An interview discloses quite a few new details about the console web browser, including its responsiveness, Wii-customized internet applications, and supported technologies.Website
Cubed3 recently interviewed Scott Hedrick, vice president of Opera for Devices, about the mysterious Opera browser for Wii. Hedrick reveals quite a few tidbits.
Cubed3: Will the Opera browser be embedded from launch on the 512MB internal Flash or included with the system via a memory card?
Scott Hedrick: The Opera browser is saved to the Flash ROM on the Wii console, and does not require a separate memory card as Opera for DS does. The browser can be launched in only a few seconds, immediately delivering a great user experience.
That's right, Wii owners can browse the internet without any additional software, much like PictoChat on Nintendo DS. Hedrick also says web applications could be tailored for Wii, and that the Opera browser can be used for more than just the internet.
SH: In addition to being a full Web browser, Opera also serves as a presentation engine for devices, such as set-top boxes. This means that you it is possible to create dynamic Web-based applications and user interfaces using Web technology running on Opera – avoiding the use of native code such as C++. Nintendo has not released information on its specific use of Opera, but one can imagine the possibilities of what a browser can deliver to a game on a console that is always connected beyond simply browsing the Web.
Could an online version of PictoChat (or similar communications software) be in the works using Opera technologies?
For further comments on the Wii remote, which technologies are supported (JavaScript is confirmed), and Opera's possibilities, be sure to read the whole interview.