You can now launch MySQL 5.7 instances on Amazon RDS. MySQL 5.7 is the latest major version release and offers a number of enhancements for better performance,scalability, and security. Some of the key original features in MySQL 5.7 are: Native support for JSON data type and built-in JSON functions to efficiently store, and search,and update documents. Performance Schema for original and improved performance metrics with the original SYS Schema. Optimizer improvements for better EXPLAINing, parsing, and query performance. GIS with native InnoDB spatial indexes and Boost.
Geometry integration.[br] Improved parallel replication using logical clock mode. Improved InnoDB scalability and temporary table performance,improved tablespace discovery during crash recovery, and dynamic buffer pool resizing.
Source: amazon.com