Fixed an issue where two loaders were displayed when saving a category
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to search for a newsletter in the Newsletter grid
  * Fixed an issue where the displayed currency and product price were not changed after switching to a new currency
  * Fixed an issue with frontend crashing when deleting a product from a mini shopping cart
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add a bundle product to a shopping cart
  * Fixed an issue where a configurable product base image disappeared when selecting product variations
* Functional tests:
  * Functional end-to-end tests publication
     * Bundle product
     * Category
     * Customer
     * Configurable product
     * Downloadable product
     * Newsletter
     * Review
     * Simple product
     * Sitemap
     * Store
     * Tax Rule
     * User
     * Virtual product
* Service layer updates:
  * Move CurrentCustomerService from Service to Helper
* GitHub requests:
  * [#544] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/544) Performance tests not working
  * [#554] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/554) Performance tests - Fix jmeter output format
  * [#525] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/525) Fix typo in FS Generator help message
  * [#563] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/563) Admin Login not working #563

* Pricing improvements:
  * Eliminated code duplication from templates and implemented new calculation models for the following modules:
     * ConfigurableProduct
     * Wishlist
     * Rss
     * ProductAlert
* JavaScript improvements:
  * Removed head.js usages from frontend
  * Removed head.js usages from adminhtml
* Themes update:
  * Plushe styles are removed, Plushe theme is now based on blank
* Fixed bugs:
  * Unable to place order with product that contains custom option 'file'
  * OnePageCheckout is not working if PayPal method is enabled to work via Payment Bridge
  * Impossible to reset password for admin user (incorrect reset password link in email)
  * Errors when deleting customer group specified as default one in the config
  * A number of essential buttons do not work and block other functionality in Internet Explorer 10
  * "Insert Widget" button is missing in Insert Widget popup while creating CMS page
  * Impossible to change status for rating in admin
  * System email templates are not loaded when user creates new email template
  * Billing Agreements tab displays during New Customer creation in admin panel
  * Images are not displayed in WYSIWYG when editing default pages
  * Error message "Asymmetric transaction rollback" when creating simple product with flat catalog product option enabled in config
  * Fatal error when trying to preview sample(type=link) or view link for download(type="link") for downloadable product
  * Customer is redirected to Home Page after adding new address during multiple address checkout if secure URLs are enabled for frontend in config
  * Impossible to select value in the State/Province field in the customer registration form when customer uses multiple address checkout
  * Manage Stock option is not editable when using mass action on several products in the admin panel
  * Category is not displayed in layered navigation block when Flat Catalog is enabled in config
* GitHub requests:
  * [#489] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/489) -- PHPUnit 4.0 Compatibility
  * [#535] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/535) -- Image management for products
* Framework improvements:
  * Covered Magento lib form elements with unit tests:
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/AbstractElement.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Button.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Checkbox.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/CollectionFactory.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Column.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/File.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Hidden.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Editablemultiselect.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Factory.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Image.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Imagefile.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Label.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Link.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Multiselect.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Note.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Obscure.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Password.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Radio.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Reset.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Submit.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Text.php`
      * `lib/Magento/Framework/Data/Form/Element/Textarea.php`

* Modularity improvements:
  * Introduced a new CheckoutAgreements module. Moved all "Terms and Conditions" related logic from Magento_Checkout to Magento_CheckoutAgreements
  * Moved library related logic from `Magento\Core\Model\App`
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where Currency Options were not displayed on the Currency Setup tab
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared during customer registration if mail server was off
  * Fixed an issue where customer with middle name did not appear in the Customers grid in the backend
  * Fixed an issue where related products were not displayed on the product page in the backend
  * Fixed the broken View Files Population tool
  * Fixed an issue where Magento broke down if the Main Web Site was deleted
  * Fixed potential security issue with orders protect_code
  * Fixed an issue where an error appeared when placing an order if cache was turned on
  * Fixed an issue where a warning appeared when running system_config.php tool
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect reset password link for users on custom websites
  * Fixed an issue with invalid error message displayed when trying to save a customer group with existing group name
  * Fixed an issue with  menu layout non-responsive behavior  in the Blank theme
* Framework Improvements:
  * Covered Magento library components with unit tests
    * `Magento\Framework\Error\*`
    * `Magento\Framework\Event\Observer\*`
    * `Magento\Framework\Filesystem\*`
    * `Magento\Framework\Filesystem\File\*`
  * Updated the obsolete_classes list with changes, introduced by Offline Payment Methods Module implementation
  * Moved `lib/Magento/*` to `lib/Magento/Framework/*`
  * Covered Magento application components with unit tests:
     * `Store\Model\*`
     * `Sales/Helper/Guest.php`
     * `Sales/Helper/Admin.php`
     * `Sales/Model/Observer.php`
     * `Sales/Model/Payment/Method/Converter.php`
     * `Sales/Model/Email/Template.php`
     * `Sales/Model/Observer/Backend/CustomerQuote.php`
     * `Sales/Model/Status/ListStatus.php`
* Refactored the following modules to use Customer Service:
  * Magento_Persistent
  * Magento_GoogleShopping
  * Magento_ProductAlert
  * Magento_SendFriend
  * Moved customer-specific logic from the Magento_ImportExport module to the Customer module
  * Refactored the rest of Customer Group usages
  * Refactored customerAccountService::createAccount to not expose the hashed password input from webapi
  * Implemented a delimiter usage for Cache key in Customer Registry
* Customer Service usage:
  * Updated exception hierarchy with a new localized exception class
  * Updated CRUD APIs to support email and base URL instead of IDs
* JavaScript improvements:
  * Implemented the validation widget
  * Implemented the tooltip widget
  * Implemented the popup/modal window widget
  * Implemented the calendar widget
  * Implemented the suggest widget
* Added configuration for Travis CI

* Pricing Improvements:
  * Added price calculation component to library
  * Eliminated price calculation from blocks and templates and implemented new calculation models for the following product types:
     * Bundle
     * Simple/Virtual
     * Grouped
     * Downloadable
  * Resolved price calculation dependencies on the Tax and Weee modules
* Themes update:
  * Updated the look&feel of the Admin theme
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with the inability to save product with grouped price when Price Scope = Website
  * Fixed an issue with fatal error on attempt to edit product from wishlist in stores with multiple store views
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add to a wishlist a product with custom quantity
  * Fixed an issue where JS validation was skipped during CMS page creation
  * Fixed an issue with the New Customer Address Attribute page and the New Customer Attribute page having the same title
  * Fixed an issue where a form was submitted two times during CMS page creation
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared when trying to edit product in a wishlist in stores with multiple store views
  * Fixed an issue with inability to change page layout for categories
  * Fixed an issue where the Quantity drop-down list box was disabled for bundle products
  * Fixed an issue where inactive Related Products rules were applied
  * Fixed a clickjacking vulnerability
  * Fixed bugs and added improvements in the Blank theme
  * Fixed an issue where the Flat Rate shipping method was not enabled by default
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect order of products on the Add Product split button
  * Fixed an issue with saving the tier price attribute value
  * Fixed an issue with creating integration from config file
  * Fixed an issue where the Cookie Restriction Mode = Yes configuration was not applied
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to perform ajax actions from backend grids in Internet Explorer
  * Fixed the improper usage of DIRECTORY_SEPARATOR
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible to add new address on customer's account page if default address had been already set
  * Fixed an issue where setting memory_limit to -1 caused installation failure
  * Fixed an issue where the configuration of Admin Session Lifetime was not applied correctly
  * Fixed an issue where Scheduled Export was not performed if exporting to remote FTP server
  * Fixed the wrong default value for PHP memory_limit
  * Fixed an issue where frontend messages were not displayed when FPC was turned off
  * Fixed the position of page action buttons on the Categories page in the backend
  * Improved backend grids UI
* Framework Improvements:
  * Simplified Search related Data Objects
  * Moved lib/Magento/* to lib/Magento/Framework/*
    * Moved lib/Magento/App to lib/Magento/Framework/App
* Refactored the following modules to use Customer service:
  * PayPalRecurringPayment
  * RecurringPayment
  * Multishipping
  * Paypal
* Customer Service usage:
  * Implemented Service Context Provider
  * Restructured webapi.xml
  * Renamed createAccount to createCustomer in CustomerAccountService
  * Implemented Caching strategy for the Customer service
* GitHub requests:
  * [#488] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/488) -- Converted several grids from Magento\Sales module to new layout XML config format

* Framework Improvements:
  * Eliminated the StoreConfig class, and ability to work with Configuration through the Store object. Scope Config was introduced instead.
  * Fixed performance degradation caused by DI argument processors
  * Covered Magento library components with unit tests:
     * Magento/App/Request
     * Magento/App/Resource directory and Magento/App/Resource.php
     * Magento/App/Response
     * Magento/App/Route
     * Magento/App/Router
     * Magento/App/Http.php
     * Magento/Translate.php
  * Improved the Web API framework based on Customer Service
  * Updated the API Service Exception Handling
  * Changed the conventional notation of Vendor name in theme path: from `app/design/<area>/<vendor>_<theme>` to `app/design/<area>/<vendor>/<theme>`
  * Renamed the 3DSecure library to CardinalCommerce, and removed the unused flex library
* Themes update:
  * Updated the look&feel of the Admin theme
* Modularity improvements:
  * Introduced a new Store module. Moved all Store related logic from Magento_Core to Magento_Store
  * Moved the library part of the Config component from the Magento_Core module to the library
  * Moved the Session related logic from the Magento_Core module to the library
  * Moved the abstract logic related to Magento "Module" from Magento_Core to the library
  * Moved the form key related functionality to the library
  * Introduced a new Magento_UrlRewrite module and moved related classes from Magento_Core to the new module
  * Moved the resource model to Magento_Install module
  * Eliminated the Core\Helper\Js class
  * Moved the Email related logic from Magento_Core module to Magento_Email module
  * Moved the Cache related logic from the Magento_Core module to the library
  * Resolved issues which appeared when an order had been placed before the Magento_Payment module was disabled
  * Eliminated Magento_Catalog dependency on Magento_Rating
  * Removed the Magento_Rating module, its logic moved to Magento_Review
  * Moved the View related components from Magento_Core to the Magento/View library
* Refactored the following modules to use Customer Service
  * Magento_Multishipping
  * Magento_Paypal
  * Magento_Log
  * Magento_RSS
  * Magento_Review
  * Magento_Wishlist
  * Magento_Weee
  * Magento_CatalogInventory
  * Magento_CatalogRule
  * Magento_SalesRule
* GitHub requests:
  * [#520] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/520) -- Fixed spelling in Magento\Payment\Model\Method\AbstractMethod
  * [#481] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/481) -- GD2 Adapter PHP memory_limit
  * [#516] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/516) -- Make Sure That save_before Event Is Dispatched
  * [#465] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/465) -- Absolute path is assembled incorrectly when merging js/css files
  * [#504] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/504) -- Renamed "contacts" module to "contact"
  * [#529] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/529) -- Fixed exception at admin dashboard
  * [#535] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/535) -- Fixed an issue during creating or editing product template
  * [#535] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/535) -- Fixed Typo in the module name
  * [#538] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/538) -- Fixed missing tax amount in the invoice
  * [#518] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/518) -- Change to Magento\Customer\Block\Widget\Dob new version
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed implementation issues with Cron task group threading
  * Fixed inability to place order during customer registration flow
  * Fixed an issue where after JS minification errors appeared when loading pages which contained minified JS
  * Fixed an issue where it was impossible for users with restricted permission to export certain entities
  * Fixed an issue where checkout was blocked by the "Please enter the State/Province" pop-up for customers that had saved addresses
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared when trying to check out the second time with OnePageCheckout
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared when trying to create an online invoice for an order placed with PayPal Express Checkout (Payment Action = Order)
  * Fixed an issue where the special price for a bundle product was calculated wrongly
  * Fixed an issue where a fatal error appeared when trying to create a shipment for an order if Magento was installed without the USPS module
  * Fixed an issue where the Lifetime Sales and Average Orders sections of the Admin Dashboard were missing
  * Fixed an issue where the active tab changed after changing the attribute set
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect order of product types in the Add Product menu in the backend
  * Fixed an issue with saving the tier price attribute
* JavaScript improvements:
  * Upgraded the frontend jQuery library to version 1.11
  * Upgraded the frontend jQuery UI library to version 1.10.4
  * Modified the loader widget to render content using handlebars
  * Added the 'use strict' mode to the accordion widget
  * Added the 'use strict' mode to the tab widget

* Framework Improvements:
  * Fixed performance degradation caused by DI argument processors
* Modularity improvements:
  * Introduced the Magento_UrlRewrite module, and moved corresponding classes from Magento_Core to Magento_UrlRewrite
  * Moved all Install logic to the Magento_Install module
  * Eliminated the Core\Helper\Js class
  * Moved the Email related logic from the Magento_Core module to the Magento_Email module
  * Moved the Cache related logic from the Magento_Core module to library
* Indexer improvements:
  * Added execution time hints for console reindex
* Customer Service usage:
  * Refactored the Magento_Newsletter module to use Customer service layer
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with resetting customer password from the frontend
  * Fixed an issue where mistakenly the attribute of the Customer Address Edit form was cached
  * Fixed an issue where admin could not unsubscribe customer on the customer edit page in the backend
  * Fixed an issue where customers were always subscribed to the newsletter even if not selected during registration
* GitHub requests:
  * [#325] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/325) -- ImportExport: Fix notice if _attribute_set column is missing

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with displaying product on the frontend when the product flat indexer is enabled
  * Fixed an issue with applying catalog price rules on the category level
  * Fixed an issue where the essential cookies like CUSTOMER, CART, and so on were not created in Google Chrome
  * Fixed an issue with placing orders by customers assigned to a VAT group
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect error message during registration, and inability for a shopper to ask for resending a confirmation email
  * Fixed an issue where the Catalog module resource Setup Upgrade logic was broken
* Modularity improvements:
  * Moved abstract Core models and related logic to the Magento/Model library
  * Moved the abstract DB logic and Core resource helpers to the Magento/DB library
  * Eliminated the Core\Model\App class
  * Moved the Magento Flag functionality to the library
  * Resolved dependency of the Catalog and related modules on the Review module
  * Moved indexers related logic from the Core module to the Indexer module
  * Moved the Inline translation and user intended translate functionality from the Core module to a separate Translation module
* Framework Improvements:
  * Covered Magento library components with unit tests:
     * Magento\Config
     * Magento\Convert
     * Magento\Controller
     * Magento\Data\Collection\Db
     * Magento\Mview
     * Magento\Url and Magento/Url.php
  * Covered Magento application components with unit tests:
     * Magento\Checkout\Model\Config
     * Magento\Checkout\Model\Observer
     * Magento\Checkout\Model\Type
     * Magento\Sales\Model\Config
  * Renamed LauncherInterface to AppInterface
* Improvements in code coverage calculation:
  * Updated the whitelist filter with library code for integration tests code coverage calculation
* GitHub requests:
  * [#512] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/512) -- Theme Thumbnails not showing
  * [#520] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/502) -- Corrected Search Engine Optimization i18n
  * [#519] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/519) -- New Theme Activation
* Customer Service usage:
  * Refactored the Log module to use Customer Service
  * Refactored the RSS module to use Customer Service
  * Refactored the Review module to use Customer Service
  * Refactored the Catalog module to use Customer service layer
  * Refactored the Downloadable module to use Customer service layer

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where the schedule of recurring payments was not displayed in the shopping cart
  * Fixed an issue with displaying tax class names in the Customer Groups grid
  * Fixed an issue with testing Solr connection
  * Fixed an issue with using custom module front name
  * Fixed an issue with USPS and DHL usage in the production mode
* Modularity improvements:
  * Consolidated all logic related to Layered Navigation in one separate module
* Framework Improvements:
  * Covered Magento library components with unit tests:
     * Magento/Interception
     * Magento/ObjectManager
     * Magento/Message
     * Magento/Module
     * Magento/Mail
     * Magento/Object
     * Magento/Math
* Updated XML files to include a reference to the schema file in a form of a relative path
* Updated code to be PSR-2 compliant

* Themes update:
  * LESS styles library added in pub/lib/css/
  * A new Blank theme set as default
* GitHub requests:
  * [#491](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/491) -- Fixed bug, incorrect auto-generation Category URL for some groups of symbols (idish, cirrilic, , , and other).
  * [#480](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/480) -- Fixing a bug for loading config from local.xml
  * [#472](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/472) -- Params passed in pub/index.php being overwritten
  * [#461](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/461) -- Use translates for Quote\Address\Total\Shipping
  * [#235](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/235) -- Translation escaping
  * [#463](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/463) -- allow _resolveArguments to do sequential lookups
  * [#499](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/499) Deleted unclosed comment in calendar.css
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed a fatal error that occurred with a dependency in pub/errors/report.php
  * Fixed an issue where code coverage failed for Magento\SalesRule\Model\Rule\Action\Discount\CartFixedTest
  * Fixed an issue where PayPal Express Checkout redirected to the PayPal site even though the Allow Guest Checkout option was set to 'No'
  * Fixed an issue where invalid password reset link was sent when resetting customer password from the backend
  * Fixed an issue where it was not possible to download a previously created backup
  * Fixed a security issue with possibility of a XSS injection in the Integration re-authorization flow
  * Fixed an issue where Billing Agreement cancellation from the backend did not work
  * Fixed an issue with the debug section in the developer settings
  * Fixed the unreliable implementation of the fetching authorization header via SOAP
  * Fixed issues with WSDL generation error reporting
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect order of the Recurring Profile tab in Account Customer on the frontend
  * Fixed an issue when the information about a custom option of the 'File' type was not displayed correctly on the recurring profile page
  * Fixed an issue with editing Product template
  * Fixed an issue with duplicated shipping method options during checkout
  * Fixed an issue where flat indexers were re-indexed in shell when they were disabled
  * Fixed an issue where adding a wrong/nonexistent SKU using 'Order by SKU' from My Account caused a fatal error
  * Fixed an issue with the JS/CSS merging functionality
  * Fixed an issue with static view files publication tool used for the 'production' mode
* Modularity improvements:
  * Removed the deprecated GoogleCheckout functionality
  * Removed all dependencies on the RecurringPayment module
  * Removed the Sales module dependencies on Customer models/blocks
  * Renamed the RecurringProfile module to RecurringPayment
  * Resolved dependencies between the Email Templates functionality and other modules
  * Moved Core module lib-only depended components to library
  * Moved CSS URL resolving logic from publisher to the separate CSS pre-processor
  * Re-factored the View publisher
* Framework improvements:
  * Added restrictions on the data populated to the Service Data Object
  * Renamed Data Transfer Object to Service Data Object
  * Updated the view files population tool to support LESS
* Customer Service usage:
  * Refactored the Tax module to use Customer service layer
  * Refactored Customer module Adminhtml internal controllers and helper to use Customer services
  * Added and updated the Customer service APIs
  * Exposed Customer services as REST APIs
* Indexer implementation:
  * Implemented a new optimized Product Price Indexer
* Updated various PHPDoc with the parameter and return types

* Cache:
  * Implemented depersonalization of private content generation
  * Implemented content invalidation
  * Added Edge Side Includes (ESI) support
  * Added a built-in caching application
* GitHub requests:
  * [#454](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/454) -- Allow to specify list of IPs in a body on maintenance.flag which will be granted access even if the flag is on
  * [#204](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/204) -- Mage_ImportExport: Exporting configurable products ignores multiple configurable options
  * [#418](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/418) -- Echo vs print
  * [#419](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/419) -- Some translation keys are not correct.
  * [#244](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/244) -- Retrieve base host URL without path in error processor
  * [#411](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/411) -- Missed column 'payment_method' of table 'sales_flat_quote_address'
  * [#284](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/284) -- Fix for Issue #278 (Import -> Stores with large amount of Configurable Products)
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where Mage_Eav_Model_Entity_Type::fetchNewIncrementId() did not rollback on exception
  * Fixed an issue where a category containing more than 1000 products could not be saved
  * Fixed inappropriate error messages displayed during installation when required extensions were not installed
  * Fixed synopsis of the install.php script
  * Fixed an issue where the schedule of recurring payments was not displayed in the shopping cart
* Modularity improvements:
  * Introduced the OfflinePayments module - a saparate module for offline payment methods
  * Added the ability to enable/disable the Paypal module
  * Moved the framework part of the Locale functionality from the Core module to library
  * The Locale logic was split among appropriate classes in library, according to their responsibilities
  * Removed the deprecated DHL functionality
  * Introduced the OfflineShipping module for offline shipping carrier functionality: Flatrate, Tablerate, Freeshipping, Pickup
  * Introduced a separate module for the DHL shipping carrier
  * Introduced a separate module for the Fedex shipping carrier
  * Introduced a separate module for the UPS shipping carrier
  * Introduced a separate module for the USPS shipping carrier
* Framework Improvements:
  * Added the ability to intercept internal public calls
  * Added the ability to access public interface of the intercepted object
  * Added a static integrity test for plugin interface validation
  * Added support for both class addressing approaches in DI: with and without slash ("\") at the beginning of a class name
* Customer Service usage:
  * Refactored the Customer module blocks and controllers to use customer service layer
* Security:
  * Introduced the ability to hash a password with a random salt of default length (32 chars) by the encryption library
  * Utilized a random salt of default length for admin users, and frontend customers

* GitHub requests:
  * [#235](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/235) -- Translation escaping
  * [#463](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/463) -- allow _resolveArguments to do sequential lookups
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue where nonexistent store views flat tables cleanuper dropped the catalog_category_flat_cl table
  * Fixed an issue where the Product Flat Data indexer used the helpers logic instead of the Flat State logic
  * Fixed an issue where an exception was thrown when applying a coupon code
  * Fixed an issue where a Shopping Cart Price Rule was applied to the wrong products
  * Fixed an issue with the broken Related Orders link on the Recurring Profile page
  * Fixed an issue with CMS pages preview not working
  * Fixed an issue with a sales report for a store view returning wrong result
  * Fixed an issue where shipping did not work for orders containing only bundle products
  * Fixed an issue where a custom not found page action did not work
  * Fixed an issue where user configuration for a shopping cart rule to stop further rules processing was ignored
* Modularity improvements:
  * Resolved dependencies of the Sales module on the RecurringProfile module
  * Resolved dependencies of the Email Templates functionality on application modules
  * Lib-only dependent components of the Core module moved to library
  * CSS URL resolving logic moved from the publisher to a separate CSS pre-processor
  * Refactored the View publisher
* Customer Service usage:
  * Refactored the Sales module to use Customer service layer
  * Refactored the Checkout module to use Customer service layer
* Updated various PHPDoc with the parameter and return types

* GitHub requests:
  * [#134] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/134) Fixed a typo in "Vorarlberg" region of Austria (was Voralberg)
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with the "Add to Cart" button on the MAP popup of compound products
  * Fixed an issue where the "Add Address" button for Customer in Admin was broken
  * Fixed an issue where predefined data are not loaded for a newsletter when it is added to a queue
* Indexer implementation:
  * Implemented a new optimized Catalog Category Product Indexer
  * Implemented a new optimized Catalog Category Flat Indexer
  * Implemented a new optimized Catalog Product Flat Indexer
* Modularity improvements:
  * Moved all Configurable Product functionality to a newly created ConfigurableProduct module
  * Moved the Shortcut Buttons abstraction from PayPal to Catalog
  * Moved the Recurring profile functionality to a separate module
  * Moved the Billing Agreements functionality to the PayPal module
  * Finalized the work on resolving dependencies between the Multishipping module, and all other modules. Module can be removed without any impact on the system
* Customer Service usage:
 * Updated Customer Group Grid to use Customer Service for data retrieving and filtering
 * Updated CustomerMetadataService::getAttributeMetadata to throw an exception if invalid code is provided
* Unified the format of specifying arguments for class constructors in DI and in Layout configuration:
  * A common xsd schema is being used for defining simple types. Layout and DI customize common types with their specific ones
  * Argument processing is unified, and moved to library

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed inability to execute System Backup, Database Backup, and Media Backup
* Indexer implementation:
  * Implemented a new optimized Catalog Category Flat Indexer
* Cron improvements:
  * Added the ability to divide cron tasks into groups
  * Added the ability to run cron groups in separate processes
* Caching improvements:
  * Added a new mechanism to identify uniquely page content (hash-key for cache storage)
  * Added a tab for Page Cache mechanism in System Configuration
  * Implemented the ability to configure the Varnish caching server settings and download it as a .vcl file
* LESS pre-processing to CSS
  * LESS files in library, theme, module are automatically compiled to CSS during materialization
  * LESS files compilation caching mechanism added in Developer mode
* Modularity improvements:
  * Moved the Shortcut Buttons abstraction from PayPal to Catalog
  * Moved the Recurring Profile functionality to a separate module
  * Moved the Billing Agreements functionality to the PayPal module
* Improvements in code coverage calculation:
  * Added code coverage calculation in the clover xml format for unit tests
* GitHub requests:
 * [#377] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/377) Remove and avoid javascript eval() calls
 * [#319] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/319) No message was displayed when product added to shopping cart.
 * [#367] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/367) Improve the error message from the contact form
 * [#469] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/469) Can't change prices on different websites for custom options
* Updated the Customer service exception handling, and added tests
* Added usage of the Customer service to the Customer module, replacing some direct usage of the Customer model
* Updated various PHPDoc with the parameter and return types

* Modularity improvements:
  * Moved abstract shopping cart logic from the Paypal module to the Payments module
* Caching improvements:
  * Added a new mechanism to uniquely identify page content (a hash-key for cache storage)
  * Replaced the "magentoZoom" plugin with two widgets: the "gallery" and "zoom"
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with inserting an image in WYSIWYG editor where the selected folder was stored in session
  * Fixed an issue with CMS Page Links not being shown because of the empty text in the link
  * Fixed an issue where zooming functionality was not disabled for the responsive design
  * Fixed an issue with zooming on a configurable product page where the main product image was shown instead of the selected option images
* Updated various PHPDoc with parameter and return types
* Moved quote-related multishipping logic to the Multishipping module
* Resolved dependencies between the Payment and Multishipping modules
* Moved the framework part of the Translate functionality from modules to the library
* Created the architecture for the email template library
* Introduced a consistent approach for using the Config scope
* Fixed an issue with the dependency static test

* Modularity improvements:
  * Consolidated all PayPal-related logic in a separate module
  * Resolved dependencies on the Magento_GroupedProduct module
  * Added the ability to enable/disable/remove the Magento_GroupedProduct module without impact on the system
* Implemented the Oyejorge Less.php adapter
* Implemented the Less files importing mechanism
* Added the ability to configure certain cache frontend, and associate it to multiple cache types, thus avoiding the duplication of cache configuration
* Implemented the more strict format of array definition in the DI configuration:
  * Covered array definitions with XSD, and made the whole DI configuration validated with XSD
  * Added the ability to define arrays with keys containing invalid XML characters, that was impossible when keys were represented by the node names
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with missed image for a cron job for the abandoned cart emails
  * Restored the ability to configure cache storage in `local.xml`
  * Fixed an issue with the css\js merging functionality
  * Fixed an issue with customer selection on the order creation page
* AppInterface renamed to LauncherInterface
* Removed the reinit logic from the Config object
* Framework part of the "URL" functionality removed from modules
* Framework part of the "Config" functionality removed from modules
* Removed the deprecated EAV structure creation method from the EAV setup model
* Updated various PHPDoc with parameter and return types
* Indexer implementation:
  * Implemented a new indexer structure
* Refactored Web API Framework to support the Data Object based service interfaces
* Refactored controllers, blocks and templates of the Sales module to use Customer service
* GitHub requests:
  * [#275] (https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/275) -- XSS Vulnerability in app/code/core/Mage/CatalogSearch/Block/Result.php
* Removed the outdated Customer service

* Modularity improvements:
  * Moved all Grouped Product functionality to newly created module GroupedProduct
  * Moved Multishipping functionality to newly created module Multishipping
  * Extracted Product duplication behavior from Product model to Product\Copier model
  * Replaced event "catalog_model_product_duplicate" with composite Product\Copier model
  * Replaced event "catalog_product_prepare_save" with controller product initialization helper that can be customozed via plugins
  * Consolidated Authorize.Net functionality in single module Authorizenet
  * Eliminated dependency of Sales module on Shipping and Usa modules
  * Eliminated dependency of Shipping module on Customer module
  * Improved accuracy and quality of Module Dependency Test
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue when order was sent to PayPal in USD regardless of currency used during order creation
  * Fixed an issue with 404 error when clicking any button on a Recurring Billing Profile in the backend
  * Fixed an issue with synchronization with Google Shopping on product update caused by missed service property
  * Fixed ability to submit order in the backend when Authorize.Net Direct Post is used
  * Fixed an issue with notice that _attribute_set column is missing during Import/Export
* Removed the deprecated service-calls and data source functionality
* Request\Response workflow improvements:
  * Added Console\Response
  * Changed behavior of AppInterface to return ResponseInterface instead of sending it

* Introduced a new layout block attribute - cacheable
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with displaying configurable product images in shopping cart
  * Fixed an issue with Tax Summary not being displayed properly on the Order Review page
  * Optimized the Plushe theme CSS
  * Fixed attribute types for configurable product variations
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect link in the Reset Password email for customers registered on the non-default website
  * Fixed an issue with creating orders using DHL on holiday dates
  * Fixed product export
  * Fixed 3D secure validation
  * Fixed an issue with session being lost when a logged in user goes from store pages using secure URL to the store pages which do not use secure URL
  * Fixed an issue with price ranges in the Advanced search

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed an issue with exceeding the memory limit when uploading very big images
  * Fixed an issue in moving a category when $afterCategoryId is null
  * Fixed an issue when products from a non-default website were not available as bundle items
  * Fixed an issue when orders placed via Authorize.net had the wrong statuses
  * Fixed an issue where orders placed via PayPal Express Checkout could not be placed if HTTPS was used on the frontend
  * Fixed a security issue with a user session during registration
  * Removed a CSRF vulnerability in checkout
  * Fixed an issue with JavaScript static testing framework not handling corrupted paths in white/black lists properly
  * Fixed an issue with Google Shopping synchronization
  * Fixed the contextual help tooltip design
  * Fixed an issue with the Authorize.net CC section UI on the Onepage Checkout page
  * Fixed UI issues on the order pages in the backend
  * Fixed UI issues in the backend for IE9
  * Fixed UI issues on the Edit Customer page in the backend
  * Fixed a UI issue with the image preview placeholder on the Edit Product page for IE9
  * Fixed UI issues with forms in the backend
  * Fixed UI issues with buttons in the backend
  * Fixed an issue with a product status after a virtual product was duplicated
  * Fixed a fatal error with attribute file from the customer account page in the backend
  * Fixed a security issue when CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER and CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST where used with improper values sometimes
  * Updated the field descriptions for Secure Base URL settings in the backend
  * Fixed an issue in product duplication for multiple store views
  * Consolidated several 3rd-party JavaScript libraries in the pub/lib directory, and fixed license notice texts to conform to the open source license requirements
* Service Layer implementation:
  * Implemented the initial set of services for the Customer module

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed invalid year in exception log errors
  * Fixed the double-serialization in saving data for shipments
  * Fixed an issue with adding a gift wrapping for multiple items
  * Fixed shipping labels generation for DHL
  * Fixed an issue with lost product price and weight during import
  * Fixed a fatal error when a file reference is added to the HTML head
  * Fixed an issue with printing orders containing downloadable product(s)
  * Fixed an issue with the 'Same as shipping' check box not being selected on the Review Order page for PayPal Express checkout
  * Fixed an issue with Email Templates preview showing a blank page
  * Fixed an issue with a refund creation from the PayPal side
  * Removed the occurrences of the non-existing Mage_Catalog_Model_Resource_Convert resource model
  * Fixed an issue with a coupon usage after applying it with multiple addresses
  * Fixed the Abandoned Cart emails sending
  * Fixed an issue where users with "Reorder" permission could not perform reorder
  * Fixed an issue with adding items from wishlist to the Shopping Cart with quantity increments enabled
  * Fixed an issue with the catalog_url indexer incorrect rewrites history for categories
  * Fixed an issue in saving an integration with a duplicate name
  * Fixed an issue when a customer could see someone's else reviews on the private Account Dashboard
  * Fixed an issue when a "New Theme" page was displayed as broken when trying to create a theme with incorrect "Version" value
  * Fixed an issue in saving an integration with XSS injection in the required fields
  * Fixed an issue with the Mini Shopping Cart when it contained virtual product
  * Fixed an issue in disabling the Shopping Cart sidebar
  * Fixed an issue when the "Adminhtml" cookie was not set when a user logged in to the backend
  * Fixed an issue when the "Persistent_shopping_cart" cookie was not set after customer's login
  * Fixed inability to publish products to Google Shopping
  * Fixed inability to download or revert the backup
  * Fixed inability to create a customer account when placing an order with a downloadable product
* Various improvements:
  * Disabled PHP errors, notices and warnings output in the production mode, to prevent exposing sensitive information

* Fixed bugs:
  * Security improved for the Login, Update Cart, Add to Compare, Review, and Add entire wishlist actions on the frontend
  * Removed warnings on category pages when Flat Catalog Category is enabled
  * Fixed product price displayed in wrong currency after switching currency on the frontend
  * Fixed the Save & Duplicate action in product creation
  * Fixed big image scaling in product description
  * Fixed admin dashboard styling issue
  * Fixed validation message for the Quantity field on the product page in the backend
  * Fixed the email template for sharing a Wishlist
  * Fixed the response of the drop-down menu in the Plushe theme
  * Fixed the missing Related Banners tab for Catalog Price Rule
  * Fixed inability to enable the duplicated product
  * Removed warnings on saving payment method configuration
  * Fixed gift messages displaying on the Order View page after admin edits
  * Fixed inability to create a new order status
  * Fixed the behavior of the Save and Previous and the Previous buttons on the Edit Review page
  * Fixed inability to delete a website if the number of websites is less or equal to two
  * Fixed Export on the All Customers page
  * Fixed inability to add products to the Shopping Cart from the Category page in Internet Explorer
  * Fixed logo on the backend login page
  * Fixed visual elements to indicate that Tax details can be expanded on the order creation page in the backend
  * Fixed the CMS page preview design
  * Fixed the newsletter template preview design
  * Fixed the Matched Customers grid design in the Email Reminder Rules
  * Fixed the theme version validation message displayed when creating a new theme
  * Fixed performance degradation during installation wizard execution
  * Fixed cron shell script
  * Fixed user login on the frontend, when the Redirect Customer to Account Dashboard after Logging option is set to No
  * Fixed errors in requests to shipping carrier (DHL International) when the shipping address contains letters with diacritic marks
  * Fixed invalid account creation date
  * Fixed displaying Product Alert links on product view page when the functionality is disabled
  * Fixed the absence of some bundle options when configuring a bundle product in the Shopping Cart on the frontend
  * Fixed the issue which allowed to view and cancel billing agreements belonging to another customer
  * Fixed the content spoofing vulnerability when Solr was used
  * Fixed a potential XSS vulnerability in customer login
  * Fixed RSS feed for categories containing bundle product(s)
  * Fixed inability to place an order with 3D Secure in Internet Explorer 10
  * Fixed inability to place an order with PayPal Payflow Link and PayPal Payments Advanced
  * Fixed integrity constraint violation in catalog URL rewrites
  * Fixed the absence of the error when a wrong website code is specified during a website creation
  * Fixed saving in the backend a new customer address, which contains new customer address attributes configured to be not visible on frontend
  * Fixed USPS shipping method in the checkout
  * Fixed placing orders with recurring profile items via PayPal Express Checkout
  * Fixed email template creation in the backend
  * Fixed the issue with default billing address being used instead of default shipping address during admin order creation
  * Fixed inability to choose DB as Media Storage
  * Fixed PHP issues found during the UI testing of the backend
  * Fixed shipping label creation for USPS Priority Mail Shipping methods
  * Fixed the issue which allowed to create customers with duplicate email
  * Fixed the abstract product block error in the tier price template getter
  * Fixed system message displaying in the backend
  * Fixed the "404" error on customer review page
  * Fixed autocomplete enabled on the admin login page
  * Fixed the 3D Secure iframe
  * Fixed the indicators of mandatory fields on the Package Extension page
  * Fixed product image scaling on the Compare Products page
  * Fixed product page design for products with the Fixed Product Tax attribute
  * Removed spaces between parentheses and numbers in the Cart, Wishlist, and Compare Products blocks
  * Fixed the message displaying the quantity for products found on the Advanced Search page
  * Fixed incorrect caching of locale settings and URL settings during web installation
  * Fixed inability to use a newly created store for admin user roles
  * Fixed absence of the Advanced Search field on the frontend, when the Popular Search Terms functionality is disabled
  * Fixed incorrect link to downloadable product(s) in the email invoice copy
  * Fixed customs monetary value in labels/package info for international shipments
  * Fixed importing for files with blank URL Key field on the store view level
  * Fixed table rate error message
  * Fixed frontend login without pre-set cookies
  * Fixed date resetting to 1 Jan 1970 after saving a design change in the admin panel in case date format is DD/MM/YY
  * Fixed CAPTCHA on multi-address checkout flow
  * Fixed view files population tool
* GitHub requests:
  * [#122](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/122) -- Added support of federal units of Brazil with 27 states
  * [#184](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/184) -- Removed unused blocks and methods in Magento_Wishlist module
  * [#390](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/390) -- Support of alphanumeric order increment ids by the quote resource model
* Themes update:
  * Responsive design improvements
* Improvements in code coverage calculation:
  * Code coverage calculation approach for unit tests was changed from blacklist to whitelist

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed [MAP]: "Click for price" link is broken on the category page
  * Fixed tax rule search on the grid
  * Fixed redirect on dashboard if "Search", "Reset", "Export" buttons are clicked on several pages
  * Fixed switching user to alternate store-view when clicking on the Category (with Add Store Code to Urls="Yes" in the config)
  * Fixed printing Order/Shipping/Credit Memo from backend
  * Fixed 404 Error on attempt to print Shipping Label
  * Fixed duplication of JavaScript Resources in head on frontend
  * Fixed inconsistency with disabled states on Configurable product page in the Plushe theme
  * Fixed 3D Secure Information absence on Admin Order Info page
  * Fixed possibility to download or revert Backup
  * Fixed session fixation in user registration during checkout
  * Fixed fatal error during login to backend
  * Fixed inline translations in the Adminhtml area
  * Fixed partial refunds/invoices in Payflow Pro
  * Fixed the issue with ignoring area in design emulation
  * Fixed order placing with virtual product using Express Checkout
  * Fixed the error during order placement with Recurring profile payment
  * Fixed wrong redirect after customer registration during multishipping checkout
  * Fixed inability to crate shipping labels
  * Fixed inability to switch language, if the default language is English
  * Fixed an issue with incorrect XML appearing in cache after some actions on the frontend
  * Fixed product export
  * Fixed inability to configure memcache as session save handler
* GitHub requests:
  * [#406](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/406) -- Remove cast to (int) for the varch increment_id
  * [#425](https://github.com/magento/magento2/issues/425) -- Installation of dev53 fails
  * [#324](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/324) -- ImportExport: Easier debugging
* Modularity improvements:
  * Removed \Magento\App\Helper\HelperFactory
  * Removed the "helper" method from the abstract block interface
  * Layout page type config moved to library
  * Design loader moved to library
  * Theme label moved to library
  * Remaining part from Adminhtml moved to the appropriate modules. Adminhtml module has been eliminated
  * Core Session and Cookie models decomposed and moved to library
    * \Magento\Stdlib\Cookie library created
    * Session Manager and Session Config interfaces provided
    * Session save handler interface created
    * Session storage interface created, session does not extend \Magento\Object anymore
    * Session validator interface created
    * Session generic wrapper moved to library
    * Messages functionality moved from the Session model as separate component, message manager interface created
    * Sid resolver interface created to handle session sid from request

* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed placing order with PayPal Payments Advanced and Payflow Link
  * Fixed losing previously assigned categories after saving the product with changed category selector field
  * Fixed losing of a newly created category assignment after variations generation during Configurable product or Gift Card creation
  * Fixed the error in order placement with Recurring profile payment
* GitHub requests:
  * [#299](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/299) -- Fix for issue Refactor Mage_Rating_Model_Resource_Rating_Collection
  * [#341](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/341) -- Replacing simple preg calls with less expensive alternates
* Modularity improvements:
  * Layout page type config moved to library
  * Design loader moved to library
  * Theme label moved to library
* Themes update:
  * Reduced amount of templates and layouts in magento_plushe theme
  * Responsive design improvements
* Integrity improvements:
  * Covered all Magento classes with argument sequence validator
  * Added arguments type duplication validator
* Implemented API Integration UX flows:
  * Ability to create and edit API Integrations
  * Ability to delete API integrations that were not created using configuration files
* Removed System REST menu item and all associated UX flows:
  * Users, Roles, and Webhook Subscriptions sub-menu items were removed
* Removed the Webhook module

* Modularity improvements:
  * Session configuration moved to library
  * FormKey logic was moved from Session
  * SessionIdFlags from Session was removed
  * Move Page logic to the Theme module and library
* Created integration module UX
* Created authorization service (Magento_Authz module)
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed the issue that prevented a customer group's shopping cart rules from applying properly to prices. The issue occurred when a customer was manually assigned to a customer group and automatic group assignment was enabled.
  * Fixed the bug with schema upgrade scripts not running after installation
  * Fixed the error with a blank page when user tries to get access to a restricted resource via URL (add Secret Key for URL set to "No")

* Modularity improvements:
  * Breakdown of the Adminhtml module:
     * Moved Newsletter, Report logic to the respective modules
     * Moved blocks, config, view, layout files of other components from Adminhtml folder to respective modules
  * Removed application dependencies from the library
* Move Magento\Core common blocks in the library
* Application areas rework:
  * Areas are independent from Store
  * Removed deprecated annotation from the getArea methods
* GitHub requests:
  * [#245](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/245) -- Resolve design flaws in core URL helper
  * [#247](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/247) -- Bug in Mage_Page_Block_Html_Header->getIsHomePage
  * [#259](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/259) -- Turkish Lira (TRY) is supported for Turkish members.
  * [#262](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/262) -- Update Rule.php
  * [#373](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/373) -- [Magento/Sales] Fixed typos
  * [#382](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/382) -- [Magento/Core] Fixed typos
  * [#304](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/304) -- Removed Erroneous closing "
  * [#323](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/323) -- InstanceController.php - made setBody protected
  * [#349](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/349) -- Move Mage_Catalog menu declaration into Mage_Catalog module.
  * [#265](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/265) -- Update Merge.php
  * [#271](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/271) -- Check Data should validate gallery information
  * [#305](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/305) -- Extra ", tidied up nested quotes
  * [#352](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/352) -- Add Croatia Country as part of European Union since 1st July 2013 for default european local countries in configuration
  * [#224](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/224) -- Tax formatting is locale aware and should not
  * [#338](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/338) -- Correcting SQL for required_options column
  * [#327](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/327) -- cart api bug fix & partial invoice credit memo divide by zero warning
* Themes update:
  * Old frontend (magento_demo) and backend (magento_basic) themes are removed
  * Updated templates and layout updates in the Bundle, Catalog, CatalogInventory, CatalogSearch, Downloadable, ProductAlert, Reports, Sendfriend modules
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed the error when  Magento cannot be reinstalled to the same database with table prefix
  * Fixed report Products in Cart
  * Fixed error on attempt to insert image to CMS pages under version control
  * Fixed order status grid so that you can assign state, edit, and view custom order status
  * Fixed Related Products Rule page so that category can be selected on conditions tab
  * Fixed Magento_Paypal_Controller_ExpressTest integration test so it is re-enabled
  * Fixed the bug with international DHL quotes

* Moved general action-related functionality to \Magento\App\Action\Action in the library. Removed Magento\Core\Controller\Varien\Action and related logic from the Magento_Core module
* Moved view-related methods from action interface to \Magento\App\ViewInterface with corresponding implementation
* Moved redirect creation logic from the action interface to \Magento\App\Response\RedirectInterface
* Moved Magento\Core common blocks to the library
* Added reading of etc/integration/config.xml and etc/integration/api.xml files for API Integrations
* Various improvements:
  * Email-related logic from the Core and Adminhtml modules consolidated in the new Email module
* GitHub requests:
  * [#238](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/238) -- Improve escaping HTML entities in URL
  * [#199](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/199) -- Replaced function calls to array_push with adding the elements directly
  * [#182](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/182) -- By default use collection _idFieldName for toOption* methods.
  * [#233](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/233) -- Google Rich Snippet Code
  * [#339](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/339) -- Correcting 'cahce' typo in documentation.
  * [#232](https://github.com/magento/magento2/pull/232) -- Update app/code/core/Mage/Checkout/controllers/CartController.php (fix issue #27632)
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed JavaScript error when printing orders from the frontend
  * Fixed Captcha problems on various forms when Captcha is enabled on the frontend
  * Fixed "Page not found" on category page if setting "Add Store Code to Urls" to "Yes" in the backend config
  * Fixed Fatal error when creating shipping label for returns

* Better Navigation menu rendering due to improved Caching of Categories
* Added Magento\Filesystem\Directory and Magento\Filesystem\File to the library
* Various improvements:
  * Added a static test to check for incorrect dependencies in the library
  * Moved Magento\Core\Model\Theme to the Magento\View component
  * Moved Magento\Core\Model\Design to the Magento\View component
  * Consistent declaration of page-types
  * The Framework part of the Cache functionality moved out from modules
* Themes update:
  * Updated templates and layout updates in the Captcha, Customer, Newsletter, Persistent, ProductAlert, Wishlist modules; old files moved to the "magento-backup" theme
  * Refactored and removed duplicate Persistent module templates
  * Plushe theme made responsive
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed inability to print order, invoice, or creditmemo in the frontend
  * Fixed fatal error caused by the Mage_Backend_Block_System_Config_FormTest integration test
  * Fixed the broken link when the MAP feature is enabled and actual product price is set to be displayed in the shopping cart
* Moved the following methods from Core Helpers to the appropriate libraries:
  * Moved the Data Helper date format related functions to \Magento\Core\Model\Locale
  * Moved the Data Helper array decoration related functions to Magento\Stdlib\ArrayUtils
  * Moved the Data Helper functions that copy data from one object to another to \Magento\Object\Copy

* Application areas rework:
    * Single point of access to the current area code
    * Declare Application Areas
* Various improvements:
  * Breakdown of the Adminhtml module:
     * Moved the Customer-related logic to the Customer module
     * Moved the System-related logic to the Backend module
     * Moved the Checkout-related logic to the Checkout module
     * Moved the Cms-related logic to the Cms module
     * Moved the Promotions-related logic to the CatalogRule and SalesRule modules
  * Eliminated the setNode/getNode methods from Magento\Core\Model\Config and adopted all client code
  * Moved all application bootstrapping behavior to library
  * Moved application-specific behavior from the entry points to the Magento\AppInterface implementations
  * Removed the obsolete behavior from routing and front-controller
  * Refactored the route configuration loading
  * Extracted the modularity support behavior to the Magento\Module component
  * Refactored the Resource configuration loading
  * Removed the obsolete configuration loaders
  * Removed the obsolete configuration from config.xml
  * Refactored the code-generation mechanism
  * Added constructor integrity verification to the Compiler tool
  * Added strict naming rules for the auto-generated Factory and Proxy classes
  * Global functions are now called from app\functions.php
  * Removed functions.php from the Magento\Core module
  * Methods related to mageCoreErrorHandler, string and date were moved from functions.php to the Library components
  * Moved the following methods from Core Helpers to the appropriate libraries:
     * Moved the Abstract Helper to the Magento\Escaper and Magento\Filter libraries
     * Moved the String Helper to the Magento\Filter, Magento\Stdlib\String, Magento\Stdlib\ArrayUtils libraries
     * Moved the Data Helper to the Magento\Math, Magento\Filter, Magento\Convert, Magento\Encryption, Magento\Filesystem libraries and to Magento\Customer\Helper\Data libraries
     * Moved the Http Magento Helper to the Magento\HTTP library
  * The Hint Magento Helper, Http Magento Helper helpers were removed from the Magento\Core module
  * Implemented SOAP faults declaration in WSDL
  * Web API config reader was refactored to use Magento\Config\Reader\Filesystem
  * Created integrations module. Added 'Integrations Grid' and 'New/Edit' Integration pages in the admin
  * Removed obsolete page fragment code
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed inability to create an Invoice/Shipment/Credit Memo if the Sales Archive functionality is enabled
  * Fixed the Minimum Advertised Price link on the Product view
  * Fixed the View Files Population Tool
  * Fixed the error on saving the Google AdWords configuration
  * Fixed the error with the 'Invalid website code requested:' message appearing when enabling payment methods
  * Fixed inability to insert spaces in credit card numbers
  * Fixed inability to print orders from the frontend
  * Fixed the fatal error on removal of reviews that have ratings
  * Fixed JS error with the browser not responding when Virtual/Downloadable product are added to cart
  * Fixed inability to delete a row from the 'Order By SKU' form in Internet Explorer
  * Fixed inability to enable the Use Flat Catalog Product option
  * Fixed inability to configure Grouped and Configurable products during order creation in the backend
  * Fixed inability to insert a widget and/or a banner in CMS pages
  * Fixed inability to set the Quantity value for Gift Cards
  * Fixed the fatal error on the Customer Account > Gift Registry tab in the backend
  * Fixed inability to import with the "Customers Main File" entity type selected
  * Fixed the "Recently Viewed/Compared products" option missing on the New Frontend App Instance page
  * Fixed the fatal error on managing Shopping Cart for a customer with a placed order in the backend
  * Fixed the fatal error on an attempt to create an RMA request for Configurable products
  * Fixed error on the backend dashboard if any value except "Last 24 Hours" is chosen in the "Select Range" dropdown
  * Fixed duplicate values of options in the drop-downs on the RMA pages in the backend

* Modularity improvements:
  * Cleavage of Adminhtml module
    * Moved Sales, Catalog, Tax-related logic to respective modules
    * Moved Action, Cache, Ajax, Dashboard, Index, Json, Rating, Sitemap, Survey, UrlRewrite from root of Adminhtml Controller folder
  * View abstraction was moved into library
  * Eliminated dependency in Magento\Data\Form from Magento\Core module
  * Eliminated Magento\Media module
* Themes update:
  * Templates and layout updates are updated in Cms, Contacts, Core, Directory, GoogleCheckout, Page, Payment, PaypalUk, Paypal, Rating, Review, Rss,Sales, Widget modules, old files moved to magento_backup theme
* Layout improvements:
  * Removed page type hierarchy and page fragment types
  * No direct code execution: methods addColumnRender, addRenderer, addToParentGroup usages as action nodes were eliminated
* Fixed bugs:
  * Impossible to add image using WYSIWYG
  * Legacy static test ObsoleteCodeTest::testPhpFiles produced false-positive results
  * Incorrect copyright information

* Various improvements:
  * Unified Area configuration
  * Moved EventManager to Magento\Event lib component
  * Moved FrontController, Routers, Base Actions to Magento\App
  * Created Magento\App component in library
  * Declared public interfaces for View component into library
  * Plushe theme is set as the default theme
  * Refactor the Blacklist Pattern in the Integrity Test Suite's ClassesTest to Replace Blacklist.php Files
  * Removed JavaScript unit test TreeSuggestTest.prototype.testBind as obsolete
  * Introduced ability to register a template engine to process template files having certain extension
  * Removed support of the Twig template engine along with the corresponding component from the library
  * Removed layout flag that forced template blocks to output rendered content directly to a browser bypassing the response object
  * Moved out responsibility of rendering template debugging hints from the template block to the plugin and decorator for a template engine
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed inability to create product if multiple attributes are assigned to attribute set
  * Fixed inability to create a new widget instance
  * Fixed error on Customers Segments Conditions tab while the 'Number of Orders' condition is chosen
  * Fixed blank page when placing order via Ogone
  * Fixed various UI issues in Admin Panel with layout, aligning, buttons and fields
  * Fixed static tests failing to verify themes files

* Various improvements:
  * Added static integrity test for compilation of DI definitions
  * Lightweight replacement for PhpUnit data providers is implemented and involved in static and integrity tests with big data providers (primarily file lists)
* Fixed bugs:
  * Fixed broken styles on front-end due to usage of nonexistent stylesheet
  * Fixed plugins configuration inheritance for proxy classes
  * Fixed OAuth consumer credentials expiry not being correctly calculated and added credentials HTTP post to the consumer endpoint
  * Fixed Namespace class references
  * Fixed error on creating shipment with bundle products
  * Fixed uninstallation via console installer
  * Fixed JavaScript error in bootstrap in IE8/9
  * Fixed placing order within PayPal Payments Advanced and Payflow Link
  * Fixed fatal error on placing order with Billing Agreement