The most important SLR-type feature I look at is the biggest drawback of point and shoot cameras, IMHO. That is shutter response. Most P&S cameras are fine for typical candid-type shots, but don't expect steller results trying to shoot any thing that moves faster than a newborn baby unless you have a couple of seconds to spare.
I haven't monitored the latest round of P&S camera features. They seem to introduce a new camera every week.
Go here for the latest info:
www.dpreview.com
Sherwood