We previously [1] 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 [2] 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.
credit - http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/07/24/iphone-app-hands-on-splashid-password-manager/