Like previous posters (even Baseman) I am also not impressed with this new feature and I look forward to being given the option to remove it. When will that update be available?
While Baseman was aggressive in his posting, I am of a similar viewpoint -- I am severely unimpressed with having this forced on me. Even after clicking the Disable button, it pops up again the next time I boot my laptop. That is the type of behaviour a virus uses
The last time Avast implemented a feature like this was the Sandbox. But at least that stayed off once I found out how to turn it off. I really don't need to be constantly nagged that every program I start up is a potential virus and should be loaded in isolation like it's some kind of leper. Likewise, as a reasonably technical person I'm perfectly capable of keeping my own software up to date.
If on the other hand you are trying to protect those with no tech skills, then I have to tell you, many are paranoid about popups getting them to install software or click a link. Nobody in their right mind should click "Install Now" from a popup. I've removed viruses off other people's laptops that were pretending to be Microsoft Security Essentials, warning people of risks and trying to trick them into installing software. This Software Updater is too similar.
It's a nice idea but it really needs to be an option and you need to tell people about it when they are upgrading so they know it's safe to interact with. And show them how to permanently disable/enable it.
Like Sandbox, I look forward to being able to permanently remove it before I snap and uninstall Avast in sheer frustration.
Otherwise, keep up the good work.