Hi mops,
Just some basic answers.
1) I do not think this has been stated publically yet, but likely closer to the final release
2) Until the transition is complete they will be developing both platforms, however in the long run it does not make sense to use resources to maintain two different platforms/engines
3) The new version is currently in bets here and will be released in early 2017
4) Both products will eventually use a common engine and virus database, although the programs will likely still differ in their interface and features somewhat