MWSF 2010 Demo: Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite for iPhone and iPod Touch

I have tried the app on the iPhone and it works well. However, in contrast to the old version of QuickOffice, you must create an account with QuickOffice in order to access MobileMe. This is inconvenient and also I wonder how good the security is (if you have one central account from which you pull in information from MobileMe, DropBox etc., what happens if that account gets hacked?). Finally, QuickOffice now comes in two flavours - a basic version in which transferring files appears to rely on WiFi, and a 'Connect' version that allows you to access MobileMe etc. And guess what? The 'Connect' version costs rather more...

I have tried the app on the iPhone and it works well. However, in contrast to the old version of QuickOffice, you must create an account with QuickOffice in order to access MobileMe. This is inconvenient and also I wonder how good the security is (if you have one central account from which you pull in information from MobileMe, DropBox etc., what happens if that account gets hacked?). Finally, QuickOffice now comes in two flavours - a basic version in which transferring files appears to rely on WiFi, and a 'Connect' version that allows you to access MobileMe etc. And guess what? The 'Connect' version costs rather more...

Of course it costs more, it's got more features.

I have tried the app on the iPhone and it works well. However, in contrast to the old version of QuickOffice, you must create an account with QuickOffice in order to access MobileMe. This is inconvenient and also I wonder how good the security is (if you have one central account from which you pull in information from MobileMe, DropBox etc., what happens if that account gets hacked?). Finally, QuickOffice now comes in two flavours - a basic version in which transferring files appears to rely on WiFi, and a 'Connect' version that allows you to access MobileMe etc. And guess what? The 'Connect' version costs rather more...

I was a bit apprehensive, and remain so until the nature of the QuickOffice Connect account is fully explained, but I checked with the free Connect app (just lets you look at files, not edit) and the Connect account does not appear to sync your cloud logins between the apps, making me wonder whether Connect accounts store that info on their servers (it isn't available when you log in to their website). Also, when I upgraded, I didn't have to reenter my MobileMe login, it seemed to be stored on the device still. It's unfortunate that QuickOffice login is required, but until we find otherwise it seems less nefarious than it's being made out to be.

As for price, the new Connect-less QuickOffice Suite is cheaper than the one with only MobileMe used to be (barring some sales), and everyone who bought the original gets upgraded to Connect for free. Seems like the best way to put it is that they released a new, cheaper basic version, while adding features to the flagship product.

^^^ +1 I attended the Demo, and had some of the same questions regarding the account itself. I don't like the idea of logging-in again either; and what about transferring files via 3G? And what about support for iWorks '09? :confused::confused::confused:

Of course it costs more, it's got more features.

If so, then the company has done a poor job of making this clear. Indeed, their web site is so confusing that I had a hard time understanding how the basic QO differed from QO Connect. For instance, there was no FAQ about the difference between the two. Also, the company hasn't really explained the need for an account with them, nor have they made clear how they will handle issues of privacy and security. For instance, what information is communicated to the QuickOffice account, and is the communication and storage of information secure? I do sometimes work on confidential documents and I would lose my job if they got hacked.

Like I said, QO is a quality app, but this latest revision doesn't make any sense to me and to many others who use the app.

This is interesting, it would be nice to get some more info...