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Vista users greeted with an unexpected surprise: MobileMe

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

July 18, 2008, 12:32 PM

While they may have no intention of ever signing up for the service, Windows users are finding an unexpected addition to their Control Panels.

A link for "MobileMe Preferences" has begun appearing at the bottom of the Control Panel screens of those who have installed the latest Apple iTunes software -- according to one user, without any notification at all.

The MobileMe preference panel has also been reported to be showing up in Windows XP as well.

MobileMe does feature Vista compatibility, and the most recent update to iTunes, version 7.7, added functionality necessary for iTunes to work with the service -- although it is not necessary to sync information.

It is through iTunes 7.7 where Apple added the MobileMe functionality to Windows computers. The tutorial for setting up MobileMe on a PC confirms this. As Step 1 clearly reads, "Download and install the latest version of iTunes. iTunes includes the software required to set up MobileMe on your PC."

Some may take issue with this: Apple never explicitly said that MobileMe software would come as part of the new version of the software.

However, Apple distributing software like this is nothing new. For example with QuickTime, the company has used its player software to also deliver its iTunes music service, which some users have found to be intrusive. And last March, Apple used iTunes' Software Update service for Windows as a way of pushing its Safari browser. Other companies have adopted similar approaches in an effort to promote a new product on the back of an already established one.

Users have not yet revealed whether they've discovered a method to remove the MobileMe icon without uninstalling iTunes 7.7 altogether.

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By yountmj

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 5:19 PM

This whole place has been gradually de-evolving into quite the /. wannabe lately.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Jul 21, 2008 - 10:56 AM

It's amazing what a couple of complete imbeciles can do to absolutely destroy a topic.

When some folks get online, they apparently regress to age 3.

Once you filter out tigreseis, ostrakon, cescam66, and internetworld7 it's a pretty normal discussion.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 21, 2008 - 3:51 PM

Ow! That hurts.

Score: 0

By matt2971

edited Jul 21, 2008 - 7:57 AM

You're claiming that time is running backwards at Betanews? Impressive if true, self-fulfilling proof that this place isn't like /. if not. They may be geeks, but at least the comments are usually informed.

Score: 0

By jskline

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 2:45 PM

I take issue with this "marketing" approach. I did not ask for this, have no use for it, and would not have downloaded it had it been offered as an option. So; the damned thing wasn't even mentioned in the download and no option available to get just iTunes and none of the other bloatware. What gives??

So why the hell are these companies being allowed to get away with this? Do they believe that they now own your computer and desktop since you bought one of their products?

I now will have to consider running iTunes on only one machine so I can keep my others in some reasonable pristine order. I had been running it on 4 machines but this presents some problems and between it and Napster, explain some serious slowdowns in my computers of late. I think that speaking with an attorney over this might be in order.

Score: 0

By liam_668

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 4:59 PM

The point of most of what Apple and Microsoft have done over the last couple of years has been to demonstrate that they own your computer and you just lease it from them. Moreover, they demonstrate that they can alter your machine at any time and monitor everything you do lest you do something naughty with their property. The current Administration and their tame courts are in total agreement with this philosophy and wish to do everything in their power to cement corporate hold on everything. They are certain it's good for us.

I haven't figured out what to do about it other than go all linux, and see how many others there are out there who prefer to not be owned by the biggest corporations on the block. Anyone with any good ideas, let me know.

Score: 0

By johnjohn3

edited Jul 31, 2008 - 2:52 PM

Don't put Microsoft in this boat with Apple... I don't think Microsoft would even attempt this to sneak entirely new applications onto your PC with no ability opt-in on the part of the consumer.

I understand why Apple wants to jam their crapware on your machine, but it strikes me as unethical. Worse than the load of crapware that Sony puts on a new pc, becuase at least then you know there's a bunch of stuff to go uninstall.

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:38 PM

The minute you accepted the EULA for closed source software, they owned your computer. Get it now?

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jul 21, 2008 - 10:50 AM

Funny.

I have *tons* of closed source software on my system.

Amazingly, it's still on my desk.

*checks invoice*

Nope, still mine.

Score: 0

By matt2971

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 8:17 AM

iTunes = technically inept bloatware
WMP = technically inept bloatware
quicktime = technically inept bloatware
safari = technically inept bloatware
IE = technically inept bloatware
MacOS = bloatware
Windows = bloatware
Vista = the most bloated bloatware ever
iPhone = MP3 player for dummies, fashion- victims and sheep.

Unfortunately I have to use Windows. XP is the least of evils.

Now for the good things in life.

xPlorer2
Media Player Classic HC
foobar
firefox (ish. still sluggish as it gradually bloats)
Halite
XNview
notepad++
Spybot S&D
Keepass
ffdshow
VLC
Virtualdub
Wireshark
Audacity
7-Zip
Renamer
Unlocker
C-Cleaner
Foxit
Locate32

etc etc etc.

The key? Small, well coded software that does what i needs to do and nothing more.

The reason why all software from the likes of Microsoft, Apple, and all their competitors suck ass? They need to make a profit out of the clueless public by constantly creating new versions with added "features" (=bloat), and also keep you upgrading your hardware needlessly.

Microsoft and Apple are as bad as each other, and guess what? Any other corporation that takes their place will be the same. Such is the result of a crap economic system where more and more profit is the only driver in life.

Hence, freeware produced by independent people is generally great, and ANY software produced by corporations almost universally sucks, except in the minds of people who know very little about anything. Get used to it.

Score: 0

By dvferret

posted Jul 20, 2008 - 10:21 AM

Id have to say apple is getting worse with this bloatware crap.

Score: 0

By The MAZZTer

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 12:41 PM

Good list, I prefer Irfanview over XNView though. I also prefer MPlayer over VLC because MPlayer uses a CLI. <3

I think I looked at xPlorer2 once, but I believe the best Windows Explorer is still the original, even with all the unfixed bugs in the XP and Vista ones (Vista's is better, sadly Vista is also too slow). I've tried a few clones but they don't come close yet... the best one so far is this one: http://www.cubicreality.com/

Score: 0

By lucianct

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 7:17 AM

I am a developer and I installed Safari to check how web pages look in WebKit browsers. With Safari was also installed Apple Software Update which was asking me all the time to install QuickTime and iTunes too. If was a normal computer user, I would have accepted and thus with iTunes I would have had MobileMe too. Pretty annoying... Apple is using the same tactics that MS used and it is no better.

Score: 0

By Aires

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 4:33 AM

Actually I reall don't see a problem with this. It's not like it's the 1980s and we have no harddrive space to speak of. We have harddrives with 100s of GBs of space now. So what if MobileMe's included, Apple are upfront in saying so and it's up to you whether you install iTunes or not. If the whole thing cheeses you off that much then it's very simple - don't buy an iPhone! Simple as.

Score: 0

By morriscox

posted Jul 21, 2008 - 3:42 PM

It's not just the hard space. The bloat can also slow down your computer, make it less stable, and cause other problems. It seems Apple actually wasn't upfront and if you don't install iTunes, you get nagged to do so. And iTunes isn't just for those with iPhones (or even iPods). Simple as? I'm so tempted to modify that sentence for you. :)

Score: 0

By netean

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:56 AM

iTunes 7.6 is big, slow and crap enough, don't need nor wan't 7.7

I'll stick with 1.1.4 (jailbroken) on my ipod touch thanks.

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:09 AM

This is shameful, and the world would be up in arms if Microsoft or google started to do this.

By the way, Windows Search on vista will be rolled out soon as a "critical update" on vista, and optional on XP. That means Microsoft will soon have a chance to return the favor.

Score: 0

By PatrynXX

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:47 PM

Yeah they are still trying to push Safari. Happened to me a few days ago. Bet this update was part of that.

Score: 0

By cranbers

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:31 PM

I remember aol installed all kinds of crap like this in the computer, everything from screen savers, to toolbars etc. No option to NOT install it. If you have no intention of using mobileme, why do they automatically add that? I mean, if you have an apple machine, fine. But Vista already has enough issues without adding something like that.

The sad thing is most people probably wouldn't even know to go to the control panel to mess with it anyway, they should make a apple folder on the start menu, and put it under that if anything. Do you want to add a mobile me preferences to the control panel? Yes or no? Sure does sound like a reasonable thing to me.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 7:36 PM

There's no need to whine and cry about this. Apple is only trying to give you PC users stuck in the stone ages of computing a taste of the wonderful world of Apple and what using a modern computer should feel like. So be grateful kids.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:42 PM

You're a moron.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:32 AM

And you're a retard.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:50 AM

Oh, that was a good comeback. Do you write your own material?

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 2:43 PM

Comeback? What, are you serious? You need to get out of high school, champ.

And "Do you write your own material"? My God, for someone with enough experience to call another a moron, one would think you could do better.

Go ahead, give it a shot. Reply to this one. Tip: leave the cliches behind. You can do it!

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:58 PM

fotkke thejjk jkxzaoo kkookos. I can't do it.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:46 PM

Not bad for a first attempt.
You can do it, you just have to keep at it. Don't give up now!

Score: 0

By elftyrrell

edited Jul 18, 2008 - 8:09 PM

It's reasonable to want a choice of what is installed on one's computer.

What is worrying is that you Apple cultists have so willingly surrendered your freedom to Steve and the Apple mothership.

Score: 0

By mathue

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:22 PM

Balmer said: DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS, DEVELOPERS.

I guess I can see your point, though it does pale slightly in light of Balmer and Co.

http://rixstep.com/2/1/20080701,00.shtml

Apple doesn't quite have the same bad track record as MS does with underhanded stuff.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:43 PM

So that makes it okay? Moron.

Score: 0

By mathue

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:30 PM

Oooo, name calling, touché! This battle of wits is over my friend. : )

Shouldn't you be getting off the library computer and back to summer school so you can pass 7th grade next year?

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 4:01 PM

Even if I was still in 7th grade, this battle didn't last very long. That's not saying too much for your cognitive abilities.

Touche is a good one though.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:33 AM

Yes, it does, retard.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:53 AM

Wasn't Ostrakon a Gothic leader in the 4th century? I think he was a eunuch. It fits.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 2:48 PM

An overly immense interest in eunuchs (Goodness! Someone's been hitting the dictionary! Bravo!) isn't something I'd generally announce to the rest of the world, were I you, but hey, you're still catching up. I understand.

Keep at it, slugger, there's hope for you yet!

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:24 PM

"What is worrying is that you Apple cultists have so willingly surrendered your freedom to Steve and the Apple mothership"

Surrendered it from... what, taking it up the a** by Ballmer & Co.? Yup! That's real freedom, there, champ. Given the alternative, I'll take the mothership.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:44 PM

mo·ron –noun
1. a person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment.
2. Psychology. a person of borderline intelligence in a former classification of mental retardation, having an intelligence quotient of 50 to 69.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:38 AM

half-wit –noun
1. a person who is feeble-minded.
2. a person who is foolish or senseless; dunderhead.
[Origin: 1670–80]

—Synonyms
2. blockhead, dolt, fool, nitwit, dope, dummy, dimwit.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:53 AM

Now that one was good.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 2:51 PM

Thank you.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:40 AM

idiot |?id??t|
noun informal
a stupid person.
• archaic Medicine a mentally handicapped person.

ORIGIN Middle English (denoting a person of low intelligence)

=tigreseis

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:57 AM

What, do you just hang on ostrakon's coat tails? At least you didn't copy him..oh you did. You need to look at your definition then. Idiot comes from the Greek "idiotes" which originally meant a person lacking professional skill.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 2:58 PM

According to my timestamps, he posted at 1:40 AM, whereas I posted some time after 3 AM (not taking into consideration timezone differences). If anything, your point should have been directed at me, but the etymological fact is nevertheless true, notwithstanding.

Score: 0

By navyctm78

edited Jul 18, 2008 - 9:21 PM

Hmm.

Score: 0

By frankwick

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 4:25 PM

Had MS done this, people would be screaming. I swear Apple is turning into MS!

Score: 0

By internetworld7

edited Jul 18, 2008 - 7:37 PM

" I swear Apple is turning into MS!"

Sorry but Apple could never become that inept, incompetent, ineffective, inefficient, ineffectual, and incapable. Not Apple, not on your life. :)

Score: 0

By SlapShot

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:15 PM

or make as much money :)

Score: 0

By cescam66

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:41 PM

why dont you just go tell your mommy about it whiner

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:20 PM

One wouldn't think that a two-year old, lacking 80 percent of its brain, would be able to randomly create an account on Betanews, and post meaningless drivel.

cescam66 proves mathematical probability wrong, of course, while ably demonstrating why one should never tell a mentally handicapped child that he can be anything when he grows up.

Score: 0

By cescam66

posted Jul 20, 2008 - 12:04 AM

ok your point?? you think im gonna feed you troll?? hell no

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 22, 2008 - 7:24 PM

Not to point out the bleeding obvious, but were I a troll, you'd have just fed me, with that comment alone.

In order to abstain from feeding said trolls, one must abstain from creating comments such as the one you used to reply to me.

Though misguided, I admire your bravado.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:55 PM

Ditto my above reply.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 2:59 PM

half-wit –noun
1. a person who is feeble-minded.
2. a person who is foolish or senseless; dunderhead.
[Origin: 1670–80]

—Synonyms 2. blockhead, dolt, fool, nitwit, dope, dummy, dimwit.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:58 AM

Since you left out half the word, does that make you the half-wit?

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:02 PM

Actually, I left out an entire hyphenated word, not merely half of one, and thank you bringing that to my attention. See correction.

Now, my name followed by the correct grammar particle would have made for an interesting faux-pas, but a name is a proper pronoun.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

edited Jul 19, 2008 - 4:05 PM

That's proper noun, trooper.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:55 PM

Trooper. I like that. I will have to use it more often.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:45 PM

I'd MUCH rather tell yours.

*Dirty Thoughts*

*Wide Smile*

Score: 0

By DonGato

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:09 PM

No, you're right, they already become more that that.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:22 PM

Yes, if you spin fast enough, you *can* lick the back of your own head. Keep going, you're almost there!

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:43 PM

"No, you're right, they already become more that that."

I'm sorry, I don't speak retard.

Score: 0

By siryak

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:57 PM

Your past posts point to the contrary...

Score: 0

By Gungistoker

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 8:42 PM

You forgot 'or as big in market share' as Microsoft.

Score: 0

By x.iso

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 8:13 PM

wow, that was an epic bulls*** :D

Score: 0

By auiotour

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 4:59 PM

MobileMe and the iPhone is a huge part of iTunes since the iPhone is a more complex version of an iPod, Apple uses iTunes as a gateway to their music and tools for the iPhone. You ever notice that Apple also runs a service for syncing to your iphone regardless of whether you have an iphone installed on your computer or not. Or maybe their Bonjour service that jumps the hurdles of networking in order to share your library. Apple has done this for years. As for Safari It's not under updates its under other software releases.

Score: 0

By swlaurier

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 3:41 PM

Very Simple to remove.
Open Control Panel.go to Add & Remove programs find Apple mobile Devices (it was not there when I upgraded) remove. does not remove itune or their updater.

Score: 0

By Maestr0

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 3:34 PM

Don't they charge for the MobileMe service? How is this anything other than sneaky? If I had a program put a link on your control panel and when you try to follow through with that link you find out you have to pay to use it. Sounds like a Nigerian lottery scam to me.

Score: 0

By AntiochMedia

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:57 PM

I don't mind that Apple does these sneaky things -- because I just undo them and consider them to be harmless bad ideas.

With Microsoft Updates and other apps that ride on installers, I am generally annoyed as to how they install and am concerned about security. With Apple stuff on PCs? Nah. Just a bunch of silly helper apps from guys who aren't Windows developers...

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 4:45 PM

*laughing*

Funniest thing I've real all day.

Thanks, man!

Score: 0

By preinterpost

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 4:24 PM

Yeah, like the carpet bombing bug. No big deal really for the unsuspecting consumer.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 7:42 PM

You're right if you use a Mac. No big deal at all. That's exactly why Apple took their sweet time to patch this. And as far as I'm concerned Apple could have taken until 3008 to patch this. The Webkit engine will always be more secure than Trident, Gecko, and Presto.

Score: 0

By SlapShot

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:17 PM

when it comes to apple and mr. jobs, if it lasts longer than 4 hours, your suppose to call your doctor :)

Score: 0

By cescam66

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:42 PM

motherfuker did he say anything about using a mac?

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 10:57 PM

If you hadn't been a product of incest with your own mother, maybe you would be able to spell. Moron.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:41 AM

Your mother and I never wanted you. Just thought you should know that.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 10:00 AM

That's impossible. Eunuchs can't have children. It's okay, they weren't that big anyway.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 3:22 PM

Assuming your allegation to be true, you would nevertheless be incorrect, as here have been non-castrated eunuchs. And for there to exist non-castrated eunuchs must logically mean that there must also exist the physical possibility of procreation, however undesirable to said eunuch. In the absence of this fact, you would have had a point.

Now, go back and disambiguate that last sentence. You need to be more specific for that insult to have any weight at all for the average reader.

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 4:13 PM

Never-the-less, even "non-castrated" eunuchs were called thus because they either could not procreate or were disinclined to. It was a way of life.

So, my point still stands. Castrated or not, eunuchs didn't procreate. Therefore, you can't be my father. It must have been someone else's mother you slept with.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:45 AM

tigreseis calm down. There's no need to post insult after insult on this thread. You're going to have to get over your uncle touching you...

Score: 0

By SlapShot

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:18 PM

take your own advice then

Score: 0

By tigreseis

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 10:02 AM

Sounds like a repressed memory. I am glad you are still following ostrakon though. At least he's original.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 9:57 PM

Stop it, you're making me blush.

Score: 0

By ostrakon

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 9:56 PM

No, fukwit, that's why he said "if you use a mac".

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:49 PM

Heh...

QT installs iTunes, iTunes installs Safari...and MobileMe.

Hey, maybe foxfyre is right!

Maybe the next update will simply install Mac OS X.

*evil grin*

Score: 0

By Banquo

posted Jul 21, 2008 - 1:40 PM

Actually you got it backwards, iTunes installs QuickTime because it's a required component for iTunes to run. If you just download QuickTime however it does not install iTunes.

Anyway though, I really hate how Apple has started sneakily pushing this stuff lately.

Score: 0

By sjc001

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 3:56 PM

Not unless you want to get sued by Apple for not having it on THEIR systems. [smiles]

Score: 0

By elftyrrell

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:36 PM

When Apple does something like this everybody seems to be clamoring to rationalize it.

When Microsoft, or anyone else for that matter, does this type of thing they are excoriated.

Huge double standard.

Score: 0

By skimore

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:23 PM

Spyware.. so you install Quicktime and get iTunes, Surfari and Mobleme all without asking??

And since it's apple (the most trusted name in software/hardware) it's not spyware and is allowed..

Score: 0

By Intrusive_Rogue

edited Jul 18, 2008 - 2:02 PM

At the very least, don't add Control Pannel Icons if you plan to install hidden "bundle ware." (I think I just created that, I call Copywrite Dibs if everyone starts using it.)

Add it to a preferences menu in the installed software, or as a tab or the like in the software. At least that way everyone thinks of it as a feature add on instead of Bundle Ware.

But, I also do not agree with the pratice of installing bundle ware for a software company's self preservation without specific opt in from the end user.

But alas, Windows does it, Yahoo does it, Google does it and the list goes on and on and on.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:19 PM

"At the very least, don't add Control Pannel Icons if you plan to install hidden "bundle ware." (I think I just created that, I call Copywrite Dibs if everyone starts using it.)"

I don't think so
http://www.spywareremove.com/removeBundleware.html

Score: 0

By Intrusive_Rogue

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:28 PM

Dammit.

Well, it was worth a try.

Score: 0

By sacaripasa

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:51 PM

just another reason im happy with iPhone 1.4. no need for "extra" crap software on my PC. Get that enough already.

Score: 0

By Ryusennin

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:41 PM

"Users have not yet revealed whether they've discovered a method to remove the MobileMe icon without uninstalling iTunes 7.7 altogether."

I can live with a rogue icon. The important thing is how you disable the service and free your system from Apple slavery. Pay a visit to the Admin Tools, check your Services and locate the Apple Mobile Device. Change the startup type to Disabled. And violette.

Score: 0

By Paul Skinner

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:58 PM

With the Apple Mobile Device under XP you just uninstall it. It's seperate from iTunes, but is installed automatically by iTunes.

Score: 0

By gawd21

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:16 PM

In Vista all you have to do is unistall everything but itunes and Quicktime and it takes it out.

Score: 0

By Lycestra

edited Jul 18, 2008 - 1:34 PM

Unrelated? You might be missing that what Apple tends to create are "Frameworks," and then writes Applications that apply them. QuickTime is a framework, as is WebKit. QuickTime Player and iTunes both use the QuickTime framework, while Safari and iTunes both use WebKit (iTunes uses it for the store interfaces).

I would suspect that with iTunes 7.7, Apple added a more mature sync services framework for syncing iPhones and other devices, as well as with software on the machine. As a minor part of this, a control panel for syncing with MobileMe. The support frameworks are included, and must be there for iTunes to work. Remove the control panel if you want. It probably will make you feel better.

Simple fact is that all these apps themselves are very small. They use common frameworks. QuickTime is like Windows Media. Compliaining about QuickTime being included with iTunes is like complaining about RandomVideoPlayerX requiring WindowsMedia , which will inevitably include its own player you may not use.

If you use iTunes, you will be using QuickTime, WebKit and the syncing frameworks.

That said, I do disagree with how Apple snuck Safari in a few months ago, but they updated the Software Update mechanism already to prevent that future.

Score: 0

By BCTech

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 3:20 PM

Funny, I was able to install iTunes and then get rid of Quicktime (replaced with QT Alternative) and iTunes worked fine. So clearly Quicktime in whole is not required - Apple could no doubt as easily bundle the few required components without the full, invasive quicktime app. Probably the same is true of MobilMe, etc. But Apple is either A: lazy (maybe) or B: wants to install as much of their software on your system as they can whenever they get the chance. I'm betting on B.

Score: 0

By auiotour

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 5:03 PM

Not all features of iTunes works without Quicktime. Quicktime is used for streaming their video content, along with audio content.

Score: 0

By artfuldodga

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:33 PM

WTF apple, jesus...

Score: 0

By CAGdorf

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:24 PM

Dam*-it Apple! Stop trying to push out your new or unsuccessful products through your successful one! This is the very reason I don't own an Ipod. This is crap, makes you wonder what else is getting installed behind the scenes.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jul 19, 2008 - 1:48 AM

You don't own an ipod because you can't afford one yet. Keep it real.

Score: 0

By oafed

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 1:10 PM

I hate when companies group unrelated software into one install to push it onto everyone's computer. That's why half of my friends have 10 toolbars in their browser.

iTunes should install iTunes.

If I wanted MobileMe I would install it.
If I wanted Safari I would install it.
If I wanted QuickTime I would install it.

Score: 0

By lvthunder

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 2:50 PM

The thing is itunes needs Quicktime to play files. It needs Safari to show you the iTunes Store, and it needs the syncing parts of MobileMe to sync the phone. What's the problem?

Score: 0

By orizng

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 4:23 PM

no, all false, windows already provide all the codecs, why does iTunes NEED QT to play files such as MP3?

windows provide browser engine, why does iTunes need safari to how the ITMS?

iPhone rev A can be synced easily w/o mobileME, for people don't use mobileME, why now mobileME becomes necessary?

All lies, there is no necessity, there is only greed and nature of a control freak, a always.

Score: 0

By lvthunder

posted Jul 20, 2008 - 11:52 PM

Oh I don't know maybe it's because Apple knows how Quicktime and Safari works (you know since they made it). They are trying to keep the Mac and Windows version close. I mean why use the Safari rendering engine for the store on Mac and E on Windows.

As for the iPhone rev A iTunes still synced with it so they just renamed that sync MobileMe to go with their online syncing platform. Not a big deal.

Score: 0

By auiotour

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 5:05 PM

Quicktime is needed to play content from the store such as video streams. Rent a movie on the itunes store without quicktime. Doesnt work so well. Quicktime isn't needed to play MP3s, though also capable.

Score: 0

By swattz101

posted Jul 18, 2008 - 3:10 PM

I understand quicktime to play quicktime files, but I don't have an iPhone and don't need the MobileMe. Maybe if it was compatable with my Motorolla Q, but then I wish I could hook up another MP3 player instead of a propriatary ipod. Also, NO, Safari is not needed for the iTunes store. I have been able to see the store for ages and didn't need Safari. IE or Firefox works just fine.

Score: 0

By lvthunder

posted Jul 20, 2008 - 11:55 PM

When you buy a car and you don't smoke do you expect the car maker not to give you a car with ashtrays and cigarette lighters in them?

Also you have been using at least the rendering engine of Safari since iTunes came out. They just didn't give you an icon so you can browse other sites.

Score: 0

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