Mashable reports that Google has a new version of Blogger.com blogging platform available for testing. This new version has loads of new features, including collapsible archive navigation, customizable nav and page layout create-new-post link from webpages (just if you’re logged in already), and more.

The page layout control panel has draggable elements and loads of options for new elements: lists, link lists (i.e., blogroll), text, logo, RSS/ Atom web feed insertion, pictures, and more.

You can also easily change fonts, colours, and backgrounds. There are, however, no new templates to pick from. Too bad. But for people who like the ease of using Blogger.com, I think you’ll like this new beta version, especially the labels (i.e., tags) feature.

According to the Mashable post I linked to above, the pages are now created dynamically, so posting should be faster. Anyone who has loads of posts knows how slow posting can get. This should help things. And apparently, you can make posts private.

I’ve set up an example site, Freelance + Biz-Blogging so that you can see it in action. Take note that I haven’t read any notes in depth about the beta version. If you already have an old Blogger account, you can migrate existing blogger.com-based blogs over to the new platform. And if you have a Google Mail account (signup info), you can instantly create a blog using beta.blogger.com. Have fun.