1Browser User Agent Setting

Jim02840

Hello 1Password:

I'd be inclined to think the header would provide ample information to launch a little investigation, but I'll be more specific.

I suggest you place an individual (if you use college interns, they might just break a world record in speed browsing) in a room teeming with WIFI. Provide them with an iPhone running iOS 10 and ensure 1Password is installed. Hand them a list of websites (chosen at random) and put 1Browser to the test by connecting to websites using the various User Agents provided in 1Password and record the results.

My guess, based upon personal experience, leads me to believe the websites will 'view' each connection the same regardless of User Agent.

As I'm sure you're aware, there's no shortage of Apps which have always and continue to manage this function flawlessly. And it's not like I'm asking you to add a new feature, because (obviously) 1Password provided this in the past and it worked properly. The ability to access the Desktop Version of websites was a key selling-point when deciding whether to purchase 1Password. It then became a necessary tool. One which I really need functioning properly.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

James E. Allan

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1Password Version: 6.4.4
Extension Version: Not Provided
OS Version: iOS 10.0.1
Sync Type: iCloud
Referrer: forum-search:Changing Browser User Agent = Highly Ineffective

Ben

Hi James ( @Jim02840 ),

Thanks for taking the time to write in. I'm unable to reproduce this issue. I launched 1Password and changed the Settings > 1Browser > User Agent selection to Chrome. I then visited the https://whichbrowser.net website (3rd party) and it reports that I am using Chrome 50 on OS X El Capitan 10.11 (which of course I'm not -- I'm using 1Browser).

Ben

Jim02840

Hi Ben,

You'll have to forgive me as my technical knowledge is surely lacking in comparison to your expertise. But I'd love to learn more, so I'm hoping you might help me better understand. I'd like to know;

a). did you experiment using only the (single) website you noted?

b). do you happen to know the percentage of existing websites the site you used accurately represents?

The reason I ask is because I performed a test similar to yours before submitting my issue to this forum. My test was slightly different as I wanted the test to show results which were both realistic and accurate. (Exactly like those an actual user might encounter).

So I performed my test using twenty or so real, functioning websites which my girlfriend randomly chose.

I can't say for sure, but perhaps you can clarify things for me. Do you think this might explain why I had a much different (highly unsuccessful) outcome or experience than you?

Thank you in advance for any assistance

Jim

Ben

Jim,

I'm not entirely sure I follow. The user agent is sent the same regardless of the website. The question is how the website interprets it (which is something we do not control). In my test it appears 1Browser is sending the user agent that is appropriate for the selection made in 1Password's settings. If a website, or websites, are not interpreting that correctly that is on them. They may also be making determinations of which browser you are using in other ways besides reading the user agent.

I'm curious as to what sites you tested with, and how you determined a pass/fail. Are the sites you are checking actually reporting back what user agent they are seeing?

Ben

Jim02840

Hi Ben,

Thanks for your reply (and keeping it non-tech) so I can fully understand.

I'm pretty sure I understand what you're saying about 1Browser and the User Agent(s). To keep things simple; I'll just think of each User Agent as a costume or disguise.

That being the case, wouldn't you want to examine ways to ensure 1Browser is wearing the best disguise you could provide?

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I'd think one of the most important goals any employee or team
member could work toward would be to continually strive to better serve the customer.

I operate my business with one eye focused on the present and the other looking forward to a successful future. And while I know I don't have all the answers, I know the quickest way to run my business into bankruptcy is by failing to seek ways to improve both products and service.

And when you say;

'If a website, or websites, are not interpreting that correctly that is on them.'

I believe we simply don't share the same business philosophy and think you're mistaken about 'that is on them'.

The truth is, if other Apps User Agents are more effective (when these Apps are used, websites only and always open displaying their Desktop version) then 1Browser it isn't 'on them', it's on me as well as every other User of 1Password.

Sincerely,

James E. Allan

Jim02840

Hello Ben, Dave and/or OnePassword,

First, I apologize for the long delay, but the personal situation which occurred with my Father was infinitely more complex and time-consuming than we ever would have guessed. Thankfully, he is now (and I literally mean just now) home and hopefully life will settle back in place.

I'd like to thank you Ben, for the time and effort you devoted to investigating this matter and please know it wasn't in vain as I did learn from the experience.

Finally, if possible, I'd like to mark this issue: closed and solved. The user agent is of no further concern to me. As a matter of fact - it provides precisely the functionality I need.

Thank you,

James

AGAlumB

@Jim02840: Thanks for following up, James. Even if it doesn't matter to you, I wanted to address an important point you made in case it helps you or anyone else in the future.

And when you say;
'If a website, or websites, are not interpreting that correctly that is on them.'
I believe we simply don't share the same business philosophy and think you're mistaken about 'that is on them'.
The truth is, if other Apps User Agents are more effective (when these Apps are used, websites only and always open displaying their Desktop version) then 1Browser it isn't 'on them', it's on me as well as every other User of 1Password.

I hate to disagree with you because you're right in principle about how much user experience matters. Unfortunately I have to get a bit technical here though, because this a wholly technical matter.

As Ben mentioned, the user agent which is sent is interpreted and acted on by the website. The only control the client (1Password on your iPhone, in this case) has is to send the user agent string. This is literally just some text, sent as part of the request ("send me this web page"), which identifies where the request is coming from. This is how it's possible for a website to "know" that you're on a mobile device with a tiny screen and send you a page formatted for that, or that you're using a specific browser so they can send you a version of the site which is compatible.

What 1Password (or any browser) does when you set the user agent manually is essentially lie to the website, for instance to get it to think you're a computer because you want the full desktop site instead of a more limited mobile version. Now, 1Password can say "I'm a Mac running Safari", but many websites simply don't acknowledge that user agent, either because they're ignoring it or because their designers simply haven't chosen to serve a specific page in response to that user agent.

I'm trying to think of a good analogy, but this is the best I can one up with off the top of my head: Imagine you want to going trick-or-treating. But you're an adult. You give it a shot anyway, knock on a door, but no candy. However, you're small enough that you could theoretically pass as a kid if you're wearing a good costume. So you try going as a kid, knock on a door, and they still don't give you any candy! Well, it turns out that those people just aren't giving out any candy. I guess that's their "trick"! Your appearance here is your user agent, and like the neighbors on Halloween, websites can treat you differently based on it or ignore it completely. Fascinating, but confusing!

Jim02840

Gotcha and actually, I like the analogy. It helps me understand websites (using your Trick or Treat analogy) can be a lot like neighbors. You don't know why they are the way they are ... but since you live near them, you have to understand they're individuals and you do your best to deal with each mannerism.

Some (like Mr. Breeze) are super-cool and easy-going. He tosses handfuls of candy and yells 'Happy Halloween' whenever anyone opens his front gate all regardless of costume, age or other 'qualifying factor'. It's simply who he is ...

But others (like Ms. Crabapple with the huge, mean dog 'Ripper')? She never smiles and screams 'get off my lawn or I'll call the cops' even if you're walking on the other side of the street. Your costume is pristine, you're smiling and as the words 'Trick or Treat' still hang in the air ... they're suddenly cut short by the sound of a huge door slamming shut. You thought you'd done everything right (and you actually may have) but the door still slammed shut on you ... despite your perfect costume.

I hope my new understanding of this

Ben

Ha! Yes, quite the analogy but it sounds like you have a good understanding now. :) Thanks for your comments.

Ben

Jim02840

Hi Ben,

Honestly, I've come to understand more than just the tiny little little bit I know about User Agents Ben.

I also came to my senses and remembered how I was raised. And when I've wronged someone I need to reach out and apologize. My statements and actions were out of line.

Sure, I was frustrated, but that's part of life - it just happens. But acting upon those feelings the way I did was inappropriate.

In all sincerity, I hope you understand and can forgive me.

Thanks for listening and maintaining your professionalism - even when I was behaving rashly.

Sincerely,

Jim

Ben

No worries Jim. Thanks for the comments. :)

Ben