Nintendo announced that the final version of Opera browser for the popular Wii console is available starting April 12 and that the Internet Channel has been updated.
April 13, 2007 (Press Release) --
Nintendo announced that the final version of Opera browser for the popular Wii console is available starting April 12 and that the Internet Channel has been updated.
Nintendo invites all Wii owners in North America to enjoy the richness of the Web from the comfort of their living room, just by using the Wiimote: “Featuring a number of enhancements to improve the user experience as well as a host of added extras, the full version of the Internet Channel powered by Opera is now available for free download across North America.”
Nintendo worked hard at improving the Wii-surfing sessions, and after listening to demands coming from its fans, it released an enhanced version of Opera that eases user’s navigation while at the same time providing a performance boost.
“Users of the Trial Version will notice its improved usability of the full version. The browser now features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version, allowing more viewing flexibility. When zooming in and out, texts are kept crisp and readable at all sizes. The new version of the Internet Channel also features improved scrolling functionality, as well as collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors.”
The Internet channel will also provide Wii owners with the ability to use a predefined search engine, which they can later change at any time according to their preferences. Users will be able to choose either Google or Yahoo to power their built-in search button. “The selection can be changed at any time, or a different search engine can be used by typing in that search engine's address. Users also will have the ability to easily access Nintendo, Yahoo!, Google and My Opera from pre-loaded bookmarks.”
Currently, Wii owners have the chance of downloading and using the full Internet Channel at no cost, but that will last only until June 30, 2007. After that downloading Opera will cost 500 points (the equivalent of $5). According to Nintendo, once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system. Users who download Opera before June 30, 2007, can continue to use the browser at no cost for the lifetime of the Wii system.
The trial version of the Internet channel was released on December 22, 2006. Internet channel uses whichever connection is chosen in the Wii Settings, and utilizes the user's internet connection directly; there is no third party network that traffic is being routed through. It receives a connection from a router/modem and uses a web browser to pull up HTTP and HTTPS (secure and encrypted) web pages. Opera, the Wii's web browser is capable of rendering most web sites in the same manner as its desktop counterpart by using Opera's Medium Screen Rendering technology. For most internet users, the Wii offers all of the functionality they need to perform the most common web tasks.
The software is saved to the Wii's 512 MB internal flash memory (can be copied to an SD card after downloaded). The temporary Internet files (maximum of 5MB for the trial version) can only be saved to the Wii's internal Memory. The application launches within a few seconds, after connecting to the Internet wirelessly (using Wi-Fi).
The Opera-based Wii browser allows users full access to the Web and supports all the same web standards that are included in the desktop versions of Opera, including CSS and JavaScript. It is also possible for the browser to use technologies such as Ajax, RSS, and Adobe Flash 7. Opera Software has indicated that the functionality will allow for third parties to create web applications specifically designed for the use on the Wii Browser, and it will support Widgets, standalone web-based applications using Opera as an application platform. The company has also stated that some Wii video games may implement the use of the browser.
Author: Dan Nicolae Alexa
Source: http://www.playfuls.com/
Nintendo invites all Wii owners in North America to enjoy the richness of the Web from the comfort of their living room, just by using the Wiimote: “Featuring a number of enhancements to improve the user experience as well as a host of added extras, the full version of the Internet Channel powered by Opera is now available for free download across North America.”
Nintendo worked hard at improving the Wii-surfing sessions, and after listening to demands coming from its fans, it released an enhanced version of Opera that eases user’s navigation while at the same time providing a performance boost.
“Users of the Trial Version will notice its improved usability of the full version. The browser now features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version, allowing more viewing flexibility. When zooming in and out, texts are kept crisp and readable at all sizes. The new version of the Internet Channel also features improved scrolling functionality, as well as collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors.”
The Internet channel will also provide Wii owners with the ability to use a predefined search engine, which they can later change at any time according to their preferences. Users will be able to choose either Google or Yahoo to power their built-in search button. “The selection can be changed at any time, or a different search engine can be used by typing in that search engine's address. Users also will have the ability to easily access Nintendo, Yahoo!, Google and My Opera from pre-loaded bookmarks.”
Currently, Wii owners have the chance of downloading and using the full Internet Channel at no cost, but that will last only until June 30, 2007. After that downloading Opera will cost 500 points (the equivalent of $5). According to Nintendo, once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system. Users who download Opera before June 30, 2007, can continue to use the browser at no cost for the lifetime of the Wii system.
The trial version of the Internet channel was released on December 22, 2006. Internet channel uses whichever connection is chosen in the Wii Settings, and utilizes the user's internet connection directly; there is no third party network that traffic is being routed through. It receives a connection from a router/modem and uses a web browser to pull up HTTP and HTTPS (secure and encrypted) web pages. Opera, the Wii's web browser is capable of rendering most web sites in the same manner as its desktop counterpart by using Opera's Medium Screen Rendering technology. For most internet users, the Wii offers all of the functionality they need to perform the most common web tasks.
The software is saved to the Wii's 512 MB internal flash memory (can be copied to an SD card after downloaded). The temporary Internet files (maximum of 5MB for the trial version) can only be saved to the Wii's internal Memory. The application launches within a few seconds, after connecting to the Internet wirelessly (using Wi-Fi).
The Opera-based Wii browser allows users full access to the Web and supports all the same web standards that are included in the desktop versions of Opera, including CSS and JavaScript. It is also possible for the browser to use technologies such as Ajax, RSS, and Adobe Flash 7. Opera Software has indicated that the functionality will allow for third parties to create web applications specifically designed for the use on the Wii Browser, and it will support Widgets, standalone web-based applications using Opera as an application platform. The company has also stated that some Wii video games may implement the use of the browser.
Author: Dan Nicolae Alexa
Source: http://www.playfuls.com/
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