Sparrow Wallet Release 1.8.5

Whirlpool Integration and Network Enhancements

• Samourai Whirlpool 1.0.6 client now implemented, leveraging the decentralized Soroban network (@zeroleak)
• Faster connections achieved through cached fee rate estimates on initial server connections
• New Restart in different Home Folder option added to Tools menu

User Interface Improvements

• Disconnection status now clearly indicated at startup with reconnection instructions
• New Wallet, Open Wallet, and Import Wallet hyperlinks added to empty tab backgrounds
• SeedQR display button introduced in seed display dialog (with warning)
• Dark Theme refined: unselected tabs now lighter than selected ones

Security and Authentication Updates

• Cookie authentication support added for Tor control port
• UNIX sockets implemented in Sparrow Home for instance management
• Default derivation for BIP39 and xprv imports now matches current keystore derivation
• Existing seeds with matching fingerprints preserved when changing wallet output descriptors

Technical Upgrades

• HWI upgraded to version 3.0.0, mitigating anti-virus and emulator port scanning issues
• PGPainless updated to 1.6.7 with basic modules support
• Electrum history CSV label import now supported via Import Wallet > Wallet Labels

Bug Fixes and Optimizations

• QR-based message signing corrected
• Block explorer context menu behavior adjusted
• Uncompressed pubkey script display fixed
• Improved handling of ur:crypto-hdkey imports without source fingerprints
• Enhanced support for Coldcard singlesig file imports with P2SH-P2WSH types