I use avast! Mobile Security on my Chinese tablet DIGMA iDs10 and the program worked fine when it was version 2. Today I downloaded AMS v3.0.5994 and installed it as free. During the installation it asked me to install some Google services but my tablet is not compatible with Google Market. I clicked to install them but, of course, nothing was installed.
The installation of AMS continued and then I opened the main window. The first thing I saw was the big yellow button. It says: “Unknown”. If my avast! is in free version, I would like to see a button (not yellow which is a sign of some security risk) that says something like “Freeware”.
Then I discovered that I can’t initialize the firewall. When I tried to put it on, the checkbox remained unchecked. At the same time a pop-up appeared but I can’t read it, because it immediately disappeared. So the firewall isn’t functioning now, though it was functioning in version 2 and my tablet is rooted.
I am an atheist but I am ready now to believe in miracles! This evening I started my tablet and opened avast. Suddenly I saw the note that I need to install Google services. Mechanically I clicked the button to install and nothing happened (as usual). Then I tried to switch the firewall on and again nothing happened. I felt upset and continued to try to put it on. First, second, third… I already stopped counting when I saw a pop-up: “The firewall rules were successfully deleted”. And suddenly … I saw that the checkbox is checked and the firewall is on! I hardly believed my eyes! Then I made some firewall customization and it’s still working. What has happened? Was it a glitch or a bug?
I just installed version 3.0.6018 over 3.0.5994: it’s still prompting me to install Google services.
OT: I have the impression that the cooperation of Avast with Google causes considerable resentment on the part of users. Since the beginning there were complaints that they were practically forced to install unneeded Google Chrome browser. Then there were complaints that Avast actually transmits user information to Google through Google Analytics service. And now there are complaints that AMS actually imposes on its users to install Google services, which they have long been removed from their devices.
The new version required to install Google Play (Google+, advertising and other strays) that a month ago I gladly took down - as if it can't work without them. What a Masonic conspiracy, eh! I fell for the ruse and installed them. Tomorrow I'll take them down once more and will see if it works.
A bit later the user added: http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=289024&view=findpost&p=24311915
I demolished the services as intended. Then I updated the bases, scanned my applications, looked into my Anti-Theft settings - everything works, Google Play services are no longer required. It was a single Google's PR action, I suppose.
Well, I personally don’t use any of the Google Play Services API in my code, but I think that at the moment, the feature that requires Google Play Service correctly is geofencing and I have a feeling that the premium purchases as well. But someone else might tell you more/something different cause as I said, I don’t use that APIs at the moment.
As for me I know the origin of this message and I can ignore it. But then, just imagine anger and resentment of other users, who has devices without connection to Google services.