Steve Job’s Safari Was Going To Be Called Freedom Browser
In 2002 Steve Jobs apparently wanted to name Apple’s upcoming browser “Freedom” instead of Safari. Former Engineering Director of Internet Technologies Don Melton said:
Steve spent some time trying that one out on all of us. He may have liked it because it invoked positive imagery of people being set free. And, just as possible and positive, it spoke to our own freedom from Microsoft and Internet Explorer, the company and browser we depended on at the time.
Mac OS X Lion Has A Safari-only Login Option
Apple’s operating system, OS X Lion will allow guest users to boot into Safari “browser only” mode. Called “Restart to Safari,” the mode will allow users to restart the computer into a mode that only provides access to the Safari web browser and prevents users from having access to personal files.
This will good for restricted web kiosk mode.
Apple OS X Lion will be available in July.
Apple Releases Safari 5.0.1 With Extensions
Apple updated Safari to version 5.0.1, which includes bug fixes and enables Safari 5′s new extension system by default.
From Apple:
Extensions are a great way for you to add new features to Safari 5.0.1. Built by developers, Safari Extensions use the latest HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript web technologies. And they’re digitally signed and sandboxed for improved security. You can install extensions with one click — no need to restart Safari.
Read Apple Press Release on Safari 5.0.1
Google Chrome Took Safari Spot At Number 3
The latest web browser statistics from Net Applications indicates that Google Chrome has sneaked past Apple’s Safari to claim third place. This is impressive because Chrome only appeared on the market about 16 months. Chrome’s 0.7% increase from November to December can probably be attributed to the beta versions of the web browser for Mac OS X and Linux finally being released.
Currently, Firefox is in second place and Microsoft’s IE 8 in first place.
Quake Live Now Runs On Safari Browser
Quake Live is now available on Mac running on Safari browser. The game is still not available for Firefox on a Mac but it will be available shortly.
Quake Live is a new multiplayer game experience from id Software that allows game players of all skill levels a totally free and easily accessible multiplayer game running on a browser. The game is still in beta but it looked polish. More information on Quake Live website.
IE Slips Further With Rising Firefox, Safari, Chrome
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser market share has dropped for the seventh consecutive month. Web metrics company Net Applications indicated that Internet Explorer now has 67.55% of global browser market share while Firefox has 21%. Apple’s Safari browser now stands at 8.29% and Google’s Chrome 1.16%.
A few years ago, Internet Explorer commands 98% of the market share. Is IE’s days numbered? And will IE 8 help Microsoft gain back user confidence?
Source: Projection: IE’s Days of Domination Are Numbered
Firefox Climbs Above 21% Market Share
The latest data on browser market share indicates Internet Explorer has fallen below 69% market share, and Firefox has gained 21%. Safari has gained 7% while Opera remained badly at 0.7%. New comer Google Chrome managed to secure 1%.
Apple Ends Stealth Safari On Windows
Apple has modified the Windows Safari Installer to version 2.1 that displays the difference between updates and new software after user criticism regarding Safari installs like a trojan horse. The new version 2.1.0.110, offers users a toggle to turn off automatic software updates.
CEO of Mozilla said previously, “Apple undermines the trust relationship great companies have with their customers”.
Apple Guilty Of Pushing Safari To Windows Users
Mozilla CEO John Lilly said is wrong for to push Safari browser to users using Apple iTunes update facility. Lilly said it is a problem when users have not installed Safari and yet the users are pushed to install Safari when iTunes is updated.
Lilly said the practice Apple took with the Safari update “ultimately undermines the safety of users on the web by eroding that relationship. It’s a bad practice and should stop.”
Source: Mozilla CEO: Apple wrong ‘pushing’ Safari to Windows users
Apple Released Safari 3.1
Apple has released 3.1 version of its Safari web browser and it is sporting several key improvements for both Mac and Windows. Apple has added support for next gen Web Stadards HTML 5. Safari 3.1 is first to support CSS animations, and CSS3 Web fonts.
Apple claims that Safari loads web pages 1.9 times faster than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7 and 1.7 times faster than Firefox 2 browser.
