1Password for Windows gets much needed 4.0 update

1Password is a solid solution for those who require apps to store randomized passwords. Agile Bits, the development house behind the service and apps, have announced version 4.0 for Windows on their blog. Sporting rather old and basic apps for both Windows Phone and Windows, this is welcomed news as what's contained in the release is a bunch of revamped features.

The team have loaded in a bunch of new features for not only the Windows 4.0 app, but also the browser extensions too. Here's a list of what's new in this release for a quick read through:

  • Watchtower – if a Login's website has had a security breach, our new, free Watchtower service alerts you to whether it's safe to change your password
  • Favorites – give your VIP items the VIP treatment so they're just a click away
  • Security Audit – new categories that point out Weak Passwords & Duplicate Passwords to help you stay on top of your security
  • Tags – a flexible way to organize and find items with one or more keywords
  • Sharing – Send an obfuscated copy of a Login or any other item to someone you trust via email
  • New toolbar – a simplified, powerful, and beautiful new toolbar puts all the important features at your fingertips, including search!
  • Demo Vault – show off 1Password without showing off your personal information
  • Multiple URLs per Login item – sometimes one just isn't enough
  • Custom fields – store all the information you need in each item

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As well as the new app and browser extension, here are some improvements for syncing everything across platforms:

  • Wi-Fi Sync for mobile – you can now sync with an iPhone or iPad on your network, no cloud required
  • Vault awareness – during setup, 1Password detects all vaults in your Dropbox

We'd definitely like to see some OneDrive support listed above, especially since we're seeing a strong push in the Windows ecosystem with a revamped 1Password client. Should Agile Bits finally update their Windows Phone client, we would expect to see OneDrive integration worked on.

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Finally, we have a list of changes to the brand new browser extension (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Internet Explorer):

  • One extension, many browsers – our extension now looks and behaves the same way in all browsers 1Password supports
  • Analog to Mac – our extension features, design, and overall awesomeness are now nearly identical across Mac and PC
  • Multiple Vaults – switch vaults right from the extension
  • Detect password change – when you change an existing Login's password, the extension will verify that you want to update the existing Login
  • Auto-Type in all web browsers
  • 64-bit extension for IE
  • Unlock on Secure Desktop
  • Tray icon is now more informative about 1Password's status

We're still holding out for a super-packed Windows Phone update (with OneDrive support) before we'll actively recommend 1Password for the Windows community, but since Agile Bits don't even list the client on their website, we're not holding our breath. That said, it all works as one would expect and is a solid solution nonetheless.

Those who already have a Windows license will be able to continue using 1Password for free. The upgrade price for all other customers is $24.99, while new accounts have to fork out $49.99. Finally, the family 5-pack is $69.99.

QR: 1Password

Source: Agile Bits

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.