Minecraft snapshot 13w01a released, contains features for Redstone Update

Mojang has released Minecraft update/snapshot 13w01a. The new snapshot is the first to contain features for the upcoming Redstone Update  (update 1.5) which is set to release in "early 2013." So what are some of the new features in today's update?

Below are the patch notes (via):

  • Redstones circuits are more consistent and pistons should be more stable
  • Added the Redstone Comparator block (this replaces the Capacitor we talked about at Minecon)
  • Added the Daylight Detector block
  • Added a Hopper block (still work in progress)
  • Added a chest that activates redstone
  • Added weighted pressure plates that detect item stacks
  • Added Block of Redstone block (works as a pushable redstone torch)
  • Added a new ore to the Nether
  • Added a Nether Brick item for crafting Nether Brick blocks
  • A whole bunch of other stuff… Try for instance double-clicking items, or drag-placing them, in the inventory

You can download the latest snapshot here: