> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.avoautomation.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.avoautomation.com/release-documentation/release-documentation/release-notes-assure-v26.8.0/key-highlights-26.8.0.md).

# Key Highlights 26.8.0

Here’s a quick look at the most important updates in this release – v26.8.0. Explore the latest enhancements, new features, and important fixes included in this release to improve your overall experience and productivity.

* **First Time User Account Activation Email Sent on Account Creation**\
  When a new user account is created, the **Activate Your Account** email is now sent when the **Create** option is selected. The email is sent only once and includes the user token if one is generated. If no token is generated, the token value remains empty.
* **API Assertions for Response Validation**\
  **API Assertions** are now available for validating API responses in API Test Step Groups. You can use the following supported Assertion types:
  * **Response body equals**: Validates whether the complete API response body exactly matches the expected response.
  * **Header exists**: Validates whether the specified header name is present in the API response.
  * **Header Value**: Validates whether the value of a specified response header matches the expected value using an Equals or Regex match type.
* **JSONPath Assertion Supports Multiple Match Types**\
  You can now use the **JSONPath** assertion to validate JSON response values using multiple match types, including **Equals**, **Not Equals**, **Contains**, **Not Contains**, **Regex**, **Exist**, **Not Exist**, **Null**, **Not Null**, **numeric comparisons**, **Data Type**, and **Count**. **Equals** is the default **Match Type**.
* **Grid Configuration Changes Available Only to Quality Manager (QM) Roles**\
  Users with **Quality Manager** (QM) or **QM with Admin** roles can only modify the **Grid** configuration under **Execution** and save the changes. Action controls for modifying the **Grid** configuration are disabled for users with other roles.


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