Software Update: WinZip 18.5 build 11111

Corel has released version 18.5 of its WinZip archiving utility. WinZip used to be a popular program on the PC, but with zip support baked into Windows and competition from programs like WinRAR and 7-Zip, its popularity has been on the wane for a while. The program is available in two different versions, namely Standard and Pro. The mutual differences are shown on this page made clear. The main improvements in version 18.5 can be found below.

Share zipped files by IM
Choose from even more sharing options with support for several instant messaging services, including Facebook Messaging, Google Talk/Google+ Hangouts, Yahoo! Messenger and Jabber. Combining WinZip’s legendary compression and encryption with the ease of instant messaging gives you high-speed sharing without compromising security.

ZipShare
Get direct access to the new ZipShare file sharing service. This powerful web app makes sharing large files easy no matter where you are or what device you’re using. Access your ZipShare account directly from within WinZip 18.5. Connect to your cloud accounts and easily share compressed files via email. Zip and share any type of file along with a message to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Send files up to 50MB free using ZipShare or move up to ZipShare Pro to send up to 2GB.

Streamlined cloud file sharing
Extended cloud features give you more power to manage files and folders on your cloud storage services. See all your cloud files in a single view, even if they are saved on various services. New in this release, download, share, move, rename, unzip and delete files or folders on your cloud services, all from within WinZip.

Easier than ever
The new look and feel of WinZip 18.5 includes easier access to popular features. Working with cloud services is simpler, FTP is now grouped with cloud services for streamlined access, and adding files to your zip is faster with local and cloud files combined in one list.