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Apple Modifies Windows Software Updater After Safari Ruckus

Apple Modifies Windows Software Updater After Safari Ruckus

by , 1:15 PM EDT, April 18th, 2008

In March, it was noticed by Windows users that Apple was using the Apple Software Update program that installs with iTunes to promote the installation of Safari as well. That confused some users and drew criticism for being a deceptive practice. Now Apple has modified the Installer to version 2.1 that clearly displays the difference between updates and new software.

Many different Windows users had mixed feelings about the Apple practice first identified in March. Some considered it par for the course, aggressive by Apple, and because they perceived Safari to be a better browser than Internet Explorer, didn't mind. Others, however, saw this as a deceptive practice that could dupe users into installing something they didn't want.

Among those who were most vocal was John Lilly, the CEO of the Mozilla Group. At first, the move was seen as a blow to Mozilla's Firefox. Later, Mr. Lilly clarified that competition is good, but the particular technique Apple used "undermines the trust relationship great companies have with their customers," he wrote.

Now, Apple appears to have responded to the criticism by altering the layout of the Installer to identify software being updated and proposed new software.


Apple Software Update in Windows

After the update, which is managed by the updater itself, the version will show this::


On Thursday, the Mozilla Group noticed the change, but is still not satisfied with Apple's changes. Asa Dotzler, Mozilla's Director of Community Development wrote in his blog: "This is a good first step. Now Apple needs to stop checking the box for "New Software" items by default. With that change, I think I'd be pretty happy to let the Apple Software Update service back on my Windows machine."

On Friday, according to Computerworld, Apple spokesperson for Mac Hardware & Professional Applications Anuj Nayer said, "In this latest release we have made it easier for customers to identify between software updates and new applications." However, he declined to verify that the changes were in response to recent community criticisms.

Observer Comments

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Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1960 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:18 pm Subject:

This is excellent.

It's a great example of a time when complaining on the internet actually accomplished something positive.

I know, that's 1 vs. 1 million, but it's a start.


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Close Name:Guest
Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:22 pm Subject:

"Deceptive practice" is being polite. After seeing this I removed the Apple Updater from my XP machine. And now I'm searching for something other than iTunes to manage my music and iPod.


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Close Name:Sir Harry Flashman Posts: 792 Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:31 pm Subject: Alternatives

Quote
Guest wrote:
"Deceptive practice" is being polite. After seeing this I removed the Apple Updater from my XP machine. And now I'm searching for something other than iTunes to manage my music and iPod.


The iPod only works with iTunes


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Close Name:Guest
Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:35 pm Subject:

quote: the iPod only works with iTunes.

really?
10 Alternatives to iTunes for managing your iPod
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/


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Close Name:Sir Harry Flashman Posts: 792 Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:45 pm Subject: Great go get one

Quote
Guest wrote:
quote: the iPod only works with iTunes.

really?
10 Alternatives to iTunes for managing your iPod
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/


Then go get one of those products and stop whining


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Close Name:Intruder -   TMO Mac Specialist Posts: 3149 Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:19 pm Subject:

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
"Deceptive practice" is being polite. After seeing this I removed the Apple Updater from my XP machine. And now I'm searching for something other than iTunes to manage my music and iPod.


As opposed to just deselecting the app from the updater (which was a clearly defined option)?

While I disagree somewhat with what Apple did, it sure has generated a tremendous amount of bleating and whining.


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Close Name:Guest
Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:51 pm Subject:

Quote
Intruder wrote:
Quote
Anonymous wrote:
"Deceptive practice" is being polite. After seeing this I removed the Apple Updater from my XP machine. And now I'm searching for something other than iTunes to manage my music and iPod.


As opposed to just deselecting the app from the updater (which was a clearly defined option)?

While I disagree somewhat with what Apple did, it sure has generated a tremendous amount of bleating and whining.


Yeah...a little over-the-top. He should be warned to also avoid Adobe products which seem to want to install Acrobat/Reader and, now, AIR. Oh, and just forget MS products - Windows installs a bunch of unrelated crapware and how long before every download from MS "encourages" you to sample Silverlight?


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Close Name:Guest
Sat Apr 19, 2008 11:45 am Subject:

Quote
Guest wrote:
Quote
Intruder wrote:
Quote
Anonymous wrote:
"Deceptive practice" is being polite. After seeing this I removed the Apple Updater from my XP machine. And now I'm searching for something other than iTunes to manage my music and iPod.


As opposed to just deselecting the app from the updater (which was a clearly defined option)?

While I disagree somewhat with what Apple did, it sure has generated a tremendous amount of bleating and whining.


Yeah...a little over-the-top. He should be warned to also avoid Adobe products which seem to want to install Acrobat/Reader and, now, AIR. Oh, and just forget MS products - Windows installs a bunch of unrelated crapware and how long before every download from MS "encourages" you to sample Silverlight?


Ironically, Microsoft has for the longest time listed out and allowed you to deselect updates for installation. They make it easy for people who don't care, click the Express button. For people that want to review it, click the Custom button. In fact, Microsoft Update goes so far as to let you hide an update that you don't want to install so you will never have to go uncheck the box again. It's called customer focus, not everyone fits inside a white box. PC users just have a higher expectation of control over their machines, whereas Apple users think Jobs knows best and those who are extreme in their opinions will attack people asking for choice as "whiners".


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Close Name:Intruder -   TMO Mac Specialist Posts: 3149 Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:43 pm Subject:

Hate to break it to you, but the Mac updater allows the same options.

Nice try, though.

EDIT: The Windows version of the software updater probably also has an option to ignore selected updates. Try looking for that (it is usually under the update menu).


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Close Name:Guest
Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:31 am Subject: not a huge deal

i didn't find it a huge deal before. there was a checkbox next to it. this just proves that too many people just click OK on every update they see w/o actually reading what is being updated.

unsafe and irresponsible.


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