Apple Distributing Safari for Windows via iTunes

[mahashel]

WOW...
Okay, I thought only the most desperate software companies used this technique.. to "bundle" some random 3rd-party "partner's" app in with the stuff the user actually wants. It's called "shovelware" for a reason, and people hate it. Even if they end up liking the software, the distribution technique is offensive.
Now Apple's doing it for their own software.
No. Thanks.
It's checked by default, too. Almost like Apple's saying "we're betting most Windows users are dumb enough to click-through this screen and end up with yet another web browser". (well, a lot of them are.. lol)

God bless SONY! errm.. I mean APPLE!

 

[thunderclap]

A million iTunes downloads per day, with 500 million of them going to windows users?

What?

I was a confused by this too.

 

[gmeddles]

This seems shady to me. People think they're just installing iTunes, but now Apple is piggy-backing more stuff to the install. It's bad enough they have to do it with Quicktime.

Amen! When you start bundling bloat/spyware into your installers, wanting to changing my homepage, or requiring me to give up personal information to use your software, I will just stop using your software. I won't ever install another Real product again, as a perfect example. If I want Safari on my Windows machines, I can http://www.apple.com/safari/ easy enough on my own.

 

[lightsout]

That's... not entirely accurate. I installed bootcamp, and was repeatedly asked to install iTunes, Quick time, and Safari, simply because I had the Apple Updater on my PC. It would do this about once a week too (every time it looked for updates) and it was annoying as anything!

I'd like to 2nd this also - I had the same issue after I installed Windows on my Mac. How can "Apple Updater" be updating something that isn't installed? As far as I see it, I'd expect to see Bootcamp updates only. Sure if I install iTunes it should update it and the same if I installed Safari, but to try to force it upon you just sucks.

If you decline it, what happens when Safari 3.1.1 comes out? You are going to have to decline every single Safari version Apple release for Windows. Or more likely, remove Apple Updater!

If the Office 2008 update was installing the latest IE for Mac as a download, I don't think this would be looked on kindly.

 

[mcarnes]

I don't see the problem. Windows is full of annoying pop ups. One more isn't going to change anything, it's still windows.

 

[hbchad]

Punishment

They DON'T do things like this for OS X users!

That's the point.

I thought the point of windows was a bunch of software update icons in the system tray trying desperately to slip software you don't want past you. I think its good of apple to help ensure windows users get that microsoft experience they've come to love. Doesn't all pc software come from magical icons with talk bubbles in the corner? I know most of mine did.

 

[balamw]

As the guy before me said, Quicktime being included is bad enough.

iTunes requires Quicktime to play its stuff, the legitimate complaint is getting iTunes forced on you when you request to install Quicktime. (Though it's not that hard to find the QT only installer).

It is quite likely that Apple's plans for the iTunes App store will require Safari/Webkit so they are just preparing Windows users for that. It certainly seemed early on that the main purpose for Safari on Windows was to provide Windows based developers a platform for testing iPhone/iPT web apps....

B

 

[sleepingworker]

Read this on Appleinsider yesterday. It's just business - pushing one's own apps whenever and where ever they can. But it's not "bloatware" or "spyware" like some have said - Safari is a descent browser.

 

[UCLA-Bruin]

Smart! Go Apple!

Simple equation:

Better Safari marketshare = More websites optimized for the iPhone/iPod touch.

 

[lookmark]

It's certainly a more aggressive move on Apple's part, but I don't get quite get why people consider this anything close to shovelware/malware.

It's not like Apple is secretly installing Safari along with iTunes. It's just informing you - or pestering you, depending on your level of interest - that Safari for Windows is updated and available. It's not hard to uncheck the box and Quit instead of install it, right? Or turn Apple Software Update off completely?

What I think is missing, however, is an option to say "no thanks, and don't inform me about updates to this piece of software again" for users to who want to be informed about iTunes updates but who aren't interested in Safari. I think that would resolve some of the frustration and annoyance being expressed, and is besides the right thing to do.

 

[Kwill]

actually, there is no "no" button

arn

Imagine how PC users will respond to their next update.

 

[Kelmon]

Not Cool

As much as I like Safari, Apple should NOT be using Software Update as a mechanism to install software on people's computers. By all means give them the option of installing Safari but don't make it the default option. I am constantly annoyed at software that I install that tries to trick me into installing more software, such as the Google/Yahoo! (I forget which one) Toolbar for IE when installing a new version of Java from Sun Microsystems. I don't mind being given the option of installing this software but don't tick that option by default so that I have to un-select it.

I'm sorry but this is just sneaky tactics that will not engender any love to Apple.

 

[Kelmon]

It's not hard to uncheck the box and Quit instead of install it, right?

That's the attitude that I hate. This is like those checkboxes on forms to companies that you have to tick to avoid being inundated with junk mail. By all means provide the option to download Safari but don't assume that I want it by default.

 

[zombitronic]

Doesn't make sense and to me it's a non-issue. If you want it you say yes and download it, if you don't, well you say no and walk away. Oh wait, are people saying that Windows users are stupid and will always click yes?

I think people are saying that the general public is gullible and will always click yes, (which keeps McAfee in business). That may be partially true, but I like to have more faith in the literacy of computer users. A lot of people just like to complain and blame. Did anyone stop to think that some of these less informed users might enjoy using Safari? (Presumably over IE; I doubt they discovered Firefox if they don't even know how to uncheck and decline a download.)

 

[sterlingindigo]

Imagine how PC users will respond to their next update.

I want this "tower of power" on MY peecee!

 

[Stridder44]

As much as I like Safari, Apple should NOT be using Software Update as a mechanism to install software on people's computers. By all means give them the option of installing Safari but don't make it the default option. I am constantly annoyed at software that I install that tries to trick me into installing more software, such as the Google/Yahoo! (I forget which one) Toolbar for IE when installing a new version of Java from Sun Microsystems. I don't mind being given the option of installing this software but don't tick that option by default so that I have to un-select it.

I'm sorry but this is just sneaky tactics that will not engender any love to Apple.

Exactly what I was saying.

 

[whatever]

I think people are saying that the general public is gullible and will always click yes, (which keeps McAfee in business). That may be partially true, but I like to have more faith in the literacy of computer users. A lot of people just like to complain and blame. Did anyone stop to think that some of these less informed users might enjoy using Safari? (Presumably over IE; I doubt they discovered Firefox if they don't even know how to uncheck and decline a download.)

No, we're all moths flying to the light. The only ones who are spared are the ones that crash along the way.

 

[philbeeney]

Imagine how PC users will respond to their next update.

Now that would be interesting.

 

[daveschroeder]

As the guy before me said, Quicktime being included is bad enough.

You're incorrect.

iTunes REQUIRES QuickTime. Not just "requires because Apple says so"; it requires QuickTime. That's why QuickTime is included. (Is it technically possible for Apple to theoretically make and separately maintain a stripped down set of QuickTime libraries enough to support iTunes' needs? Sure, but that would be beyond ridiculous.)

The thing people thought was "shady" is actually the reverse: simply trying to download QuickTime on Windows (unless you know where to go to get the standalone versions, etc.) always downloads and installs iTunes.

 

[pubius]

I'm sorry, but am I the only one who thinks this is BS? It's Software Update, not Software Update with Banner Ads.

This makes Apple no better than any other annoying software that riddles you with pop-ups. And remember, many of the people that will be affected are moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas who will see this pop up and will confuse the hell out of them. This tactic is on par with Microsoft, yet you guys seem to think just because Apple's doing it makes it OK.

Big thumbs down, Apple.

Besides, as long as Safari is without some kind of add-on system, it will never be able to truly compete with Firefox (which is why its gaining so much market share in the first place).

Just as a side note here. I'm going to guess that if you have put itunes on your pc, then a pop up asking you if you want safari won't feel totally like gibberish. This follows the theory that most people who have installed itunes have heard of safari and have the ability to make a conscious decision about it. I wouldn't worry so much.

 

[ScottFitz]

I have no problem with Safari or this means of distribution. I'd actually use it more if it worked for several web-based sites that I require for work. Those sites only work with IE and sometimes with netscape. But, none of them offer any support for safari. And, Apple quit offering a version of IE so long ago that what still is out there for download is so ancient these same sites won't work with it.

Apple needs to address some of these concerns and offer some way of an IE integration option.

 

[HLdan]

Dang, Apple. That's impressive.

I agree though, iTunes would make a great distribution vehicle for Apple software, particularly on the Windows side. On the Mac it's not needed as much thanks to Software Update.

On another note, despite my comments above, I rated this a negative. Why? The reason is that I do not like having software pushed to me unless I consent to it. I suspect other users may feel the same way.

Are you serious?? Really are you serious?? This happens when you surf the web everyday. Companies push products, software even their bad breath in your face on the web. Ad blockers can't kill all of it.

 

[Eraserhead]

I was a confused by this too.

Arn explained all earlier, 500 million downloads over all time.

Being constantly bothered to download something you don't want = Difficult

iTunes requires Quicktime to play its stuff, the legitimate complaint is getting iTunes forced on you when you request to install Quicktime. (Though it's not that hard to find the QT only installer)

It is easy the first time which is what I said before.



The problem is that Software Update pesters you afterwards.

Apple needs to address some of these concerns and offer some way of an IE integration option.

No, those sites need to understand that by not supporting web standards they are locking out 25% of web users from using their website. Send them an email.

 

[balamw]

The problem is that Software Update pesters you afterwards.

Yeah, but if you already know what you are doing you can just download the standalone again after being told by software update that a new one is available.

B

 

[ZacUSNYR]

I went home, my Windows machine had a notice up to download safari 3.1 and I had to actually go out to Software Update for my mac heh