iPhone 3GS from AT&T. Free Shipping
iPhone app hands-on: SplashID password manager
We previously reported the debut of the first known Palm OS Apps ported to the iPhone SplashID, SplashShopper and SplashMoney which collectively are a series of popular Palm OS applications. Today we are going to take a closer look at one of these - SplashID, a secure password manager.
The iPhone version of SplashID bears stark resemblance to versions for other handheld devices. It offers deep customization through support of unlimited record types. You can design and create your own record types with full control over the record fields and their content. You can also use the application to store user names, passwords, banking information (i.e. accounts, credit cards, etc.), software licenses and registrations, insurance, medical information, etc. Sample records are included.
Security features include random-generated passwords and 256-bit Blowfish encryption for the SplashID database. Data stored in some of the records can be tapped to activate other functions: URLs offer quick access to web logins, for instance. If you have the Desktop version of the application and use the feature there, SplashID mobile will auto-fill in the website logins for you.
One feature that we hoped to see on the iPhone that never existed on the Palm devices was the ability to dial phone numbers stored in the database. Unfortunately, uf you tap a phone number in the iPhone version of SplashID, an "unsupported URL" message appears. We were assured, however, that this bug would be fixed in a future release of SplashID.
The interface is very usable. A search feature helps you to find what you need quickly without wading through the typical iPhone navigation screens one at a time.
The tools menu has some important features, but the most important one is the "Sync" selection. If you own the Desktop edition of SplashID you can sync your records back and forth via Wi-Fi. However, you need to own the correct version of the desktop application. One version does not support the Sync feature. We ran into problems downloading the correct version at first, but after working with the vendor, the procedure went smoothly. The developer is also offering upgrade paths to the new version of the desktop for free for existing Palm Desktop owners. Find it here.
Overall, the port from the Palm to the iPhone is practically transparent after some interface adjustments.
The developer of SplashID, like many others, expressed frustration that Apple was not pushing updates quickly enough. Our complaint about dialing functionality was purportedly resolved in a version created over a week ago, but not yet pushed out by Apple.
Priced at $9.99 through the AppStore, SlashData pairs with a companion application available for Mac OS X that retails for $19.95.
- by TrackSnakeLA March 6, 2010 1:37 PM PST
- I'm a network manager. Here's my $0.02:
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(4 Comments)I've got a new iPhone and need an app which performs with RoboForm's ease and also syncs to my PC desktop. SplashID isn't the one; I've tried it and
found both the application and tech support lacking. When I tried to create automatic log-ins for two test accounts in SplashID, BOTH log-ins wouldn't
launch automatically. SplashData's tech support explained it, "was a problem with the Web page," whereas RoboForm launches and logs-in easily and
nearly effortlessly. Duh. SplashIDs tech support ALSO had to be nudged, heavily, to explain what was or wasn't happening with their software and why it
wasn't working. My experience of SplashID was it's Mediocreware.
I've also loooonng experience with RoboForm and RoboForm2Go. Short of a heavy-duty, mightily-encrypted thing like IronKey, RoboForm works like a
champ and does what it's supposed to do. Tech support is *passable* but sometimes you have to insist they properly answer your questions.
RoboForm encrypts sensitive data behind good passwords and automates log-ins (behind as many or as few master passwords as you like).
RoboForm and RoboForm2Go's one flaw is that the titles of its Passcards and SafeNotes can be read, deleted, changed and/or copied while
RoboForm is logged-out. BUT in order for someone to use them you'd have to un-encrypt and un-lock them and that's not likely to happen without your
permission. So, for me, for accounts which have little money in them, the trade-offs are quite acceptable.
So, I'm still looking for a good overall password and log-in utility. BUT, I won't be up-loading my sensitive log-in credentials to RoboForm Online's
servers so I can access them from my iPhone. That's bloody nuts - anyone who'd ask you to do that has a heavily-inflated false sense of security. The
first concern is that you'd have to trust RoboForm with your data. No, I don't on their server. Are they bonded? Would they cover my losses if someone
snaked my data from their servers? No.
Think of all the recent and legendary hacks into financial systems like banks. And RoboForm's security couldn't be as strong as theirs. Not that I think
banks are that strong on security. If I was a hacker, I'd say RoboForm's Online servers would be an excellent target for some big-money thefts.