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1Password's latest major update is now available in early access on Macs
1Password has released the latest version of its desktop app to early access on Mac.
1Password rolls out its biggest Mac update in years
AgileBits has finally released 1Password 7 for Mac, and it's the password manager's first major upgrade for the platform in years. The developer has made sure it's worth the download (and your money) by packing in lots of new features, starting with a redesign of the 1Password mini. It can now suggest the log-in items you're most likely to use while in your browser or within apps. If you want to access your vaults, you now simply have to click "All Vaults" on the redesigned sidebar to bring up an interface (see image above) where you can drag and drop log-ins to organize them or to create new vaults.
1Password now lets you see if your password has been leaked
If you have a 1Password membership, you can now check to see if your passwords have been compromised by data breaches and leaked on the internet. It's just a proof of concept feature for now, but 1Password says that in future releases, it will be added to Watchtower within 1Password apps. The feature is an integration of Troy Hunt's Pwned Passwords service that includes over 500 million leaked passwords.
1Password log-ins are coming to third-party iOS apps
The popular log-in repository 1Password is about to get a lot more useful on iOS devices. AgileBits has revealed an extension for using the add-on in third-party iOS apps -- if the developer chooses to build in support. Thanks to the enhanced security measures taken by Apple's pending mobile OS update, the option can be included and doesn't require you to go elsewhere in order to sort your passwords in standalone apps. Of course, this is in addition to 1Password's own built-in browser that currently included and Touch ID is leveraged to access the secured vault of username credentials. 1Password for iOS is a $18 purchase, and we're not holding our breath for similar functionality to arrive on the Android version anytime soon (although on Android LastPass has a similar feature for logging into apps). While you wait for your favorite software to opt in, there's a handy demo in GIF after the break.
1Password for Windows now lets you manage accounts from your browser
AgileBits isn't done sprucing up 1Password just because it released a much-needed Android upgrade; it's also showing some love to the Windows version of its secure account manager. The just-launched 1Password 4 for Windows catches up on features in a big way, including the browser extension previously seen only on the Mac. You're now just a shortcut away from fetching credentials or generating an extra-complex password. The revamp also brings WiFi syncing, multiple vaults and a service that warns you when hackers compromise a site.
1Password for Android can now be your only account manager
For the longest time, AgileBits' 1Password for Android was just a pale shadow of its desktop and iOS counterparts. Besides the ancient interface, you couldn't add anything -- if you signed up for a service, you had to turn on another device just to put the new account behind 1Password's secure walls. As of today, though, the app has caught up. The redesigned 1Password 4 for Android has both a modern interface and true independence; you can add passwords, credit cards and other sensitive info without touching any other hardware. Data syncs like it does on other platforms (including to folders, if you dislike the cloud), and there's a built-in browser if you want to log in as quickly as possible.
1Password's iOS and Mac apps get better sync and edit features
If you use 1Password, you might be worried about the security of your private data, what with all the talk about Heartbleed. Fortunately, the software's developer, AgileBits, says 1Password isn't affected by the OpenSSL exploit, but some of the sites you visit probably are. That's why the company built a service called Watchtower, which allows you to check the vulnerability of sites you frequent. Even still, users will be happy to know that both the password manager's Mac and iOS applications just received a whopper of an update, bringing a bevy of bug fixes, UI tweaks and notable improvements for each platform. Oh, and they're on sale until Friday for $24.99 and $8.99 respectively.
1Password 4.5 for iOS gains features, slims down
Ask any member of the TUAW team what they use to keep track of the swarm of passwords they are confronted with on a typical day, and they're likely to say 1Password. AgileBits today announced a major update to the iOS version of the app, which is available for free to current users. 1Password 4.5 will be on sale at half-price -- US$8.99 -- for those who don't already own it, through Friday, April 25. What's new in the password manager? To start with, the app has a shiny new iOS 7 look and feel, complete with a new icon. But that's just the icing on the cake. Under that gooey frosting is: A 34 percent smaller app footprint, saving 8.6 megabytes of space Faster syncing Search available all the time at the top of the Categories tab and each main category AirDrop support for sharing items Support for multiple vaults once they're configured in 1Password for Mac A new Demo Vault replacing the venerable Demo Mode A redesigned user setup process, as well as an improved upgrade process from 1Password 3 for iOS Support for custom item images (must be added via 1Password 4 for Mac) Tags added in Mac version sync with iOS Improvements and bug fixes in Wi-Fi Sync Support for multiple Dropbox accounts Enhancements were made to the built-in 1Browser to allow for easier logins, faster checkouts, and online form auto-fill much in the way 1Password mini works on the Mac. And speaking of the Mac, 1Password 4.3 for Mac was also released today with a variety of improvements.
Dropbox API changes spell sync troubles for older 1Password iOS versions
Dropbox announced some time ago that it would be retiring its original sync API, and it is being officially put out to pasture on September 1 to introduce a new, more secure version. This is good news for a lot of users, but people still using apps that were built on that older API will likely find those apps won't work as expected after the September 1 cut off. This includes the older v3 version of 1Password for the iPhone/iPad and 1Password Pro for iOS. While the password manager will still work in other respects, Dropbox-powered sync won't function. These apps were pulled from the iTunes store last year to make way for 1Password version 4, which means there is no mechanism to release an update for them, but there are still plenty of people using those previous versions. For those who depend on Dropbox sync and haven't yet rolled forward to v4, 1Password developer AgileBits has announced they will be running a limited-time sale on 1Password 4 for iOS, starting at 8 AM Pacific time on August 8, and ending on August 16. The app will sell for US$7.99, more than half off its current price. You can read their explanation of the whole situation over at their blog. While those who have stuck with the older version of 1P are certainly entitled to use it as long as they can, it's nice to see a developer taking steps to help out syncing users who are caught in an API squeeze.
Apple fixes 'spam hole' issue affecting legitimate messages
Recently, TUAW received several emails from users who were attempting to send developers logs for troubleshooting purposes. Those emails, all sent via iCloud email addresses (.mac, .icloud, .me) would vanish before arriving at their destination. Some companies quickly created workarounds so that users seeking assistance could sneak the attachments around what appeared to be a "black hole" devouring emails with extreme prejudice. An email anonymously sent to TUAW from a reader indicates that Apple has stated they are making adjustments on their end and believe the issue has been resolved.
1Password 4 for iOS offers new interface, favorites, more
AgileBits has updated 1Password for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to version 4 with many super new changes. It's got a beautiful new look and very handy features such as favorites, a built-in tabbed browser, a brand-new setup process and even a "demo mode" for showing off to friends without presenting all of your data. I've spent a few days with 1Password 4 and am happy to report my findings. Looks As they say in Hollywood, 1Password has had some work done. The whole UI has had a major facelift, and it looks good. Right off the bat you'll notice that the lock screen is new. Enter your master password, and you're brought the favorites screen. The icons in the bottom toolbar have changed, too. In the old version they were: Logins Accounts Notes Passwords More In 1Password 4, you've got: Favorites Categories Folders Settings Browser Tap any one to jump right to it. Icons used in the settings and categories screens are clear and descriptive while notes, logins, passwords and software information are also easily identified by their familiar icons. Everything is legible, clear and immediately understandable. Good work to AgileBit's visual and interaction design teams. %Gallery-173286% Use For many, 1Password is a mission-critical utility, including myself. I use it to store all sorts of super important information such as passwords, serial numbers, registration info, identities and more. I take it seriously, and it's clear that the folks at AglieBits understand that. Some evidence of this is the greatly improved browser. With the previous version of 1Password, the browser experience was sub-par. I'd come to a site that requires a password in mobile Safari, jump to 1Password, copy my credentials, jump back to mobile Safari and past them in. With version 4 I'm happy to stay in the app's browser. It's faster than its predecessor and, best of all, makes it super easy to enter your saved credentials. To get started, swipe the browser tab on the far right of the bottom toolbar. Next, enter a URL and off you go. To enter your saved information, tap the key icon to reveal a slip. Tap the appropriate credentials and you're in. Super easy. You also can open several tabs if you need to jump between pages. This works in a manner similar to mobile Safari, so there's nothing new to learn. Favorites is another one of my favorite features. Previously, I'd have to scroll around until I found the credentials I was looking, for example PayPal or Hulu Plus. Now, I can star them as favorites, and they're available as soon as I enter the master password. Those who use the app a lot and store many passwords will see how wonderfully convenient this is. It's also possible to group your passwords, notes, etc. into folders and categories. Again, this makes things easier to find. But the other feature that gets me all bubbly inside is demo mode. To enter demo mode, first enable it in the advanced settings tab. Then, log back into the app with "demo" as the master password. Now the app displays a full set of demo data. Your real data is hidden. What's the purpose of this? On one hand, I used it to take the screenshots in the gallery above. It's also great for showing the app off to family, friends or coworkers. It also lets you get an idea of how certain features work. You're free to play around and experiment without risking your important information. There are other niceties. Swipe across any item to reveal the new action bar. Trash, favorite or smart copy right then and there. Sync options include Dropbox, iTunes file sharing and, finally, iCloud. Plus, 1Password 4 lets you view attachments, just like the desktop version. Conclusion There's a lot to like in this utility. It feels like a whole new app. It looks and performs better than it has. For those who seriously depend on it (like me), that's very good news. 1Password 4 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is available in the App Store now for a special introductory price of $7.99 (it's full price will be $17.99). Yes, it's a separate purchase, but definitely worth it.
AgileBits teases 1Password 4
AgileBits has teased the release of 1Password 4 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (see video below). I've been playing with a beta for a while and I'm eager to share it with you. There are lots of compelling changes. Look for our review when it finally launches. In the meantime, this brief blog post from AgileBits will hold you over.
Network-related crashes in Mountain Lion pinned on proxy settings
Mountain Lion may have a bug that's affecting users who have the Auto Proxy Discovery and Automatic Proxy Configuration networking features turned on, says Daniel Jalkut of Red Sweater. According to Jalkut, apps, like his own MarsEdit, throw an error involving the CoreSchedulingSet or EmptyCoreSchedulingSet C++ objects when trying to connect to some network resources. Working with the folks from Agile Bits, Jalkut traced the problem to the Auto Proxy Discovery and Automatic Proxy Configuration settings in the Network preference pane. Under most circumstances, these options would not be turned on; the exception is in large institutional or corporate networks where specifically required by the network configuration. If these options are selected in the Network settings, then you may experience this crashing problem with apps that rely on Apple's networking libraries. These apps include, but are not limited to, MarsEdit, Tweetbot and Safari. Jalkut recommends that Mountain Lion users turn off the Auto Proxy Discovery and Automatic Proxy Configuration features until Apple issues a fix. You can read more about the networking issue and instructions on how to fix the problem on Jalkut's Red Sweater blog.
Sonos, 1Password apps receive Retina updates
A couple of well-known apps have received updates today providing all of the Retina display love that you've been waiting for. 1Password for Mac and the Sonos Controller apps for iPhone and iPad now have bazillions of more pixels for your viewing pleasure. Over at AgileBits, ex-TUAWer David Chartier noted that "Our valiant designer, Dan Peterson, just got done hand-crafting over three and a half million new pixels just for you, owners of the new MacBook Pro with Retina display. And boy is his paint brush tired! ba-dum" The update to 1Password 3.9.6 for Mac is free for Mac App Store customers, while those who purchased the app via the website get a free upgrade to 1Password 3.8.20 for Mac (go to 1Password > Check for Updates). Next, if you have a Sonos wireless HiFi system, you'll be happy to know that the Sonos Controller apps for iPhone and iPad have high-resolution graphics designed for Retina display devices. Sonos also noted that they've added the ability to use the hard volume buttons on your favorite iOS device to control your Sonos system volume.
A very handy 1Password tip
I can't vouch for everyone out there, but at least amongst the blogging tribe here at TUAW, 1Password (from Agile Bits) is an indispensable piece of utility software. Now former TUAW blogger and current Evernote expert Brett Kelly has documented a cool 1Password tip that I'd like to pass along. Brett notes that he didn't come up with the idea for this tip; he heard it on an episode of the Back to Work podcast and just wrote it up for easier consumption. So, what's this handy tip? Well, it's a way of creating a browser bookmark that will not only open a commonly used website, but also "automatically fire up 1Password and fill in the login for you." That makes it possible to make one little click on your bookmark bar and get logged into a website in seconds. Whenever I can, I like to donate whole blood to a local blood center, so I decided to make logging onto their website for scheduling a donation a one-click proposition. To do this, I launched 1Password on my Mac and looked at the list of all of my logins that are stored in the app. Next, I positioned the 1Password window next to the browser. I had already captured the login information in 1Password previously, which included my email address, birthday, and a password. I dragged the login "button" in 1Password up to my browser's bookmark bar as shown below, and dropped it on the bookmark bar. Now, with a click of the bookmark the page for the blood center is loaded and I'm automatically logged in, ready to set up my next appointment. It's a lot like magic! To quote Brett, "I was a huge fan of 1Password before I learned about this little trick. Now I wish I could physically hug it." Me too, Brett.
Unofficial "Look Up in 1Password" bookmarklet for iOS 5
1Password is one of my most-used iOS apps, since I need it to log in to any site which requires a password. Since the introduction of 1Password on iOS, Agile has provided a bookmarklet which will open 1Password and then search for the current domain. That helps the fact that 1Password can't be fully integrated with Safari on iOS. Unfortunately the bookmarklet stopped working in iOS 5. According to the company's blog, Agile has discontinued the bookmarklet and won't be updating it. They are working on "something better coming up for the future." They went on to add that they want to make 1Password's own integrated browser "more usable as "a Safari replacement, or rather partial replacement." While I will reserve judgment until I see it, I have serious reservations about this plan. I have used iCab Mobile on the iPad for over a year. iCab is a superior browser to Safari, but it is still difficult to use instead of Safari because iOS doesn't allow you to change the default browser. It's hard to imagine that 1Password's integrated browser will be better than iCab. Fortunately, two 1Password users, Kevin Yank and Brendan Averett, have created a new Look Up in 1Password bookmarklet which is compatible with iOS 5. You can either copy that link, or use this: javascript:window.location='onepassword://'+window.location.href.substring(window.location.href.indexOf('//')+2 I have successfully tested it on iOS 5 and 1Password Pro (with both Safari and iCab).
1Password Pro grabs the TUAW Best of 2011 iPad utility app award
The latest TUAW Best of 2011 award should come as no surprise, particularly since the winner also topped the iPhone utility app voting. 1Password Pro (US$14.99) was voted by TUAW readers as the best iPad utility app of 2011, pulling in a whopping 56.6 percent of the votes. Why has this app captured the attention of TUAW readers? It's because 1Password works consistently on all platforms, keeps information securely stashed away, and is constantly being updated to stay in tune with OS upgrades and provide new functionality. The runner-up, in a distant second place with 17.1 percent of the votes, was Apple's own AirPort Utility (free). It's a very useful tool for anyone who owns an Apple AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express. Congratulations to the AgileBits team for their cross-platform wins with 1Password Pro, and stay tuned tomorrow as the TUAW editors pick their cream of the 2011 crop.
1Password: The best iPhone utility app in TUAW's Best of 2011
If you just got a new iPhone for Christmas, there's one handy utility app that you might want to purchase right away. It's 1Password for iPhone (sale priced at US$5.99) from Agile Bits Solutions, and it was named the best iPhone utility app in reader voting in TUAW's Best of 2011 awards. The app is a favorite of the TUAW staff, and it's obvious from the voting that 1Password is used faithfully by many of our readers as well -- the app pulled in 49.7 percent of the votes, thoroughly trouncing the other nominees in this category. It actually comes in two flavors -- the iPhone-only version linked to above, and the universal 1Password Pro (currently on sale for $8.99) that synchronizes with 1Password on Mac and iPad. Apple had the runner-up in this category. Find My iPhone (free), an amazing app that has reunited many lost or stolen iPhones with their owners, nabbed 32.3 percent of the votes. Congratulations to Agile Bits for their win, and thanks to all of the TUAW readers who took part in the nomination and voting process for the utility category in the Best of 2011.
1Password now available on Mac App Store
If you haven't already heard, AgileBits has unleashed their fantastic password manager 1Password upon the Mac App Store. Not only is it now available in a convenient easy-to-update form, but this new version will include new features and an easy upgrade path to 4.0. Not to mention it's also HALF off at the moment. For those of you who have somehow missed the 1Password boat, it is a password manager that lets you set a "master password" and then stash all sorts of sensitive info behind it: website logins, credit card numbers, software serial numbers, even secure notes. One of my favorite features is password generation: I can tell it my Facebook password needs to be 16 character and super high security and boom! As if by magic, I have a highly crack-resistent password. Thanks to the magic of browser add-ons I can fill in web forms with my credit card information or any other bit of stuff I have secreted away behind that master password. Did I mention they also have an iOS app and Dropbox syncing so all your goodies are available on all your Apple hardware? Well, there you go. (There's a Windows version too, should you need that sort of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that.) If you're an existing customer, here are a few of the changes you'll want to know about in the new version: A new menubar icon for easy access from any application, full-screen support and 64-bit support. This new version requires Lion, so be sure you're all upgraded before you pull the trigger. We here at TUAW rather like 1Password, since it's a straightforward app that does what it does very well. If you haven't yet moved to some sort of password solution, this is a great opportunity to do so. Congratulations to AgileBits on getting to show off all the hard work they've been doing lately!
1Password, Lion and that new Safari extension
1Password version 3 was recently made available with Mac OS X Lion compatibility, enhanced keyboard shortcuts and, most notably for Safari users, a new Safari extension. The new extension borrows heavily from its Chrome counterpart and represents a departure from the older version. I spoke with Dave Chartier about what Safari users can expect from the current version of 1Password as well a few other goodies. TUAW: Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. Right off the bat I've got to ask you about the re-designed Safari extension, which is available to Lion users and Snow Leopard users running Safari 5.1. It's quite a departure from its predecessor, at least in the looks department. What can you tell me about the new extension? Dave: With the new extension we wanted to give users a bigger slice of 1Password right in the browser. The goal was to give you access to more of your data without having to open the 1Password app, and yet speed up the login and form-filling experience whether you're a mouse cowboy or keyboard ninja. It is now much easier to flip through between your Logins, Identities, Credit Cards, and the Strong Password Generator, and new users should have a much easier time learning and exploring what 1Password can do for them. TUAW: I see that the new Safari extension is similar to the Chrome extension, at least in appearance. What motivated the team to bring the Chrome extension's look to Safari? Dave: Why, it's all just part of the plan! We released our Chrome extension early in 2010. We've been working for a some time towards unifying as much of our extension code and interface as possible, and with the increased pace of Chrome and now Firefox development, we grew more motivated to focus our efforts there in order to improve the update process for our users. Last November we decided to try out this new interface and extension architecture with our Chrome users and it was a huge hit. We received fantastic feedback, and when Apple announced Lion earlier this year and a number of changes coming to Safari 5.1 for Snow Leopard users, we decided Safari should be the next step. One of the great features of this new extension is that it will allow us to update it without having to update the 1Password application. Automatic extension updates is a big selling point of Chrome, and now Safari supports it too. In fact, this new version installs as an official Safari extension -- you can open Safari 5.1's preferences and see for yourself. TUAW: Are there any other goodies that Lion users can expect from the latest version of 1Password? My favorite goodies (which work for both Lion and Snow Leopard users in Safari 5.1) are all the new keyboard shortcuts, which we highlight on our blog and in a dedicated support document. You can now call the 1Password extension, find a login, tab between your Logins, Identities, Credit Cards, and Strong Password Generator, and view details on every item (including password history!) without touching your mouse. The ability to view an item's details comes in handy in a bunch of ways too, such as when you need to log into a Flash site. Instead of having to stop what you're doing, open the 1Password app, and hunt for your login there, you can just stay in the browser and open the new 1Password extension, then hit the right arrow key to view your Login's details and copy the password to paste into the form. It's a huge time saver. Thanks, Dave! 1Password has many fans on the TUAW staff, myself included. Here's to future updates.
