Oslo, Norway – April 12, 2007
- Today Opera Software and Nintendo released the much-anticipated full version of the Internet Channel, powered by the Opera browser. The Internet Channel can now be downloaded directly from the Wii Shop Channel on any connected Wiiâ„¢ console.
- Nintendo and Opera have incorporated user feedback from the original version of the Internet Channel to create a faster, more functional and feature-rich Web experience on Wii that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
- The Opera-powered Internet Channel introduces a new living room activity for the family to share. For example, parents and kids can now actively research on the Web for school projects from the comfort of their couch, while using multiple remotes to point out interesting facts on the Web page.
- New features introduced in today’s release include: New type of zoom, more scrolling options, increased simplicity and ease-of-use, and the ability to turn the toolbar on or off (see a complete features overview below).
- This version of the browser remains a free download until June 30, 2007, and once downloaded is free for the lifetime of the system.
What Opera and Nintendo say:
“The Opera-powered Internet Channel for Wii is about making the Web easy to use for anyone, at any age,” says Scott Hedrick, executive vice president of Devices for Opera Software. “We received a lot of user feedback after the Christmas release of the original version, and based on that feedback we have created a browser that is clean, intuitive and made for viewing on the TV. Working with Nintendo has been great education for us as browser makers, and has helped us to make a product that matches Wii’s ability to reach across generations and bring enjoyment to all.”
Discover the new Internet Channel features:
- 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 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. Nintendo also introduces the “outline font” feature which prevents fonts from appearing blurred no matter the zoom level in use.
- Search – A search button has been added to the start page and to the browser toolbar. Choose between Yahoo! Search and Google as preselected search engines. Your selection can be changed at any time, or a different search engine can be used by typing the address of the search engine you wish to use.
- 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 scroll by pressing the +Control Pad, for four-directional scrolling. This allows you to scroll the screen without having to point the remote at the TV.
- Ease of use – The Internet Channel now offers more user feedback when surfing. Users will encounter new sounds, animations and loading cursor graphics, creating a more complete browsing experience.
- Multiple cursors – The Internet Channel now displays the cursors of multiple Wii remotes. The primary Wii Remote can control actions on the screen, while the other Wii Remotes can point out interesting content.
- Hide the toolbar – Users are now given the option to display or hide the toolbar in the settings menu. Also, there are new advanced key presses for each toolbar function allowing users to surf with the toolbar off.
- B Button + Left Arrow = Search
- B Button + Right Arrow = Enter web address
- B Button + Up Arrow = Reload
- B Button + Down Arrow = Favorites
- B Button + (+) key = Page forward
- B Button + (-) key = Page backward
- Response time – The Internet Channel now sports improved performance and response time upon start up, when loading the favorites menu and in the toolbar.
Parental Controls
Parents who want to control access to the Internet Channel should refer to the Parental Controls options available in the Wii System Settings. To access these settings, return to the Wii Menu and select the Wii icon.
My Opera on Wii
Check out the My Opera Community while surfing on Wii. Already pre-set as a favorite in the Internet Channel favorites menu, simply select the “My Opera Community” icon and discover the first online community optimized for viewing on the TV.
Learn more about Opera for Nintendo products at www.opera.com/nintendo.