New Beta version 18.7.2350

[hectic-mmv]

Hi everyone,

new beta version 18.7.2350 (build 18.7.3994) is released.

What's new

- We are introducing new style of our settings. The new settings have fresh and simplified modern look and feel. We reduced the number of items so now the most important ones are visible now. The advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area, This secret section is available via search - just fill there "geek:area" - whole string has to be written for entrance to the section. Setting are incomplete, couple sections are still in development. We are hungry to hear your feedback, what do you think, do you like them? All your comments, ideas are appreciated and will be discussed by UI team.

There is a specific thread about new settings (report bugs, suggest improvements, discuss, hate, whatever ;-) - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=221665.0


What was fixed
- Issues with installation and re-installation of the Emergency Update component
- Installation and update of driver related to the SafeZone / Secure Browser bank mode


Known issues

• DND Mode does not block newest version of Skype
• DND Mode does may not load list of already installed apps when very first app is added
• New settings main issues, what does not work
• The sections "Scan", "Exceptions" and "Firewall" haven't been finished yet. But there temporary is a link to old settings.
• A protection of AV itself by password doesn't work properly
• In section Troubleshooting the buttons "Backu up settings", "Restore settings" and "Repair app" don't work (you can still repair the app via MS control panel → Programs and Features).
• A geek section hasn't been finished yet (there is only a list of settings for DND mode)
• Adding apps into sandbox

Download links:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=179943.0

Enjoy this beta!
We are looking forward to your feedback.

AVAST Team.

[NON]

Thanks, updating asap... 

[SpeedyPC]

Please do not rush when releasing to the final stage because there's been another issue with v18.6.2349, I don't care how long it takes, just getting right and fixed way before the final release.

[alanb]

advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area

I assume this is a late April fool's joke rather than a serious attempt to enhance a security tool... 

[NON]

advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area

I assume this is a late April fool's joke rather than a serious attempt to enhance a security tool... 

I prefer this way rather than completely removing advanced settings. Browsers (Firefox, Chrome etc.) do the same way.

First impression of new settings:
Looks a bit crowded but important settings are mostly still there, that is a good thing. And there will be "advanced settings" available.
Overall, I feel this a good design

More comments will be on separated topic.

P.S.
Screenshot attached for non beta-testers.

[alanb]

Hi @NON.

rather than completely removing advanced settings

Was there a proposal/plan to do this then?

[NON]

rather than completely removing advanced settings

Was there a proposal/plan to do this then?

If you mean there was a plan to remove settings from Avast, then I really don't know.
Recent IT trend (which I really hate) is to take freedoms of settings (customizability) away from users and Avast did remove some settings already, so I was a bit worried that Avast might do a drastic removal on this re-design.

[alanb]

Ah - I understand your thinking now.

Yes - a worrying trend ("software vendor knows best - can't trust these damned users!").

Or even worse: "software developer knows best" (Mozilla, for one).  "Take that away from them: they'll only use it to get more out of the product".


EDIT: spelling

[DavidR]

Please do not rush when releasing to the final stage because there's been another issue with v18.6.2349, I don't care how long it takes, just getting right and fixed way before the final release.

For me this is pretty much too damn soon, with only two items fixed

You have a much larger list of Known issues, that were either not fixed in the last beta or regular program update or either weren't listed or have been broken in this beta release.

Seems like this is more of a settings/UI release than anything else.

<snip quote>
If you mean there was a plan to remove settings from Avast, then I really don't know.
Recent IT trend (which I really hate) is to take freedoms of settings (customizability) away from users and Avast did remove some settings already, so I was a bit worried that Avast might do a drastic removal on this re-design.

One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.

[alanb]

One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.

Hear hear!

[schmidthouse]

Updating asap.

[Asyn]

Thanks, testing it asap...

[Asyn]

The new beta is running smooth here, so far.
Screenshot of Avast Geek Area attached...

[MartinZ]

One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.

Hear hear!

Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.

[DavidR]

One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.

Hear hear!

Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.

Unfortunately that isn't going to happen as the only system I used for beta testing is XP.  Since much of this relate to the DND function which isn't compatible with XP and many of those are Known Issues.