TUAW Review: eWallet for iPhone

does this autofill in passwords?

Hi
what about wallet migration from previous Windows Mobile eWallet version to iPhone version ? I am a longtime user of eWallet on WM, and eWallet support on iPhone is mandatory for me to move to iPhone. But I hardly imagine to type again all my eWallet WM data into the iPhone...

I see that TUAW is making increasing use of the iPhone Simulator to present in-context screen shots. I would imagine that screencasting iPhone apps being reviewed couldn't be far away.

So how is TUAW installing apps on the iPhone Sim? Does an app author have to surrender their source code to TUAW or is there another, better way?

My interest in this stems from what I see as an impending need to be able to create tutorial screencasts for our iPhone and iPod touch users. Of course, I will have the additional challenge of creating tutorials for Apple apps and that will likely come first.

On the other hand, this image could have been created in Photoshop or any number of other graphics applications. Please say that isn't so.

Hi,

I thought I'd answer some questions!

"Only stupid will store credit cards and etc. on iPhone - if you'll lose it - getting this info by any hacker will be very easy."

That's the point of eWallet though. With 256-bit AES encryption you CAN carry those things with you, and as long as you've chosen a good password for your wallet you can feel confident that the data is secure - even if you lose your device.

"One thing I have not seen though mentioned in this review is backup and/or synch."

The iPhone automatically backs up your wallets when you sync. A restore will restore all the wallets (I tested using my own device - wiped the whole thing and restored it.) In addition, we will be releasing full sync next month allowing users to sync with our desktop version.

"I don't get why people use 256-bit AES for this sort of thing. It only slows down access. It doesn't provide significantly more security."

Yeah, I agree. The thing is though that more is better in the eyes of the consumer and if we're the only ones with 128-bit encryption we are perceived as "less safe".

"How are you supposed to make a phone call at the same time the app is running?"

eWallet has live links that automatically activate the phone and dial the number when you click the phone number on the card. (Same with URLs and email addresses.)

"What's the point?"

For people who want to carry this sort of information securely, it is extremely useful. It's why we've been successfully selling eWallet for over 10 years now. For other folks, as with any application, it isn't something they need. We understand that. It's all about what your needs are.

"TUAW, give us another review if they ever ship the Mac desktop client. "

The Mac desktop version is due out later this year. I've already used an Alpha version and it is coming along nicely.

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
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marc@iliumsoft.com
+1 (734) 973-9388
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http://www.iliumsoft.com

And be sure check out our blog! http://blog.iliumsoft.com/

I have used similar apps for years for all kinds of secure information: my 401k account numbers, credit cards, brokerage accounts, drivers license, family members social security numbers, insurance info, etc... basically anything that could be lost from my wallet or lost in a fire at my house. Its like having a digital backup of all your important data in one place. If you have an open mind, rather than dismissing a product you've never used, you might actually find it quite useful.

One thing I have not seen though mentioned in this review is backup and/or synch. Does this information from ewallet get backed up to your mac and resynched to your iPhone if you reset your phone or lose it? I didn't see any mention of that anywhere?

If not, then that should be clearly stated as its a HUGE omission and not an objective review.

I wish you would use your power to get the existing apps upgraded. My personal favorite, Bookshelf, has had an update available for a week and Apple still hasn't approved it.

I don't think so that this is good idea...
AFter i was robbed in the subway and lost iPhone (all that was left is headphones in my hands) i've decided to not store any important information on that devices - even mail messages.
When it was happen i occasionally turned off pass lock and robber just take it from my hands before doors closed with playing video and all my contacts, mail and etc.

Only stupid will store credit cards and etc. on iPhone - if you'll lose it - getting this info by any hacker will be very easy.

And - DO NOT USE IPHONE NEAR EXIT DOORS IN SUBWAY. IT's too easy to steal it.

I just switched 6 months ago to SplashID, because they had a Mac app and it can sync with my Treo 755p. Ilium makes some great software and I've been with them for years. eWallet will still remain behind until I've converted all of my entries into SplashID (all manual since Splash doesn't have a conversion tool).

If ListPro gets a Mac app, I'm there. I will continue to use ListPro on my phone.

Someday, when I can get an iPhone (carrier reasons), it will be nice to have all of these apps available.

I don't get why people use 256-bit AES for this sort of thing. It only slows down access. It doesn't provide significantly more security.

Keep in mind that from a purely mathematical standpoint, it would take more energy than exists in the solar system fed through an ideal conventional computer to brute-force a single 128-bit AES key. Quantum computing has the possibility of changing that, but it would affect both 128-bit and 256-bit equally.

How are you supposed to make a phone call at the same time the app is running? We all know that this is not possible. So now I lose my wallet then I have to scribble down the card number and make the call?