We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
Wii

Internet Channel is Live

by Michael Cole - April 11, 2007, 7:18 pm EDT
Total comments: 25

Hop onto the Wii Shop channel to update your Opera browser. Come on, it's free!

Like a ninja, Nintendo has posted an update to the Wii system software...and updated the Wii Ware section in the shop. Those who already downloaded the trial can return to the "Internet Channel" page and click on "Update" give their Wii browser a kick in the pants. Those who passed on the trail can still snag it for free. Of course, the browser is only free for early adopters (before the end of June), after which it will cost you 500 points, so get it while the getting's good!

The browser resolves many of the complaints about the demo, as noted in an earlier story. A sleeker and more space-efficient interface, faster loading times (both when loading the channel and browsing), and sharper text make this a must for anyone who downloaded the trail version. And don't worry, favorites and other settings are retained in the update.


UPDATE: Here's the official word on the release from Nintendo.

NINTENDO NEWS: FULL INTERNET CHANNEL NOW AVAILABLE FOR WII

April 12, 2007 - Search, surf and shop with family and friends, all from the comfort of your living room with the Internet Channel on Wii™. 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.

Fans of the innovative Wii channels already will be familiar with the Internet Channel, which delivers their high-speed Internet access via their television sets. Based on feedback from Wii owners, Nintendo has created a new and enhanced version of the browser featuring improvements to the user experience as well as a performance upgrade.

Users of the trial version will notice the 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 of a page, text is kept crisp and readable at all sizes. The new version of the Internet Channel also features improved scrolling functionality, as well as the collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors.

As search functions have become an essential part of our everyday Internet experience, the Internet Channel now features a built-in function allowing users to search without having to select a search engine each time. Wii owners are given the choice of either Google or Yahoo! Search as a pre-selected search engine 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.

The full version of the Internet Channel is available as a free download through June 30, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points. Once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system.

For more information about Wii, please visit Wii.com.

Talkback

Oh sweet, built in Yahoo & Google search (user's choice).

BloodworthDaniel Bloodworth, Staff AlumnusApril 11, 2007

ProTip: Set the zoom to automatic, not manual. It will save you a world of headache when trying to view videos and Wiicade games.

TJ SpykeApril 11, 2007

It's been downloading for over 30 minutes, pretty annoying. I bet the one thing I want (being able to edit Wikipedia without the entire section being deleted) wasn't fixed. Being able to view pages without having to zoom in should be nice though (the basic viewing level was worthless since you couldn't see anything, so you HAD to zoom in).

Karl Castaneda #2April 11, 2007

Just got this puppy installed, and I gotta say - I'm pretty impressed. The interface is WAY more sleek, and it's noticably faster, too. And yeah, the zoom? Gigantic difference. I can actually read the forums on my TV now.

Blue PlantApril 11, 2007

Is it just me or is there also a firmware/software update for Wii upping the version number to 2.2U? I had to clear and reload my USB connector settings and it had an update waiting to be downloaded afterwards.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorApril 11, 2007

Now we just need USB keyboard support and I'll be set.

BloodworthDaniel Bloodworth, Staff AlumnusApril 11, 2007

Huzzah! Posting from my Wii!

MarioAllStarApril 11, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Blue Plant
Is it just me or is there also a firmware/software update for Wii upping the version number to 2.2U?


Yes, there is an upgrade from 2.0U to 2.2U. Why must every upgrade finish with a message about parental controls?

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorApril 11, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Bloodworth
Huzzah! Posting from my Wii!


Posting with my Wii!

Seriously, though... Nintendo, Opera... whomever. Keyboard support. Please.

vuduApril 11, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Bloodworth
Huzzah! Posting from my Wii!
Ditto.

I also noticed passwords are now starred out. *****

EDIT: Still can't highlight spoiler text. It's a secret to everybody.

trip1eXApril 11, 2007

IT seems better. The scrolling is faster and yet a bit sensitive between low and high speed which takes some getting used to. I actually prefer the way NIntendo set up scrolling in the News channel though.

The Wii is pretty decent for reading, but not writing.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterApril 11, 2007

As I mentioned in the other thread, the main reason I love this upset is because I can watch Homestar Runner in Full screen mode.

I also love how sleek the presentation is now. Still needs some stuff (like the already mentioned keyboard support), but its a solid alternative for when you can't use the internet on a computer.

NeoThunderApril 11, 2007

what bullcrap....no mpeg or quicktime video support, and no mp3 support. Come on, these should have been added

Blue PlantApril 11, 2007

I demand the headline be renamed to "Internet Channel is Love"

steveyApril 11, 2007

I love the new browser! It took me only 3! seconds to connect compared to the 30+ sec. the old one took plus you can finally see the page url your on and delete the cookiesface-icon-small-smile.gif

pyrokamileonApril 11, 2007

before I get the new one, should I delete the old one? I always thought fresh installs were better than updates?

SixthAngelApril 11, 2007

They nailed it with multiple zoom levels, fullscreen,and faster all around. They really put in what I wanted.

IceColdApril 11, 2007

It's awesome and all, but my flash support is screwed up. Youtube doesn't work.. I'm assuming it does for you guys? Also, does it support the latest Flash version? You can tell if videos from, say, Metacafe work.

NeoThunderApril 11, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: pyrokamileon
before I get the new one, should I delete the old one? I always thought fresh installs were better than updates?


I'm pretty sure thats what the update actually does

Shift KeyApril 11, 2007

*Insert token Wii post reference here, complete with symbols ?*

planetidiotApril 12, 2007

Much nicer as everyone has said. Keyboard support would be nice, but honestly I can't see myself using it much unless it's wireless, and even then. I have a computer for that. Still the channel is well done and will come in handy when I'm doing my Wii meetups and want to check my email or any last minute cancellations or something .

I'm much more interested in them finally releasing the DS browser in the US.

anubis6789April 12, 2007

Quote

It's awesome and all, but my flash support is screwed up. Youtube doesn't work.. I'm assuming it does for you guys? Also, does it support the latest Flash version? You can tell if videos from, say, Metacafe work.


I am having problems with you tube as well, I finaly got one to load after a long time but before it really started playing a message came up saying that memory is full and would you like to clean it, I chose yes and the video started to play. I didn't check any other videos because I got tired and went to bed, but I am hoping that fixed it.

chaingunsofdoomApril 12, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: IceCold
Also, does it support the latest Flash version? You can tell if videos from, say, Metacafe work.

The FAQ/manual link that's included refers to Flash 7...

DjunknownApril 12, 2007

obligatory post from my wii. I don't have the problem with youtube, though i haven't used it a lot. Its stabler than the trial, since it loved to hang on flash heavy before. hope they'll keep updating!

CericApril 12, 2007

The broke the Column view which use to be the best way to read the forums in the last version. (Spoiler text is visible in that mode as well.)

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement