1Password for Mac introduces multiple and shared vaults, revamps user interface
Agile Web Solutions has released 1Password for Mac 4.0.1, a major update to its encrypted password manager tool. Also available for Windows and iOS, the latest version comes with the promise of over 90 new features, including support for multiple and shared vaults.
Other highlights include bypassing the cloud via Wi-Fi Sync, 256-bit authenticated encryption, iCloud support and a completely revamped user interface.
1Password for Mac opens with a streamlined and simplified user interface, ready for the forthcoming OS X 10.9 Mavericks release at the end of the month. There’s also a brand new 1Password mini utility that provides vault search and switch functionality among other tools direct from the menu bar.
The app also re-engineers its browser plugins, adding support for Opera while applying a unified user interface, built on Cocoa, across all plugins for a consistent experience.
Version 4 also debuts a new Security Audit section, which in common with other password managers allows users to quickly identify their oldest and weakest passwords, making it easy to update them with more secure ones.
Support for multiple and shared vaults makes it possible for users to isolate login information from each other as well as maintain separate accounts without confusion by filing passwords into separate vaults for work, personal or other purposes.
Shared vaults make it possible to now share login information with other family members or work colleagues, while users can also share individual items too via email or an obfuscated iMessage.
The software has also completely revamped its encryption, now offering tamper-proof Authenticated Encryption (256-bit AES) and ensuring any decrypted data is never physically written to disk.
Other improvements include support for iCloud sync between Macs and other iOS devices as well as a new Wi-Fi Sync option that synchronizes directly across a local wireless network without involving the internet. Favorites make it possible for users to quickly access commonly used logins, while 1Password for Mac also integrates with utilities like Alfred, LaunchBar and QuickSilver.
Agile Web Solutions has also revealed the update, which took over a year to develop, when through no less than 62 alpha releases and 96 betas, involving over 20,000 beta testers. It has also revealed the upgrade is free to all Mac App Store purchasers as well as anyone who bought a license in 2013.
1Password for Mac 4.0.1 is available now as a free trial download for Macs running OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later. For a limited time only, upgrade pricing applies to all users.