iCloud - Version Conflict does not partake in Strongbox compare/merge/sync process fully

[dbarrosop]

Hello, I read about the advanced merge feature but I don't seem to make it work. Instead, when there is a conflict I have to choose between database versions and I have no clue which data was lost in the process. For reference:

1. Using 90 days PRO trial
2. Syncing between macos and ios using icloud

One more question, the link I shared above seems to indicate this feature is available on IOS only, does that mean this advanced merge doesn't work if the conflict is triggered on macos?

Thanks!

[strongbox-mark]

Hi @dbarrosop - Interesting. So there is a difference between MacOS and iOS. iOS has the full functionality, whereas at the moment the compare functionality is NOT available on MacOS. On MacOS, there's still a merge, but it's automatic without the ability to compare/view diffs before hand...

Still, things should work for you... So I'm not super sure yet what you're seeing. Are you seeing the issue on iOS/MacOS. Versions would be helpful.

Do you see the option to compare? If so, what do you see when you do it?

You may be seeing an iCloud conflict resolution screen rather than the actual Compare/Merge/Sync functionality. Screenshots appreciated. Cheers.

[dbarrosop]

Thanks for the quick response. Here is a screenshot:

Version:

• Macos: 1.15.0
• iOS: 1.53.1

To reproduce:

1. On the phone:
   1. Open IOS app and sync.
   2. Disable internet connectivity(no cell and no wifi)
   3. Make some changes to the database (i.e. add an entry)
   4. Close strongbox
2. Now go to the laptop:
   1. Open strongbox
   2. Sync
   3. Make some changes
   4. Sync
3. Go back to the phone:
   1. Enable connectivity
   2. Open strongbox

[strongbox-mark]

Hi @dbarrosop - thanks a million for the extra detail.

Yes, unfortunately you've hit a little lacuna in the sync system. iCloud does it's own conflicts and the resolution process has to be done differently than other storage providers. Your repro steps are exactly what it takes to get to this situation (thanks).

The screen you're seeing happens separately from the main Merge/Compare route used by Strongbox at the moment for all other providers.

This is an oversight on our part, and we'll get it fixed up.

In the meantime, would you consider using SFTP/WebDAV or another provider like Dropbox/Google Drive/OneDrive? All of these providers are fully managed by Strongbox natively, so we don't get a delays in syncing to/from the remote (as we do because iCloud manages conflicts itself (badly)).

[dbarrosop]

Unfortunately I don't use any of those services but it's good to know the issue is acknowledged and should eventually be fixed. Thanks!

[josh1703658784]

Hi @strongbox-mark , has there been any update on this?

[strongbox-mark]

No news here I’m afraid. Still on the list.

[strongbox-mark]

Hi @josh1703658784 @dbarrosop - Just to let you know, with 1.60.5, you can export any version on the versions list so that you can later merge them yourself manually. You would simply import them into Strongbox and select Compare & Merge.

Unfortunately because of the way iCloud conflict versions works, it's technically quite difficult to fit it into our standard merge workflow. On top of that, we no longer recommend using iCloud because we just don't have tight control over the read/write process. We do provide an alternative now that doesn't require third parties like OneDrive or Dropbox, etc. This is our new "Strongbox Sync" which you can read about here:

https://strongboxsafe.com/support/#reamaze#0#/kb/sync/strongbox-sync

We recommend you switch over to Strongbox Sync if you can...

These factors mean that some kind of automatic support for merging conflicts is very unlikely to see the light of day in the short to medium term. Just want to keep you updated.

[josh1703658784]

@strongbox-mark This is awesome. Thank you for your hard work! I've been switched over since the release and it has been flawless.