Most iPod owners use a PC. Not because they don't like Macs, but because most iPod owners are part of a huge population that uses PC. Not making myself clear yet? People mostly use PCs, OK?! It's hard for me to say this, but it's true. Moving on. As iPod owners, they need iTunes. iTunes needs to be installed on computers. And so users do it, thanks to Apple who has brought its Software Update system on Windows so users are notified whenever there's an update for them. Using the same mechanism, version 3.1 of Safari has somehow made its way onto Windows-based platforms.

What is this "the rise of the web browsers...?"

"Earlier today, Apple released the Safari 3.1 Web browser for Mac OS and Windows XP/Vista. A couple hours later, Apple Software Update popped up on my daughter's Sony VAIO, offering Safari 3.1 for download," says Joe Wilcox of Microsoft Watch. "I didn't recall seeing an earlier version installed on the laptop. And I made no mistake: The Apple updater offered installation of new software, not something that had been there before. Whoa."

Earlier this week, Apple touted Safari 3.1 as "the fastest browser" currently available, when the Cupertino-based company rolled out the update for Macs. Here's what Windows users are told when the Apple Software update pops up on their screens: "Safari for Windows is the fastest and easiest-to-use web browser for the PC. It displays web pages faster than any other browser and is filled with innovative features -- all delivered in an efficient and elegant user interface."

Of course, this is an actual message from Apple, not from the Safari 3.1 browser - you didn't honestly think Safari has become self aware, did you?

Apple isn't telling any lies either. I've tried out the new version myself and it's FAST! That doesn't mean we can't see a bit of an aggressive move on behalf of Apple, nonetheless. You see, Safari is growing. Aided by a continuously increasing iPhone user-base in the States, Safari is becoming more popular by the passing of each day. It's also slowly eating at Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox, so what else could make a better Mac bait if not Apple's standard web browser?

Nevertheless, Wilcox doesn't think Safari can live long inside the "gang-ridden ghetto" also known as Windows: "Safari is fairly new to Windows and has yet to really show that it has can muster the security to withstand the associated attacks," he wrote. "Mac OS X is a quaint neighborhood where little Safari was safe. By comparison, Windows is a gang-ridden ghetto: life is survival, and it's tough going."

Via AppleInsider