Nintendo Wii browser works like a champ
Wii browser UNEASYsilence, originally uploaded by 0401.
Well I managed to find some time to sit down and play with the latest trial version of the Wii browser (powered by Opera) and I must say, I am impressed. The browser is solid and using the Wiimote to navigate while browsing casually is more appealing than sitting at a computer (granted, some little lemming out there takes the time to add all my favorites to the browser).
The browser interface is consistent with the rest of the Wii system. No fatty features here. Clean. Simple. Easy to navigate. Without reading the help documentation, you immediately realize where to input addresses or edit favorites.
So how is browsing on the Wii? It’s casual, laid back, easy, and stress free. Sure, font may look a little tiny when sitting back a few feet, but the Wiimote provides all the window zooming you would need in order to read clearly.
Wii browser enhances the Wii-experience
Wii browser UNEASYsilence, originally uploaded by 0401.
Who would have thought a browser could turn this little console into a surefire time killer? With the addition of the Wii browser, users can now browse the internet or kick back to some streaming video content. All those YouTube videos you’ve always wanted to share during family get togethers (for a few laughs or tears) can now be shown in full glory (or cramped glory – whatever your television size is).
With free access to the great wide internet, users can expand on their gaming options as well. With support for Flash 7, Wii users can check out sites like the WiiCade.com for additional entertainment options. My favorite thus far? Duck Hunt (not found on WiiCade). Feel free to load and experiment with games on your computer.
Downsides of browsing with the Wii?
Based on my brief assesment of the browser – using random URLs off the top of my head – I can point out a few downsides or disappointments that potential users should prepare themselves for.
Where’s my address bar? – Somewhat of a nagging little lack of feature is a permanent address bar. Why force users to return to the home screen in order to enter a URL? Nintendo, if you’re going to offer shortcut commands using what few buttons there are on the Wiimote, make one of them a shortcut for URLs.
Entering URLs or login credentials – Although web forms are easy enough to focus on, typing in long URLs or login credentials will definitely push some users buttons. Peck, peck, peck… Peck away at individual keys on the full screen keyboard. I’m sure that with a few regular browsing sessions, you’ll be wafting your Wiimote gracefully through the air.
Pop-ups – Uh oh, I smell the web of the late 90′s drifting in through the window. If you happen to come across a site which sneaks those annoying pop-up ads in, you might find yourself trapped in what I like to call the “pop-up hell loop”. Let’s hope that Opera integrates some type of pop-up filter to the browser.
Granted, the Wii browser is far from being complete (so says the Trial Browser introduction snippet) Nintendo is definitely working with Opera in order to deliver a comfortable browsing experience for Wii customers.
If you’re wondering how the browser fares loading a specific page, drop a note in the comments and Dan or myself will try and preview the site with a screenshot.
