Lets put it this way, they haven't communicated anything about this.
Similar to the Quick Scan, nothing was said when all of a sudden it was removed, then the complaints started, then there was a period of saying it was removed. This stuffed up those who had it scheduled to run and there was no way to change settings.
Now by all accounts the Quick Scan is possibly coming back. But that too was said about the Statistics, being revised and would make a return, that was well over a year ago and no show.
Avast really have to get their act together.