Nintendo has announced that the full version of Wii Internet Channel has been made available for download. It is powered by Opera and has a host of added extra features, which the users of the trial version will surely notice.
The browser features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version, allowing more viewing flexibility. Also, when zooming in and out, texts are kept crisp and readable at all sizes. There is also the improved scrolling functionality, as well as collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors.
For any internet user, the search feature is the most important one. Nintendo and Opera has considered that and the Internet Channel now has an integral function enabling users to query terms without having to go to a search engine. They are given a choice of selecting either Yahoo! Search or Google as pre-selected search engines to power their inbuilt search button. The selection can be changed at any time.
Here is the whole list of features of the Wii Internet Channel:
Zoom:
- The Internet Channel features two types of zoom: manual and automatic. The automatic zoom was first introduced in the trial version and allows users to select a point with the Wii Remote and zoom into that point at an auto-detected level. Manual zoom now gives the user the option to zoom the entire page at self-determined intervals.
Scroll:
- To help users understand their scrolling motions, a new scrolling display guide has been added to the Internet Channel that indicates the direction and speed of the scroll. In addition to scrolling by pressing the B Button, users can also use the +Control Pad, enabling four-directional scrolling. This allows users to scroll the screen without having to point the Wii Remote at the TV.
Search:
- A Search button has been added to the Start Page and to the browser toolbar. Users are given the choice of Yahoo! and Google search engines. The selection can be changed at any time.
Multiple Cursors:
- The Internet Channel now displays the cursors of multiple Wii Remotes. Only the first Wii Remote can select an item, while the other Wii Remotes can point out interesting content on the screen.
Hide the Toolbar:
- Users are now given the option to display or hide the Toolbar in the settings menu.
Response Time:
- The Internet Channel now sports improved performance and response time upon start-up when loading the Favorites list.
Laurent Fischer, European Marketing Director of Nintendo Europe said, “We are thrilled to be able to offer Wii owners an enhanced, simple and safe internet service through the Opera Browser. The new version of the Internet Channel will permit the whole family to experience the internet from the comfort of their couch in a safe and protected environment.”
The final version of the Internet Channel is available for free download from April 12, 2007 until June 30, 2007, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points. Moreover, once you download it, the Internet Channel is free for lifetime!