Apple Backs Off Slightly on Aggressive Software Update Tactics
When Apple began using Software Update to push the company’s Safari web browser on Windows users who had iTunes installed, the move generated considerable backlash. Mozilla CEO, John Lilly, called the move "a bad practice [that] should stop."
Apple has since made a small concession, changing the way its Software Update application for Windows looks. Software Update will still push any Apple software you don’t have installed, however, the new programs are no longer listed as “updates,” but appear in a separate pane clearly labeled “New Software.”
When we wrote about the original change, we noted that the main issue was one of design - that labeling uninstalled software as updates was a shady practice. Thankfully Apple seems to have had a change of heart.
The new Software Update interface eliminates confusion about which downloads are actual updates to already installed software, and which are entirely new applications.
While the changes to Software Update for Windows are welcome, there’s still room for improvement. Asa Dotzler, Mozilla’s director of community development, calls the changes “an important, though not sufficient, improvement,” and I agree.
The issue is that new software, while clearly labeled as such, is still checked by default. That means that, unless you’re careful, you still may end up with Safari installed alongside your iTunes update.
Apple fans will no doubt argue that Apple is free to do whatever it wants with Software Update and it’s up to the user to pay attention. While that’s true, in the long run, Software Update’s aggressive tactics may hurt Apple more than expanding the Safari user base will help.
Based on feedback from our last story, a significant number of you have simply ditched Apple’s Software Update altogether in favor of updating by hand. Not only does that bespeak a growing level of distrust, it also means that many users may be running older versions of iTunes.
When people get rid of Software Update Apple can’t push out iTunes Updates, and older versions of the software linger and may be incompatible with the iTunes Store. That in turn can lead to people having problems making purchases and downloading files from the iTunes Store, which leaves frustrated users who are much more likely to turn a competing service.
Apple has a strong hold on the online music download market at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it will forever. The record labels are already gunning for it; the last thing Apple needs is consumers turning their backs as well.
[via Computer World, screenshot from Asa Dotzler’s blog]
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