This is important for us to keep up with.  This will be especially important for MSK144 in the January contest.  MSK`144 Version 2.0 is not backward compatible to Version 1.9.1; i.e., Version 2.0.x cannot decode Version 1.9.1 messages.  Each beta release candidate has a built in expiration date to dissuade folks from trying to run on a beta release forever.  -rc1 expires October 31. -rc2 is currently available and expires November 30. -rc3 will come out November 12 and expires December 31.  GA is scheduled for December 10.

It is the GA release we all need to be on for the January contest.  Remember that V1.9.1 MSK144 and FT8 messages will not decode with V2.0.  So avoiding a storm of email messages is within our hands.  WSJT-X has become an important part of VHF contesting.  V2.0 will give us much of what we have asked for.  A smooth transition is within our control as we have been warned and provided with a migration path

BTW the "virus like" issue with V2.0-rc1 has been resolved and is no longer of concern.

Johnny K4SQC