Final Wii Web Browser Released
April 12, 2007
//
//
// 
//
// 
Nintendo officials have announced that the final version of the Wii Internet Channel - with a customized Opera Web browser version - is now available for free download, complete with a number of new features and improvements over the earlier beta version.
The final version of the Internet Channel is available for free download from today, until June 20, 2007, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points ($5). Once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system.
The full version of the Internet Channel features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version. Text clarity is also improved at all zoom levels, along with improved scrolling, collapsible toolbars, new on-screen cursors and buttons to instantly type common phrases such as “www” and “.com.”
The Internet Channel now also features a built-in search function on the Start page, as well as an built-in function that allows users to query terms without having to go to a search engine. In addition to a general performance upgrade - increasing performance and start-up times - the toolbar can now be hidden while browsing.
The browser also comes with pre-loaded bookmarks, including one for the Astaro Wii Content Filtering Portal, a parental control system specifically created for the Wii which will be available beginning May 7th.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Wii owners an improved, simple and safe internet service through the Opera Browser. The new version of the Internet Channel will allow the whole family to experience the Internet from the comfort of their couch in a safe and secure environment,” said Laurent Fischer, marketing director of Nintendo Europe.
