Avast 2015

Question

Looks like avast! has just released avast! 2015 .   They are continuing to use the year for the "version" number (rather than calling it "avast 10" [although internally, it's 10.0.2206]).
I have NOT yet tested this product... we'll see when I get around to it.   Even though this is an "official" release [i.e., no longer in beta], I would suggest people wait a few weeks, until this new product is fully tested (unless you're intentionally "playing with it" on a non-essential "test box", just to see what happens).
Here is the list of major changes/improvements (copied/pasted from https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=157515.0 )
• HTTPS scanning
Ability to detect and decrypt TLS/SSL protected traffic in the Web-content filtering component. This feature will protect you against viruses coming through HTTPs traffic as well as adding compatibility for SPDY+HTTPS/ HTTP 2.0 traffic. You can tune/disable this feature in the settings section.
• AVAST NG (Next Generation technology)
A hardware based virtualization solution capable of running each Windows process in standalone safe virtualized environment (VM) and fully integrated to your desktop. Each process is executed in its own instance of VM, which means totally isolated from your other applications. This feature is now powering the Avast DeepScreen, resulting in better detection. Avast NG requires HaredWare virtualization enabled.
• SecureDNS (this feature is active in the paid versions only)
A new provider which guards against unprotected DNS/DNS hijack on a router/client (including unsecured networks, public ones, etc.).
• Home Network Security
Scan your home network for vulnerabilities (wifi status, connected devices, router settings, factory passwords, etc.). It helps to discover potential problems not isolated on the particular device only, but in the entire network of devices you use or connect to the Internet from.
• Smart Scan
Integrated all on demand scans into one (Antivirus, Software updates, Home Network, GrimeFighter). One scan, different results and recommendations.
• GrimeFighter Free
GrimeFighter will offer free cleaning of junk files and tuning of system settings. These tasks are performed by our Zilch and Torque minions. Other minion functions remain as paid-for features.
• New Support System
Easy contact for paid users to submit a ticket with all info included automatically. Improved knowledge base for free users. Help is completely online and is more up to date.
• General bugfixing
This covers a lot of stability & performance changes in all components (but the main focus was traditionally on the network & engine components).
It should be possible to install this version on top of your existing avast! installation (all settings should be preserved). Or you can use in-product updater.
But to play it absolutely safe, you should BACKUP your existing settings before installing the new version, so that you'll be able to IMPORT them if needed/desired.

Answer 1

I've finally decided to give avast 2015 a chance, on my secondary (WinXP) system.
First, I backed-up all my customized settings by opening the Avast User Interface / Settings / General / Settings Backup / Back up settings.
I downloaded Avast 2015 build 2208 from MajorGeeks... I felt more comfortable using their download, than going through Avast itself... which redirects you to CNet [which has a bad reputation for "questionable" installers including extra PUPs] :-(
I then went offline, to run the installer... I didn't want to be online, as I'm not sure how protected I'd be during the installation process.
I made sure to DE-select the two Google/Chrome pre-checked options, and go for a CUSTOM installation.
I DE-selected Secure Line (which, to the best of my understanding, is a PAID service), and Grime Fighter (which I believe is just a bunch of garbage I don't want on my system).   Since this was an XP system, Avast recognized that:  it automatically removed mention/choice of the Avast "Gadget", as well as NG, the "Next-Generation" which requires hardware virtualization that's not part of my ancient XP system.   I  allowed the new Home Network Security... I'm curious to see what, if anything, that will find.
I noted the EULA, and continued with the installation.   An Avast icon appeared on my desktop... and a reboot was required to complete Avast's installation.
I opened avast's User Interface, to RESTORE the customized settings I had previously backed-up.   (I did NOT take time to investigate... it's possible they might have been properly transferred/imported... I just didn't want to risk things).   I rebooted the system to make sure these would be fully acknowledged.
Looking at the tabs on the left, the STATUS tab (from 2014) has been renamed as OVERVIEW (in 2015).   Several other tabs/functions on the left --- as well as under SETTINGS --- were renamed/combined.  
Observation:   The Overview screen contains a "mysterious" new karma link toward the upper-right.   According to a poster in the avast forum:   "This is new in Avast 2015, you collect Karma [rewards] points [and badges] by using features of Avast, [like] installing Mobile security on your Android devices, posting on the forum, &etc.   It's planned that you can get 'swag' with these points, like free licenses maybe, or other stuff". 
I checked out most of the SETTINGS to make sure they were as I wished... including importing all the customized settings from the previous version.   My registration was successfully carried-over as well.
At this point, I allowed the system back online, updated the definitions, and performed a FULL system SCAN.   Surprisingly, this took only 10 1/3 minutes (including [an optional] scan for PUPs):  17.4 Gig of data, consisting of 77,510 files in 4523 directories.   [As expected, no problems were found.]
I then tried the new HOME NETWORK SECURITY scan.   This scanned my Network and Router... very quickly (about half a minute), and pronounced everything secure:   Wireless secure (=encrypted), Router configured correctly, and my devices are NOT visible from the Internet
By the way, a SMART SCAN (available from the SCAN tab) is a simple way to have avast run all the types of installed scans:   a virus scan, a software-updater scan, AND a home network scan [and Grime Fighter, if that module was installed]; which again showed no problems.
Internet access is working, in IE, FF, PaleMoon & OutLook Express, including access to secure httpS:// sites.
All-in-all, a good experience so far (with the exception of the "karma" nonsense).
Finally, stress again that I have NOT tested avast's NG (Next Generation) hardware virtualization technology, since this feature is not available on XP.   This component seems to be one of the more problematic added to the new 2015 version, so anyone installing/testing it is still on their own.   I intend to wait a while longer before installing avast 2015 on my primary Win7 system.