Mint's iPhone App: Now With Budgets, Push Notifications, and an Extra Layer of Security
Mint, the popular personal finance site that was just acquired by Intuit, just released a major update to its iPhone application (iTunes link). While Mint's iPhone app was always quite good, this new version brings a number of new features to the app that make it more useful and, most importantly, more secure. The new features include the ability to edit transactions on the phone, mobile access to Mint's newly enhanced budgeting features, and the app can now also receive push alerts which can be customized on the service's website.
One new aspect of the app that users will definitely appreciate is the extra layer of security that Mint has now added. Users can now specify a passcode that will keep others from opening the app even if they have access to the phone. 
In addition, the application now automatically exits whenever a user receives a call or text message.
Hide Your Data Behind a Passcode
Overall, this update brings Mint's iPhone app in line with the company's regular web service. Having access to the budgeting features is a nice addition, as is the ability to edit transactions right on the phone. The most important update, however, is the added layer of security that the application-level passcode now brings. Carrying access to all this financial data around on a phone will definitely make a lot of potential users feel queasy about using the app. This extra level of protection, however, should give users enough peace of mind to give the app another try.
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Glad to see Mint's app is progressing nicely. Hoping to see this on Android once the dust settles from the acquisition!
Please add the ability to split and categorize transactions!!!!!!
Thats what I do most on mint application,
Great first version.
When I looked at Mint some months back, I was appalled by the lack of security. One of the things that really bothered me was that Mint sends emails with financial updates to members. If someone gets your phone, that data is readily exposed. The lack of a passcode was other and despite this latest update, I still wouldn't use Mint.
In fact, smartphone security in general is woeful. Do not store anything on your iPhone that you cannot afford to lose. Smartphone security is going to be a huge issue with the next few years: http://editorialengine.com/?p=4863
If you insist, use a combo of apps and services to prevent someone from using your iPhone (i.e. master passcode), remote wipe or retrieval. MobileMe is one example. Here are more details: http://editorialengine.com/?p=4863
OH wow, that is WAY cool!
RT
www.real-privacy.net.tc
Don't really understand the need for a native iPhone app here. This could easily be a mobile optimized site for any webKit equipped phone. Then Android, Palm, Nokia and possibly Blackberry users won't have to beg for access.
I think having an iPhone app for your web service has become a marketing tool above all else.
Mint kicks ass! Needs an Android app though.