Why does avast emergency update try to connect to google in the background?

[CitizenOfTheWorld]

Why does "avast emergency update" try to connect to google in the background?
I just booted up today, and during the booting:

filename: b055a600-fd6a-417d-a0a4-9d7a9c647cd9.exe;
original filename: 20131121.exe;
company: avast software;
file version: 8,0,0,0;
description: avast! Emergency Update;

tried to connect to 74.125.225.128 (google)

All by it's lonesome little self

Is this normal, if so, more importantly, why?

This is the first time I've seen this behavior.

Comodo firewall reported this, while all outbound traffic is normally scrutinized, accept

c:\program files\alwil software\avast5\avastemupdate.exe
c:\program files\alwil software\avast5\setup\avast.setup
c:\program files\alwil software\avast5\avastui.exe
c:\program files\alwil software\avast5\avastsvc.exe

which have always had total freedom to connect to the internet, outbound, whenever they've wanted.

this one:

c:\program files\alwil software\avast5\setup\emupdate\b055a600-fd6a-417d-a0a4-9d7a9c647cd9.exe

this is the one reported today by comodo for the first time ever.

I have a rule, which states that no program shall connect to the internet silently, in the background.  Only shall a program connect when I manually tell it to do so.  I do make exceptions from time to time, case in point, but this is my standing default rule.

Anyone care to comment?

TIA! 

[CitizenOfTheWorld]

For continued inquiry, on this issue, see thread http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=140730.0

[Tetsuo]

For continued inquiry, on this issue, see thread http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=140730.0

or mine about the tracking module present in Avast: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=139876.0

[ram1220]

I hate to say it but I think it is time to look for another AV solution. I don't feel like I can trust Avast any longer. Way to much bloat and unexplained stuff going on now with Avast. And the Avast team just stays quiet. I gave up AVG years ago because it became bloatware. I have been with Avast since version 4. But something is not right lately. I have completely lost my warm and fuzzy feeling and can no longer recommend it.

[Para-Noid]

Bloat? No way! avast has a small footprint and easy on the resources.
And avast uses the anonymous information  to improve its products.
If providing avast with my usage info makes for better protection...let them have it. I appreciate the effort. 
 

[Tetsuo]

I hate to say it but I think it is time to look for another AV solution. I don't feel like I can trust Avast any longer. Way to much bloat and unexplained stuff going on now with Avast. And the Avast team just stays quiet. I gave up AVG years ago because it became bloatware. I have been with Avast since version 4. But something is not right lately. I have completely lost my warm and fuzzy feeling and can no longer recommend it.

Yeah, sadly it is the same for me - and I've been using/recommending Avast since version 4.5

[avast@@dvantage77.com]

If we disable the avast! community, will it stop?



Sincerely,
 
J.R. "AutoSandbox Guy" Guthrie

"At this point in time, the Internet should be regarded as an Enemy Weapons System!"

 

[CitizenOfTheWorld]

If we disable the avast! community, will it stop?



Sincerely,
 
J.R. "AutoSandbox Guy" Guthrie

"At this point in time, the Internet should be regarded as an Enemy Weapons System!"

If someone makes a product, and no one buys it, will they go out of business?