Author Topic: Internet Channel is Live (Read 7999 times)

TheYoungerPlumber · « **on:** April 11, 2007, 03:18:21 PM »

Hop onto the Wii Shop channel to update your Opera browser. Come on, it's free!
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=13315

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.

TheYoungerPlumber · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2007, 03:36:53 PM »

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

Bloodworth · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:10:20 PM »

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 Spyke · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:14:49 PM »

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 #2 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:15:44 PM »

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 Plant · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:25:49 PM »

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.

UncleBob · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:29:10 PM »

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

Bloodworth · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:32:22 PM »

Huzzah! Posting from my Wii!

MarioAllStar · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:42:08 PM »

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?

UncleBob · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:51:56 PM »

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

Posting with my Wii!

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

vudu · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:53:27 PM »

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.

trip1eX · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2007, 04:53:28 PM »

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_pap64 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 11, 2007, 06:18:09 PM »

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.

NeoThunder · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2007, 06:18:38 PM »

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

Blue Plant · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2007, 07:11:32 PM »

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

stevey · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2007, 07:25:02 PM »

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 cookies

pyrokamileon · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2007, 08:38:57 PM »

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

SixthAngel · « **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2007, 08:47:22 PM »

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

IceCold · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2007, 09:23:11 PM »

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.

NeoThunder · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2007, 09:33:09 PM »

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 Key · « **Reply #20 on:** April 11, 2007, 10:33:30 PM »

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

planetidiot · « **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2007, 02:35:23 AM »

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.

anubis6789 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 12, 2007, 08:13:50 AM »

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.

chaingunsofdoom · « **Reply #23 on:** April 12, 2007, 09:34:46 AM »

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...

Djunknown · « **Reply #24 on:** April 12, 2007, 09:37:36 AM »

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!

News:

Author Topic: Internet Channel is Live (Read 7999 times)