Redstone now auto-connects to pistons. If I place a line of redstone running along the x axis, then place a (sticky) piston next to the line in the y axis, the redstone line will connect in a way similar to levers. I have not found this happening with lamps, and have not tried it with TNT, dispensers, droppers, or hoppers. I'll make an example with text below
p
----------------------------+---------------------------------------------

-----=redstone
+=connection
p= (sticky) piston