Not sure about a new tray table mechanism, but I was on the first flight of 08 last month and I thought it was the same as my other flights on the "older" planes.

I also agree that the tray table is poorly done. On my flight last November on 06, the tray table for 2G was stuck after the meal. After spending hours, the CA's couldn't put it away and the lady had to hold the plates and bowls with her hands. Furthermore, they asked her to sit with her family member for landing.