Topic: Can the Wii U Multitask? (in theory)

[Nile Boogie Returns]

Can 2 apps work at the same time? I want to watch netfilx on the tv and use the browser or Miiverse on the GamePad. Since the Wii U can use 2 gamepads simultaneously, I would think this would be an option easily added from a firmware upgrade. What say the you?

[Oblivion]

I don't think so. The way the system is made the background app is completely paused when you press the home button. If the app is doing anything that can't be paused it won't let you go to the home screen. Unlike, for example, the PS3 where if you press the home button it places an interface over the the app (even in the same resolution as the game you are playing, which is strange).


To be honest, what device lets you to do that, PC notwithstanding? Even with smartphones you have to be on the app to keep doing ****. The closest thing that comes to what you are talking about is being able to watch netflix/youtube with a chromecast and continuing to use your laptop/phone after it was pushed to your television.

[nickmitch]

The Galaxy Note line lets you do that with split screen.

I'll let others decide on its utility.

[BranDonk Kong]

Background downloading = multitasking.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Technically it is capable. Nintendo not focusing on much outside of games and coming off of the "OS" for the Wii (we can call that an OS right?) is probably not technically capable enough to enable such a feature.

This is one of the many things I think I suggested in the "Improving the Wii U" thread.
link: http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=42789.0

[Stratos]

I was under the impression that it did multitask when I first got it. I had sold the purchase to my wife as a way to share the TV because I could play a game and she could watch a show... only problem was we watch shows on the game console through Netflix. So I have the old Wii attached to a separate TV input and play games on the Gamepad. Similar result but it would have been nice to have that capability. I think that could have excused the dated hardware because what other console lets you do two things at once?

[ShyGuy]

In terms of computing, there is cooperative multitasking and preemptive multitasking. Preemptive multitasking allows control over process threads and their priority.

I don't see why it isn't possible with Netflix. I can watch a video on Youtube on the TV and browse the web on the gamepad already.

[Jabs]

At an OS level it would not be possible at this stage, there is too many applications and games that would have to updated to adapt to the new functionality and they would have to because it changes the entire flow of the system.

No current software can have its resources siphoned away without complications.

That said there is no reason why Netflix couldn't just add a browser to their app, at least then the functionality can exist in a similar fashion.