It's Just more MTB standards being adopted, 31.8 mm bmx handle bars have been kicking around for a while, tapered head tubes and forks, 20mm wheel axles, bb30 bb shells.
To be honest, a lot of the "new" innovations are aimed at race bmx and not park/street. I'm with Gary on the 24mm cranks, to me, it would best with a euro external bb where a bigger bearing can be used.
It's no bad thing as long as there is a benefit. You have more choice but it's worth remembering that sticking with what you know is one of those choices