Java Edition 1.7.6

1.7.6 is an update which implements a new player skin system, and support for player name changing. It breaks compatibility with 1.7.2 - 1.7.5 servers. It was replaced the same week by 1.7.7 to fix a major bug, and then again the next week by 1.7.8 and 1.7.9. The number settled on was 1.7.9.

General

 * Skin
 * Skins and capes are now distributed through servers
 * Skins server outages will occur less frequently and have less impact
 * Skin changes will no longer require client restarting, at worst re-logging will update the skin for everybody
 * Server-altered skins/capes are not possible - only signed URLs are stored server-side
 * Duplicate skins no longer need to be downloaded twice
 * Server traffic will barely be affected
 * Name changing
 * Support for name changing
 * Only the support for changing names, actually being able to change names will come after 1.8 release
 * Options
 * The server resource packs option is now per-server, and has three settings: prompt, enabled, and disabled.
 * The minimum setting for the FOV option is now 30 instead of 70.
 * Realms
 * Improved 'configure' screen
 * Can now OP players from the config screen
 * Easier to invite/uninvite players
 * New button to close/unclose realm
 * Servers
 * Not backward compatible with 1.7.2 - 1.7.5.

Fixes
8 bugs fixed

As of 1.7.6-pre1
 * – Holes in bedrock and Replaced any block using Arbitrary tnt and flame bows
 * – Save-all causes lagspikes on larger maps
 * – Broadcast settings - report to Mojang, links to previous bug reporting facility
 * – "replace" directive in sounds.json does not work
 * – Almost instant motion sickness due to distorted rendering

As of 1.7.6-pre2
 * – Child animals obsessed about their parents, even after growing up

As of 1.7.6
 * - 1.7.5 Minecraft Realms OP Bug