Families need a Windows solution

I think the criticism and frustration from people in this thread is actually fairly warranted.

@zendnez: I couldn't agree more. However, it's important to keep in mind that no amount of debate will change the fact that the 1Password for Windows desktop client for 1Password for Families/Teams isn't ready. We're working hard on it, but we're not there yet.

Rather than go hard on fixing the current release, your energy is now being split across two Windows releases. One of those releases is virtually non functional. It can't be used to edit content synced via DropBox and doesn't work with browser extensions. The other - an update to the desktop version - has been hinted at but without any semblance of a timeline.

This is a great point. Unfortunately this is the current state of the Windows platform. On the one hand, we really needed a touch-friendly app that could run well on tablets and phones, as it's something our customers (and team members!) have been asking for. Microsoft made this decision a bit easier by making it possible to develop a single app for all Windows 10 devices, so it will work on desktops, laptops, and convertibles too. So we've been working on that app for the Windows Store.

But then of course we also need a more traditional desktop app, especially since not everyone is using Windows 10. Even if they were, I think that we can all agree that there really are still two worlds (touch and mouse/keyboard) that don't overlap completely when it comes to user interface. And of course Windows Store apps cannot interact with other apps. So we're working on a Windows desktop app that can integrate with browsers and run on older versions of Windows as well.

Like other folks, I'm a bit irked that people are being pointed to the Windows 10 release as if it's actually in a usable state. It isn't. My choice of browser ranges from Chrome to Firefox but under no circumstances will my Windows choice of browser ever be 1Browser inside of 1Password.

That's your call, as everyone has different needs. Personally, I enjoy using the built-in browser. It works well, and I think it's cool that it's actually the only way for anyone to integrate with Edge currently — and I'm really liking Edge!

If you don't like it, don't use it. We're only pointing it out because people ask "How can I use 1Password for Teams/Families on Windows?" and that (and the web interface) is the answer. It's what I use. And though it may not be to your taste or meet all of your needs, it's useful to a lot of people. So let's not overlook that.

I'm ready to move to Families. I actually really want to make the change. I am convinced that I will prefer that product over the current product + DropBox for a multitude of reasons. But I'm also fairly convinced that I won't be able to make that transition until you've shipped either a fully functional Windows 10 app that supports browser extensions or you've shipped an update to the desktop app. I don't need both of those. I need one. Hopefully soon.

I hope so too! I completely relate to your excitement and frustration! As you can imagine, I've been using 1Password for Teams for a bit longer than you have, and I experience the lack of a complete Windows solution every day. Sure, I've got some Windows 10 hardware, and I like the app we have there, but browser integration is sorely missed, and on Windows 7 and 8 I have only the web interface. It's great to have, but you're absolutely right: it's not the same.

Please consider shifting your resources over to the desktop app. I actually think that's the best way for you to get the reach and features you need to succeed. I fully understand that the UWP app is the path to supporting both desktop and Windows Phone but I personally think that can wait.
Just my two cents.

The truth is that UWP is "easier" to do, so it's progressed much faster than the desktop app (which needs to work not only with browsers, but also 3 distinctly different versions of Windows). Telling the folks working on 1Password for Windows 10 to put it on hold wouldn't actually help the desktop app get done any faster. They're very different beasts. So that would leave us with two unfinished apps instead of "only" one. Granted, I know you don't personally care about the Windows 10 app, but a lot of other people depend on it, and making a move like that would hurt them without actually helping you.

Bottom line, and I'm sure I am not alone - I certainly am not going to pay for something that I cannot have full use of.

@Bernfrin: I can get behind that. No argument here. It's our job to get it done so that's no longer a roadblock for you or anyone else. :blush:

As a consumer, I am not in the habit of making a purchase now for a product that will not be fully functional until some future to be determined date. Agile Bits is telling their Windows customers - "We cant tell you when the product will be available, but trust us, you will like the product that we refuse to give you any concrete information about".

I agree with your policy here, but it doesn't seem to apply in this case, since my suggestion was to not pay us until we're able to meet your requirements. Regardless, we've got work to do to earn your loyalty. I think that at least we can agree on fully.

Maybe you could also consider a third option: Besides the different Windows solutions it might be possible to develop cross plattform browser extensions that directly communicate with your AgileBits cloud. In that way I could use it directly with that extension without the need of installing locally an extra piece of your software (admin privileges needed).

@dahanbn: It's certainly an interesting idea, but one that would require even more work (across multiple browsers and platforms) and time. Definitely not something we can accomplish short-term, so that unfortunately wouldn't help with the current Windows situation. :(

@dszp is correct, though you do need to add a credit card to your account in order to get the launch special. From the settings page in the Families dashboard:

Soon you will be able to add your Credit Card here and get the Special Launch Special!

• $10 added to your account (an extra 2 months free)
• Twice the amount of secure storage for your documents (that’s 2 GB)
• The ability to invite two more family members for free (a total of 7 family members!)

The latter two are permanent upgrades to your account, and so even if you can't take full advantage of the service now, signing up for an account and adding a valid credit card (once billing is enabled) will get you the early adopter bonuses.

Ben

@Bernfrin, I'm sorry, I still really don't understand the problem. If you sign up now and don't add a credit card, you've got the early adopter benefits and you won't be charged. That's 0 cost (as I said in my last comment) so I'm completely missing how it hurts anyone. If you don't add your credit card, your account will go into read-only mode after the 30-day trial, but until the Windows apps are ready, that doesn't really matter, right?

There was a miscommunication that caused Ben to say you have to add a card to get the special, so maybe that was the problem?

This whole thread has been filled with honest (based on our knowledge) answers. There is nothing more productive that we can do with this conversation. We are offering the early special to everyone who signs up now, even if they don't start paying immediately, and we are working on the Windows app. That summarizes this whole thread.

What's your suggestion for those, like me, who have used up their Windows 1PW 4 Trial licence and are subscribed to 1PW Family? My work PC is Windows and although I'm on it all day, I find I'm now managing two sets of Vaults (one for 1PW 4, and one for 1PW family) and my on my PC I can access, but can add anything to my 1PW 4 Vault.

@Dig_Doug: Great question, and I can answer this from experience!

Honestly, I primarily use the 1Password for Windows 10 beta lately, since it can access both 1Password for Teams/Families vaults and also "local" vaults from the standalone app(s). Data that I occasionally need to access using the Windows desktop app is in my Dropbox vaults; whereas "everything else" is in my 1Password for Families/Teams vaults, which can be accessed both through the beta app and the web interface as needed.

Granted, what works for me may not fit into your workflow, but hopefully that gives you some ideas. In the future, I'll likely be using 1Password for Teams/Families (almost) exclusively, once the Windows desktop app supports it. You can also use the trial indefinitely. I hope this helps! :)

How soon is soon?

We can't answer that. Mostly because we don't have the answer. Sorry.

Ben

Thanks, @jxpx777! I hadn't seen that one either.

Hi @megalomaniac

It is likely that the "Windows 10 app" and the "desktop application" will both be around and serve separate purposes for some time to come. The Windows 10 app will be what people will need to use 1Password on Windows phone, and on Windows tablets. It'll also be available to those who want to have a lightweight interface to 1Password on their Windows 10 desktop. The desktop app will, when the new version is complete, be the replacement for the existing desktop version (but w/ Families/Teams support).

I hope that helps!

Ben

You're welcome, @megalomaniac. If we can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Ben