Free Web Browsing on Wii Until July
Software maker Opera says you will be able to go on the internets for free - for a while at least.
For a company that once treated the internet as something of a nuisance, it's interesting to watch Nintendo make it easy for owners of its hardware to go online. First the DS got a browser from Opera, and now the software maker is creating one for the Wii too. And if you get in early enough, you won't even have to pay for it.
Opera said this week that its browser for the Wii would be available as a free download until the end of June 2007, says a report at MCV. After that, you'll need to check your Wii points balance to take your console on to the Web.
The Wii uses a number of discrete channels - sort of like TV channels - which ties into the whole user-friendly vibe running through the project. The Opera channel will give you full Web access, including support for Flash-based sites and the Web 2.0 ones - such as Flickr, MySpace, etc - that have sprung up over the past few years.
Nintendo is turning the Wii into a makeshift home entertainment portal. In addition to games and the Web, you'll also be able to browse and edit your photos using the built in digital photo browser. And yes, all of this is usable with the Wii Remote.
The Wii will be out in the US this November, with the Japanese and European launches coming early in December.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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