On 3-9-2010 18:48, Warp wrote:
>    Check out the logos of Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera,
> Safari, Konqueror and Netscape. They have one thing in common: They are
> all round.
>
>    This got me thinking, why are they all round?
>
>    My theory: Web browser logos are usually based on the "planet" motif
> (depicting world-wideness). The Firefox logo has a literal planet in it,
> but are all the other ones also round for the same reason?
>
There is also the constraint that it has to fit in a square icon. Other 
programs often have an underlying physical medium to refer to (paper and 
pen, film strip, play button, 3 1/2' diskette..(though the traffic cone 
is an odd one))
Browsers have to be abstract as they should not suggest there is 
something they can not do. Starting from that I think there is a good 
chance that I would design something roundish myself. (as did avast, 
itunes, last fm, google desktop, thunderbird, sunbird, blender, skype 
and povray to name a few)
And indeed the planet association would be a nice bonus.

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