The AVG Security Toolbar team has recently released a new version of their toolbar. It has a more predictable user experience and does a better job of allowing users to stay in control of their browser. It’s a great example of the Guidelines for add-on developers in action.

It’s encouraging to see the example set by the AVG Security Toolbar team. They’re building valuable add-ons for people and at the same time they’re respecting user choice. Here are some high level examples of the changes they’ve made in the new version of their toolbar:

• It no longer takes over the search provider. Instead it uses the proper IE8 set default provider API so that users can choose their default.
• The close button is visible so that users can manage it like other toolbars. Additionally, the toolbar is positioned in a supported location which improves stability and performance.
• It no longer modifies the new tab page to maintain a predictable new tab experience for users.

Kudos goes out to the AVG Security Toolbar team. On behalf of our shared customers, thanks. Following the Guidelines and using supported extensibility points in this way means that people have a consistent and reliable experience that allows them to stay in control of their browser. This is exactly what we’d like to see from all add-on developers.





Before: Previous version of AVG Security Toolbar



After: Newest version (2.507.24.1) of the AVG Security Toolbar provides a predictable experience and lets users stay in control of their browser



-Paul Cutsinger and Herman Ng

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Posted By: SGT Oddball
06 Oct 2009