Apple highlights impressive Safari for Windows download/bug ratio
Although some problems with the Safari for Windows beta surfaced early on, (see “Security gurus immediately compare Safari beta, Swiss cheese”) Apple says more than 1 million copies of the software were downloaded in the first 48 hours after release.
The download report is a nice start for Safari, which has more than 18 million users on the Macintosh platform, and the numbers should continue to grow now that the first upgrade has been released that Apple says fixes some of the early bugs. [news release]
Meantime, speculation abounds as to why Apple is even bothering with Windows. Among the possibilities: a low-risk thorn in Microsoft’s browser side; luring users on the fence about their next PC purchase; because it strengthens Apple’s relationship with AT&T; getting developers to build more third-party apps for the iPhone.
Apple’s bothering with Safari for the PC because that’s how the recently announced widgets for the iPhone will be developed (hosted in Safari on the developer’s machine).
I’m not an Apple employee, but I have a lot of friends who are… and the absolute, though ‘unofficial’ word is what Perry said — it’s all about the iPhone. There are going to be many tools & widgets (on both sides) that will rely on Safari and iTunes…
I honestly have a feeling that they’re about to hit a iPod-level homerun with the iPhones.. this will be FUN to watch!
Brett
Mucho.com
my guess is that it’s those above plus expanding safari use and thereby pushing web sites toward wc3 compliance and away from ie6/7 compliance.
Good Food for Thought:
The question as to “Why is Apple bothering with Windows” is a good one, which prompts me to ponder a further question: How will Apple continue to be immune from the millions of mysterous viruses that seem to solely plague the Microsoft platforms?
Will this merger cause some of the Microsoft viruses to suddenly vanish?
If this is “impressive” I’d hate to see an unimpressive release. I’ve installed the last 2 beta releases 3 times and every time I click on a menu item Safari crashes for a different reason. The interface is horrible (black against dark gray is not impressive), and no way to opt out of quicktime (how many times do I need it on my PC?). Too many security flaws in what was promised to be a very secure browser, and the claims of fastest are doubtful, as some web pages load very fast and others not so fast. “TheWorld browser” is as fast or faster. on the same pages. They may call it a bet, but based on my experience with it so far, it isn’t even an alpha.