Nintendo has announced the release of the final version of the Wii Internet Channel, featuring an Opera-powered web browser.
The Wii Internet Channel can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel free until June 30, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points. Once downloaded, the Internet Channel will be free for the lifetime of the system.
The final release version features a number of improvements over the earlier beta releases, including a manual zoom to complement the existing automatic zoom function, improved text clarity and scrolling, collapsible toolbars, and buttons which can be linked to common phrases for simpler text entry.
The browser also includes a pre-loaded bookmark for the Astaro Wii Content Filtering Portal, a parental control system which will become available on May 7. There is also a preset for the “My Opera Community,” optimized for viewing on a television.
Details regarding the Wii Internet Channel can be seen at the Opera website: Features, Video Tutorial and Screenshots.
Commenting on Gamasutra, Nintendo Europe Marketing Director Laurent Fischer said, “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.”
