Safari Beta Updated

LenE writes "Safari has been updated to Beta 6, and is available via Software Update. New in this version is XML support, more speed, and many bug fixes. The download is 2.4 MB and doesn't require a restart." From the notes: "The Safari Update 2-12-03 improves the compatibility with popular web sites based on Safari user feedback, further improves the performance of loading web pages and Flash content, adds support for XML, increases standards conformance and delivers improved application stability. The update also enables access to web sites that offer self-signed security certificates."

Comments

Many bugs were fixed, and CSS improved *a lot*

[King Babar]

Yes, you can run the w3c.org CSS1 tests now. But more importantly from my perspective (:-)) is that Eric Meyer's css / edge stuff now almost completely works. The only abject failure there is the second "ragged float" demo, and even that one is pretty close.

As far as styling XML goes, your XML apparently does have to have the DOCTYPE stuff set up correctly. This means you get no joy with the stuff on the w3c Styling XML site; safari won't display the xml files there at all.

Oh yeah: it's a bit faster...not that you're likely to notice.

Re:Many bugs were fixed, and CSS improved *a lot*

[WatertonMan]

It also fixes that annoying bug with pulldown buttons for bookmarks. It the prior versions you could sometimes click on one button and have the button beside it come down.

Sadly there still is spotty support for context menus, especially in the bookmark panes.

Mostly good, some bad

[backlonthethird]

It seems to do exactly what it claims to, though I'm finding the last beta handles my page refreshes better. This version seems to just keep reloading them over and over, which means it isn't loading at all.

I would hold off on this download.

Tabs, Maybe.

[Cokelee]

Some applications are not document-based. Such applications typically still have at least one main window, which can use the standard Aqua document window appearance and features.

Apple HIG

Shortcuts

[slenver]

Apple+arrows now work for back and forward pages..... I just hate having to reach for the mouse when browsing 'with one hand'.....

whoops...banking gone for me

[djupedal]

My online banking worked via Safari until this new version.

For online access to secure sessions within wellsfargo.com, you must use an approved operating system and browser.

Time to enlighten WFB's tech dept. once again. I don't feel like forcing a spoof.

Re:whoops...banking gone for me

[coolmacdude]

Change the user agent to IE, it will work fine.

Re:Define "restart"

[kyrre]

iTunes, Quicktime, certain securty updates. Probably more.

Gel

[Graymalkin]

What the hell is up with Safari and UBB? I can't seem to log onto many UBB powered sites using Safari, are there any special tricks to get this to work? I was hoping with this release I might be able to not use OW or IE to post to UBB boards but I guess I'll just have to wait a bit longer. This is pretty much the only real downside I've personally come across with Safari, everything else I've wanted to do it has worked fine and fast. Is there a actuallyWorkWithUBB flag in the plist I need to set or something?

I've tried everything available through Safari's interface including enabling popup windows, allowing cookies from everyone, and allowing every form of script and plug-in to run. So far I've had big fat zero luck. And yes I've submitted bug reports, including the page's source and any pertinent details of my particular setup.

Rendering engine changes in detail

[ollie_ob]

Mark Pilgrim's excellent blog Dive Into Mark has a very comprehensive list of changes to the Webcore rendering engine. The permanent link is here. I'm impressed with how quickly he's managed to list these changes seeing as it only came out today!

One change I've noticed is Safari no longer freezes for a minute when loading certain webpages. Another nice change is that stylesheet change on Dave Hyatt's weblog actually works now. Dave is ironically one of the Safari developers, so it's just as well!!!

Re:Tabbed Browsing

[code shady]

While I haven't seen any explicit warnings against using tabs with the brushed metal interface (but then, I haven't read all of the HIG), i also believe that apple will NOT implement tabbed browsing in safari.

The textured windows where "designed specifically for use by--and is therefore best suited to--applications that provide an interface for a digital peripheral, such as a camera, or an interface for managing data shared with digital peripherals, such as the Address Book application" or "... appropriate for applications that strive to re-create a familiar physical device". I think its the second one that is the most important here, but both uses play a role.

Take a look at iTunes. Its got one main window, an that window is the main focus of the app. In this case, the window is supposed to mimic the features and feel of, say, a CD player or the equivilant. Same with the calculator. Each of these one main windows contains all the controls you need, in one place where they can be easily accessed. In this context, the brushed window is approriate, because you only need one simple window for your interface.

Now, if this is the case, then why is it used in the Address book app or Safari? Well, its pretty simple. While you are not trying to mimic an actual peripheral, you ARE focusing soley on one particular type of data. Be it addresses, or a web page, each single window has a specific single focus.

Basically, each metallic window needs only focus on one thing. That one thing could be a web page, an address card, or a playlist. Putting tabs in safari would break that metaphor, which is something that apple would most likely not do.

Re:You forgot to mention tabs, so I will.

[jsmith38]

if you have to have tabs browsing, check out Pith

Does Hitting 2 keys at the SAME time count?

[Anonymous Coward]

Command+tilde = toggles through document windows...

Get it Command+Tab = toggles through apps
Command+the little button above it = toggles through doc windows