1Password and the Mac App Store

RobYoder

[size="2"][color="#1C2837"]With all the excitement about the new Mac App Store available starting today, many people are starting to wonder why their favorite app (read 1Password for Mac) is not available from the Mac App Store. Well, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Unfortunately, the regulations of the App Store keep us from submitting 1Password 3 at this time. That is not to say that 1Password for Mac will never be available from the App Store, but in its current form (because of how it integrates with your browsers), it would not be accepted.



There are other hurdles we'll have to consider as well. As an already established software company, we've built up a customer database that helps us serve our customers better, and allows us to occasionally provide just our customers with special offers [url="http://blog.agile.ws/1671956876/"]like we just did this past Thanksgiving[/url]. Over [url="http://www.panic.com/blog/2011/01/panic-on-the-mac-app-store/"]at Panic[/url], they've recognized these issues as well:



[quote name='Cabel (from Panic)']There are still some unanswered questions about the Mac App Store, of course. There’s no way to provide upgrade pricing for future major releases — everyone pays full price — which probably won’t go over well. … It’s also rough that developers don’t get a record of who buys our software, making support and marketing much, much more challenging. And until we see how it all shakes out, we’ll also be maintaining and improving our own ordering system, treating all customers equally, so that’s two things to maintain instead of one. But we think it’s an “experiment” well worth taking. …



If you’re a current customer, there’s no way to convert a previous purchase into a Mac App Store purchase — that requires a re-buy. But remember, what you have now will continue to work just fine.[/quote]



Please note that the above "hurdles" are not what's keeping us out, but the fact that 1Password 3 itself cannot yet comply with the App Store regulations. We agree with others that the Mac App Store will likely replace Mac software purchasing as we've come to know it, but it'll take a little time to get there. I do want to re-emphasize that whether or not 1Password 3 gets into the App Store eventually, your current license will still be valid and supported, and you will continue to receive updates.



Thanks so much for your interest! We'll keep you posted here, [url="http://blog.agile.ws"]on the blog[/url], and/or on [url="http://twitter.com/1Password"]Twitter[/url].[/color][/size]

alto

Of more interest to your current customers <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> would be the ability to use 1password to sign in to the App store. Right now it's a pain having to go into 1pwd and copy your password and then back to the app store to paste it into the apple login box.

RobYoder

Yes, that's something we'd love to do, but unfortunately it's easier said than done. Trust me, I'd love to see this too, especially for things like the iTunes/Mac App Store, FTP logins via Transmit or Coda, etc.



Not that we're sitting back and relaxing right now (OK, actually most of the team *is* on vacation this week, but I mean in general). In fact, we've got some great things planned for this year that we think will be very well received.



"Don't go away! You're watching the AWS development channel. We'll be back with more features after this short break…" <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_bigsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-D' />

dteare

I just wanted to add that we're very excited to bring 1Password to the Mac App Store and we plan to be there later this year. I really wanted to be there on "Day One", but Apple did not accept my request to postpone the release to fit better into our existing plans <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />



While there are some technical hurdles to overcome, it would not be much fun without them <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

floatingbones

[quote name='dteare' timestamp='1294575844' post='18674']

I just wanted to add that we're very excited to bring 1Password to the Mac App Store and we plan to be there later this year. I really wanted to be there on "Day One", but Apple did not accept my request to postpone the release to fit better into our existing plans <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />



While there are some technical hurdles to overcome, it would not be much fun without them <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />[/quote]



Some of the password-management solutions offered on Day 1 in the App Store are truly atrocious! Some rocket scientist offered a textpad program that uses XOR (!) for its encryption. I commented on this free program: the only problem with it is that people might actually use it.



Somebody is offering a standalone key-generation program, but with none of the browser integration that 1password or lastpass offers. Key generation is important, but it's only a tiny part of the solution. I know I'm preaching to the choir (and perhaps even the organist). Unfortunately, one cannot provide feedback on programs that one hasn't purchased.



I'm frustrated that only half-assed solutions are in the App Store, and many potential customers won't be able to notice the difference.

RobYoder

We share your frustration. We'd love for 1Password to be the best password app on the App Store, but we're not quite there. We've got some major changes to make before we'll qualify, but we're as excited as anyone about the opportunity to fill this void in the store.



Thanks for the feedback!

[Deleted User]

[quote name='floatingbones' timestamp='1294634121' post='18693']

I'm frustrated that only half-assed solutions are in the App Store, and many potential customers won't be able to notice the difference.

[/quote]

Yup, makes it too easy for more Windows-like crapware to pollute OS X. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':roll:' /> <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' />

sjimmie

I don't care if you guys sign up with MAS, but *please* make the latest versions of your apps also still be available from your website for those of us who are not true believers in Apple's latest marketing venture.

RobYoder

[quote name='sjimmie' timestamp='1294684547' post='18725']

I don't care if you guys sign up with MAS, but *please* make the latest versions of your apps also still be available from your website for those of us who are not true believers in Apple's latest marketing venture.

[/quote]



Whether or not 1Password 3 gets into the store, all 3.x versions will be distributed outside the store as well. As for 1Password 4, we're not there yet, so we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, but I can't make any solid statements either way.



Thanks for the feedback! Oh, and welcome to the forums, sjimmie!

sjimmie

Yeah, thanks Rob. Good for v3, hopeful for v4 <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

RobYoder

[quote name='sjimmie' timestamp='1294796324' post='18852']

Yeah, thanks Rob. Good for v3, hopeful for v4 <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

[/quote]



Hi, sjimmie. Just wanted to let you know that we've made the decision not to sell 1Password 4 exclusively through the Mac App Store. You'll still be able to purchase and get updates directly from our website.

Xenos

[quote name='sjimmie' timestamp='1294684547' post='18725']

I don't care if you guys sign up with MAS, but *please* make the latest versions of your apps also still be available from your website for those of us who are not true believers in Apple's latest marketing venture.

[/quote]



True. I have been a mac user for a very long time now (+10years). I don't like the way Apple is going now. More and more people seem to share this growing concern that Apple is trying to gain too much control over how we're using the hardware we bought from them. And in this particular case, I wish they had included an option to disable the MAS.



[quote name='RobYoder']...we've made the decision not to sell 1Password 4 exclusively through the Mac App Store. You'll still be able to purchase and get updates directly from our website.[/quote]



Very glad to read this. Anything else would have been very disappointing. I've decided that I won't buy software from devs anymore who sell their software exclusively through the MAS. Glad that I can keep on using 1Password. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

jpgoldberg

[quote name='floatingbones' timestamp='1294634121' post='18693']

Some of the password-management solutions offered on Day 1 in the App Store are truly atrocious! Some rocket scientist offered a textpad program that uses XOR (!) for its encryption. I commented on this free program: the only problem with it is that people might actually use it.[/quote]

XOR is a legitimate component of good cryptography, but I take it that they were XORing the data with some bad pseudo random number generator? Or worse, were they just XORing with the master password?! Something like that could be broken with pencil and paper.



I remember years ago when I first found 1Password, I was hunting around for good password management solutions (including trying to develop my own) for the Mac. I was appalled by the design of most of what I found. It was very easy to narrow things down, and the more that I investigated 1Password and its design principles and Dave and Roustem the more impressed with it I became.



[quote]

I'm frustrated that only half-assed solutions are in the App Store, and many potential customers won't be able to notice the difference.

[/quote]



Believe me that we feel your pain. We would have loved to have a product there on day one, but there are too many deep design changes that need to be made to get 1Password to work as we want it to and to satisfy the sandboxing requirements of the Mac App Store. We will get there, and when we do it will be done right.



Cheers,



-j

Jeff Felchner

[quote name='RobYoder' timestamp='1295373360' post='19162']

Hi, sjimmie. Just wanted to let you know that we've made the decision not to sell 1Password 4 exclusively through the Mac App Store. You'll still be able to purchase and get updates directly from our website.

[/quote]



Created an account just to give my +1 to this. I much prefer developers to have 100% freedom. The limitations that the MAS puts on them is not necessary or reasonable. I will continue to use 1Password for as long as I can still purchase it through Agile itself.



The only thing I would ask is to not play to the "lowest common denominator". For example, Apple doesn't allow certain browser integrations for MAS apps so you don't include said feature in the publicly purchasable version either.



You guys have a fantastic product. It has revolutionized the way I use my browser and made my online life more secure in the process.

eveningclouds

Perhaps this has been pointed out, but the login screen when you want to download an app from the app store does not invoke 1Password, so if you don't remember your Apple account password you need to open 1P to find it. Is this a browser issue?

[Deleted User]

[quote name='eveningclouds' timestamp='1295856384' post='19400']

Perhaps this has been pointed out, but the login screen when you want to download an app from the app store does not invoke 1Password, so if you don't remember your Apple account password you need to open 1P to find it. Is this a browser issue?

[/quote]

Yep, it's been previously mentioned. Nope, it's an App Store application issue - it doesn't support 1P (i.e. no extension for accessing 1P data). Or I've misunderstood the issue. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

brenty

[quote name='sjk' timestamp='1295889968' post='19412']

Yep, it's been previously mentioned. Nope, it's an App Store application issue - it doesn't support 1P (i.e. no extension for accessing 1P data). Or I've misunderstood the issue. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

[/quote]



I believe that 1Password faces a similar issue with the Mac App Store as it does with iTunes. There is a [url="http://forum.agile.ws/index.php?/topic/2458-feature-request-itunes-integration/"]great thread[/url] discussing some of this.



While it's considerably less convenient than the Safari integration we've been spoiled with, copying and pasting is an effective workaround. Unfortunately, I don't have high hopes for Apple opening up in either case to 3rd party software support for its stores.

khad

Thanks for linking that thread, brenty. It is essentially the exact same issue as iTunes integration.

biosci

Just wondering before I buy into this because then it would be 1 less thing to worry about updating from now on and managing (Desktop vs laptop w downloads, passwords etc). I'm thinking about making the switch from SplashID to 1Password.

khad

Welcome to the forums, biosci! I have merged your post with the appropriate thread. Please see above and let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I don't have anything new to announce right now, but this is certainly still on our radar. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />



Cheers,

Crufty

Hi, just wondering if Agile has any plans to publish 1Password on the Mac App Store?



And if so, would this have any impact on existing customer licences or install/upgrade process?

khad

Welcome to the forums, Crufty!



Thanks for asking about this. I merged your post with the appropriate thread. I hope you don't mind. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />



[quote]Hi, just wondering if Agile has any plans to publish 1Password on the Mac App Store?[/quote]

We're incredibly excited about the Mac App Store, and we plan to have 1Password available there in the future. With that said, 1Password 3 cannot be submitted to the store, as there are specific requirements it cannot meet. The changes required are quite significant, and therefore 1Password 3 will not be submitted to the store. A future version of 1Password will attempt to satisfy all of Apple's requirements, so we can participate in all the fun. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />



When we have more news we will be posting it on our blog, on Twitter, and in the newsletter:



Blog: http://blog.agilebits.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/1Password

Newsletter: http://agilebits.com/company/newsletter

(In 1Password for Mac, choose Help > Subscribe to Newsletter.)



Please keep an eye on these resources for more information.



[quote]And if so, would this have any impact on existing customer licences or install/upgrade process?[/quote]

At this time, neither the iTunes App Store nor the Mac App Store supports upgrades. The price will have to be the same for [i]all[/i] users regardless of whether or not they are existing customers, but AgileBits is known for being pretty generous. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />

Crufty

[quote name='khad' timestamp='1308789602' post='30054']

Welcome to the forums, Crufty!



Thanks for asking about this. I merged your post with the appropriate thread. I hope you don't mind. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />

[/quote]



Thanks for that. FYI I tried to find existing threads re "mac app store" but the forum search refuses any three letter terms. Makes it kinda useless in this instance. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' />

khad

You are most welcome!



[quote]I tried to find existing threads re "mac app store" but the forum search refuses any three letter terms. Makes it kinda useless in this instance. [/quote]

Agreed. I just use Google sometimes. Google actually indexes these forums pretty well. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />

Smudge

[quote name='khad' timestamp='1308799892' post='30087']

You are most welcome!





Agreed. I just use Google sometimes. Google actually indexes these forums pretty well. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />

[/quote]



Perhaps you can get your web forum admin to add a Google Quick Search box to the forum page template (next to the current forum search box or perhaps in an Advanced Search page), which would be configured to return site:forum.agile.ws results only by default.

khad

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see about this in the future. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';-)' />

khad

We're in. <img src='http://forum.agilebits.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />



[url="http://itunes.apple.com/app/1password/id443987910?mt=12"]1Password on the Mac App Store[/url]