AstonSoft Ltd has announced version 4 of its EssentialPIM software, which is available in both Free and Pro versions. EssentialPIM 4 introduces a number of major new features, including a new password manager module that allows the user to store a range of offline and online passwords within the program.

Pro users also gain two exclusive new features: synchronisation with various online providers including Yahoo!, MobiCal, GooSync, AOLSync and any services that support the CalDAV format. Pro users also benefit from a new Advanced Search feature that allows them to search for multiple criteria across all modules.

EssentialPIM 4 Free and Pro editions can now perform an unlimited number of synchronisations, both on startup and exit, and running in the background. Also added are the ability to undo and redo actions.

The Calendar has also gained a couple of new options: auto-scale and the ability to show only work hours. There are also a number of unspecified bug fixes and module improvements.

EssentialPIM 4 Free and Pro is available now in both installer and portable versions, and requires Windows 2000 or later.