Nintendo updates Wii
Nintendo updates Wii's Internet Channel
Nintendo has announced several changes to the Wii games console’s Internet Channel, urging gamers to become more web-savvy with their Wii.
Wii's on-screen keyboard: not the only option now
Its Wii System Update 3.1 allows the console to support USB keyboards, meaning gamers are no longer limited to an on-screen keyboard, typed on with the Wiimote.
Well, sort of. As Nintendo says: "You can now use a USB keyboard with your Wii. Please note that some USB keyboards may not function correctly."
So you can use USB keyboards. Or perhaps not.
"Please note that the USB keyboard is compatible with the Wii Menu, but is not supported by the Everybody Votes Channel or the Mii Channel," the vendor added.
The update also allows users to type in a keyword, such as 'Mario', and highlight it with their Wii Remote to perform a Yahoo! or Google search. Nintendo's increased the maximum number of saveable favourites from 48 to 56 as well.
Gamers can now send any URL, including their favourites, directly to buddies' Wii Message Boards, along with a personalised message. And if you're popular enough to get one yourself, then you can directly launch the Internet Channel by clicking on the URL.
Click here to go to Nintendo’s Wii update page.
COMMENTS
@yeah, right
Granted, Internet on a PC is far better that Internet on a Wii, however for ad-hoc usage and used in conjuntion with split screen on an HDTV, it serves a purpose (check webmail etc. whilst watching TV). Also adds an additional Internet terminal when others in the house are in use by other family members.
How about games
Its been out a while how are people finding the games now I wonder are they still engaging or have they become annoying. Just because it's cheaper doesn't mean I am allowing them off the hook as far as games are concerned I remember very well their glory days and I hold them to it.
hmmm....
Internet on TV through a kludged interface designed by Wii-vil gnomes, or internet on a large-screen monitor through a device - my computer - pretty designed for the task?
Decisions, decisions.
A big improvement
I'm typing this comment on my Wii via a Gyration wireless USB keyboard adnd it's working fine.
The keyboard integration could be improved in Opera as you do still need to keep switching between the keyboard and the Wiimote, but it's a hundred times better than having to type with the on-screen soft keyboard.
A welcome improvement to the Wii that makes browsing a far more practical proposition.
I'd be happier if...
They fixed the bug that prevents some Virtual console games displaying incorrectly and unusably on some HD screens via Nintendo's HD component cable that's existed since the release of the console.
Unfortunately their response is that they're aware of the problem but that it's the fault of the screen manufacturers. Fault of the screen manufacturers? How? The rest of the console works fine at 480p as do countless other devices on said screens, the VC games even display correctly when you pull the Wii menu up, just not when you play them!
People may bitch at Sony and MS but Nintendo seem to be the least caring towards their customers and the least willing to resolve faults with their consoles thus far. I'd be happy if they at least refunded my Wii points seeing as the games don't actually work!
