Apple Trying To Sneak Safari Onto Windows Machines?
from the nobody-here-but-us-safaris dept
Last week, Apple apparently began distributing its Safari web browser to Windows users using the software update mechanism that comes with iTunes. This has generated a firestorm of controversy, notably from Mozilla CEO John Lilly, who says Apple's behavior undermines users' trust in the software update process. He's got a point. What Apple is doing here is a little bit sleazy. Users who opt to download iTunes aren't necessarily interested in installing or running Safari, and so making installation the default is an abuse of the relationship between Apple and its customers. On the other hand, I think it's important to make it clear that there's nothing inherently wrong with Apple using its installed base of iTunes users to help promote Safari. The issue here is that the opt-out mechanism it's chosen is somewhat misleading. Apple can fix the problem very easily by switching the default, so that Safari is unchecked until the user chooses to check it. Or, if Apple wants to be a little more aggressive, a pop-up window could require the user to make a yes or no choice on installing Safari. If the user clicks "no," the update mechanism should respect this choice and not bring it up again. The problem, in other words, is not that Apple is using the popularity of iTunes to promote another of its products. The problem is that it's not being as transparent as it could be with its users.
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Filed Under: default, downloads, opt-in, opt-out, safari
Companies: apple
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Shareware does it all the time
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Re: Shareware does it all the time
My take on it is that an "Updater" should only be updating software that already exists on the system, something that is already installed, not promoting a new piece of software that has no relation to what it is suppose to be updating.
I can see an advertisement, telling you about their wonderful product you might like to try, and offering you the option to download and install it. However, Apple is pushing this as if it were necessary, and anyone who isn't internet savvy may well think it's a necessary patch. Us tech-types hammer into people to update their systems when they are prompted to, within reason. I half expect that my GF's computer now has it installed, and has no idea what it is, or what it does.
I got the update too, with nothing more than Safari listed to install. Why?
Although I AM interested in checking the browser out, and will most likely install it at some point, I declined it right then. I'm interested in seeing if it comes back...
EtG
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Re: Re: Shareware does it all the time
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Apple surprised me with it
As much as I would love to fire Internet Explorer and switch over to Safari or Firefox, I design corporate web pages. I need to know what my pages look like to the majority of end-users, and unfortunately, most of the world still uses IE.
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It's up to you.
At the end of the day you are responsible for what you install on your computer. If you are in the habit of clicking 'Ok' on dialog boxes without reading them you are going to end up with a lot of worse things on your computer than Safari.
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Re: It's up to you.
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Not Apple's first sleazy move
At least everyone downloading iTunes for the PC has Internet access so they cab use the Safari browser. What tiny percentage of Quicktime users had, or even have now, an iPod or the need for iTunes?
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Sleazy?
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Re: Sleazy?
Since I presumed the request didn't belong on my PC at all, that was why I preemptively decided to do a virus scan, a dump of all temp files, etc., because I assumed that this was some kind of new trick that virus and malware writers had come up with to dupe unsuspecting nimrods into installing junkware and bloatware on their computers.
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Safari?
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Re: Safari?
I love how Techdirt seems to claim Apple only does bad things when their products are, in overall, superior to the competition. Heck even Vista copied their interface (while claiming not to; deja-vu?). I had a good laugh reading this article. Go Apple!
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Re: Re: Safari?
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Re: Safari?
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Re: Re: Safari?
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Sleazy.
Alex, if I were installing a piece of shareware and it tried to get me to install other unrelated programs by the same developer, I'd be pissed.
I'm not mad because it's Apple. I like Apple. I use a Mac at home. But I don't like what they're doing here.
Incidentally, Adobe does the same thing: Go to their website to download Adobe Reader, and if you're not paying attention you'll also find yourself with a copy of "Photoshop Album Starter Edition," whatever that is, installed by default. I don't like when they do it either.
What makes it even worse is that the windows version of Safari is a pretty disappointing piece of software anyway.
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Annoying...
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how much extra
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careful
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Is it that hard...
That's all I did. I didn't feel violated or anything. They gave me an option to try it. and I refused. No trust in Apple was lost. Until Steve Jobs sends the iGoons to force me to install it, you won't hear me complain.
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Re: Is it that hard...
..and yup, you guessed it, it will be checked again.
I don't want it now, I don't want it later. Update what I *do* want. (aka, what I installed) and nothing more.
Oh, Apple, you are so smart, and yet, so dumb. How sophomoric. :)
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Pay attention
I, for one, hate when a program assumes I want something, even though I didn't ask for it. I'm glad me mother or brothers don't use iTunes, or I'd have a call from them asking what it was, and how to get rid of it. Yes, those of us who know and care about our computers, know to to look at what is being installed (in fact, I'm a bit annoyed with the newer installers, since the offer less choices). All they need to do is make it an opt-in "update" and no one will be upset.
No, I don't hate Apple, I just agree that this is sleazy behavior for a company.
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Same thing with iTunes/QT
IE8 FTW!
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Sneak????
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Why is everyone so pissed?
This is a huge change over its Quicktime "upgrade", which installed iTunes without my consent!
Of course, after Apple did this, I simply un-installed the crap and have been anti-Apple ever since.
The sad thing here is that, even after many years of computers in the workplace/home, people still have no clue what's going on and that's a shame. It really is.
What's really funny about the comments/blog here is that it seems to skip over one very important piece of information:
You have the option to uninstall anything you don't want.
Unless the even shadier practice of preventing uninstall is used, which happens more often than not.
Crap, I hate defending Apple here but I see nothing wrong with what they're doing, even if people have no clue what Safari is.
After all, how long does it take to type in "Apple Safari" in Google to learn about it?
Put the blame where it needs to be folks: On the uneducated.
Oh, and IBOOK, this message is for you:
PEOPLE DON'T READ ON THE INTERNET ANYMORE!
They skim.
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HAHAHAHA!!
I'm not terribly in favor of how they chose to do this, but, I'm smart enough to uncheck such crap there are plenty of others who aren't. Additionally, the software is technically begign (albeit worthless) but my guess is they are testing the waters.
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Frickin Apple's
The difference between this and things like "Adobe Album Starter" is that it doesn't try to bundle itself as an "upgrade" to software to already have.
Most PC users have no idea what Safari is and are used to Apple's constant updating and won't know they're agreeing to a whole new piece of software.
They're very deliberately trying to take advantage, not of us, but of the vast majority of people that don't know any better.
As soon as I got this, I sent out an alert to my family and friends not to download it.
I don't like Apple or their computers, but I actually expected a little better of them than this.
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Yeah....
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forced to download iTunes as well
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I downloaded Safari but it just crashes
Probably not the best impression. It would help if when you push software, it works.
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It's sleazy - Sorry Mac fanboys
It's not an update, so it's a misrepresentation on Apple's part regardless of the quantity of kool-aid you consume.
And quite frankly, I don't care if Microsoft, Google, etc do it, their wrong too and it adds nothing to the discussion.
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Apple acts like they own my computer
Now these folks at Apple take it to a new level of sleaziness. They try to catch me not paying close attention once during a software UPDATE to try install a completely unrelated application -- Safari (negative option installation). I only want my damn iTunes UPDATEd so malware is a good word for this practice. I don't want QuickTime and especially don't want Safari installed on my computer if I forget to opt out once.
You won't find me cheering Microsoft but even Microsoft leaves unrelated optional software unchecked by default during updates. Also, Microsoft updates don't repeatedly drop undesired shortcuts into my QuickLaunch or Desktop the way Apple does.
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Bullcrap
Shame on Apple, but they probably don't care what I think since it will be a cold day in hell before I use a Mac anyway. I learned my lesson with minority computers back in the Amiga days.
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well..
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Safari
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Wow
On the other hand, all the anti-apple people you can just cool down a little, it's not that big of a deal. Apple didn't BETRAY anyone they were simply endorsing their product, thy have a right to do that. Also, sleezy isn't a very accurate word to describe this, try immoral.
For me unchecking the box that installs safari isn't that hard plus I like to know when iTunes updates are available. I guess it's just the constant hounding to install iTunes, safari and QuickTime can get annoying. Maybe they should add a "remind me in days" button. And... If I wanna get the update sooner I can go into itunes and press "Check to update" button.
Firefox ftw.
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Stay focused here?
People are pointing to many historical references supporting both sides of this agrument. However, pointing the finger at other companies does not excuse Apple of doing this themselves.
Whether you care or not, many of these users do not have a clue what Safari is. Apple knows this, and could have done a much better job in explaining the install to them.
Furthermore, the iTunes updater sits as a process, continually running in the background, and keeps 'reminding' users that there are additional updates which haven't been installed yet. That is completely unacceptable. If, before, you actually stopped and unchecked the box before clicking next, it makes no difference. The prompt will be back again.
Apple is a good company - this poor tact really did surprise me. I can only hope they update the updater to default the box to 'unchecked'
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Sham, Scam, by any other name
Nothing but bad business.
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• iTunes no longer ignores your "Remember password for purchases" setting.
• Addresses problems with syncing some Smart Playlists and Podcasts with iPod.
• Resolves a problem recognizing when iPod is connected.
• Addresses issues that affect stability and performance.
iTunes 9 comes with many new features and improvements, including:
• An improved look and feel, including a new Column Browser for easily browsing your artists or albums, movies, TV shows, and more.
• iTunes Store has a brand new look, with improved navigation for quick and easy exploration.
• iTunes LP and iTunes Extras create unique experiences that feature exclusive interviews, videos, photos, and more — available with select album and movie purchases on the iTunes Store.
• Home Sharing helps you manage your family's iTunes collection between computers in your home. iTunes can automatically transfer new purchases, or you can choose just the items you want.
• Genius Mixes are created for you by iTunes and play songs from your library that go great together.
• iPod and iPhone syncing now allows you to organize your iPhone and iPod touch home screens directly in iTunes. Syncing is now also more flexible, allowing you to sync individual artists, genres, or TV show and Podcast episodes.
• iTunes U items are now organized into their own section in your iTunes library.
• Sync with iPod nano (5th generation), iPod classic (Fall 2009), and iPod touch (Fall 2009).
• iTunes 9 also includes many other improvements, such as HE-AAC encoding and playback, more flexibility with Smart Playlists rules, simpler organization of your media files inside an iTunes Media folder, and more.
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