Big news is here! We are glad to announce availability of the first public beta version of avast! 7. Main features of this version are:

- New installer
- UI facelift
- FileRep service (cloud based)
- Streaming updates
- Sandbox & Autosandbox improvements
- Browser protection improvements
- Remote assistance feature to help your friends with computer troubles
- Support tool
- Export/Import settings
- Screensaver facelift
- runs on Win8 Developer Preview
- and many, many security improvements

How to install avast! 7
Just run the setup executable (links above). This version can be installed on top of your existing avast installation (6.x).

Known issues
- In some cases, WebRep Chrome plugin is not installed correctly
- The Safezone browser is opening each time when you switch back and to the Safezone
- Plugins for Outlook 2k3 and 2k7 show “runtime error” message
- Sometimes autosandbox toaster does not close correctly
- Problems with avast sounds on Win 7 and Win Vista
- Remote assistance feature sometimes crashes on Win 7 32b, Win Vista 64b
- avast! account functionality is disabled

Feel free to download Avast! Free/Pro/Suite 7 public beta installers here:
- http://files.avast.com/files/avast7beta/setup_av_free.exe
- http://files.avast.com/files/avast7beta/setup_av_pro.exe
- http://files.avast.com/files/avast7beta/setup_ais.exe

Source: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=92820.0