In the footsteps of QuickTime and iTunes, Apple decided to port yet another Macintosh application over to Windows. This time, however, it’s less of a necessity, and more of a “look what we can do” type of move.
In a move, no doubt, to entice Windows users over to Macintosh computers, Apple has ported their proprietary browser “Safari” over to the Windows platform. On June 11, 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the new browser during his presentation at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
The one positive outcome I can see coming from this is the impact it will have on Web developers. Assuming that Apple keeps current with updates, and makes certain that WinSafari is always true to the Macintosh equivalent, then most Web developers will be able to begin testing their sites in Safari more often.
I am using Safari to make this post right now, but that’s about as far as I have gone at this point. I don’t really have anything negative or positive to say about the browser itself. To me, having never used Safari before, it looks an awful lot like a cross between Firefox and Opera. Of course, for all I know, those browsers may have stolen the common elements from Safari.
I guess time will tell how successful this venture will be. Personally, I just don’t see it being worth the time and effort put forth to port it cross-platform. Prove me wrong, Apple.