System update brings ugly clock, slew of changes

We could complain all day about the new digital clock that came with this morning's 3.0 firmware update for the Wii, but it really seems foolish to gripe about a such an inconsequential detail. So, much like with the system's name change or the children we've mistakenly fathered, it'll just have to be something we learn to live with.

The big improvements for this version upgrade are additional navigation options for the Shop Channel and shorter loading times when bringing up channels. Also, according to a few incoming reports, the console's fan now runs while in WiiConnect24 mode, addressing rumors of Wiis overheating when left in standby. Check past the post break for the complete list of updated items, and let us know what you think of all these new bells and whistles!

Channels:

• Digital Clock added to the Wii Menu right under the channel bar

• Forecast Channel now displays the current condition directly in the Wii Menu in the Forecast Channel box

• News Channel can now show 2 scrolling headlines at a time in the Wii Menu, 3 when you click on the button

• Message Board now has the "Today's Accomplishments" message as a white message which allows it to stand out from other messages

• Address Book entries can now be shifted around using A+B but only to empty spaces.

• Calendar in Message Board no longer shows "Today's Accomplishment"

• Scrolling messages in the Message Board now uses a different sound

Wii Shop Channel

• New Welcome screen detailing 4 Recommended Titles and the points they cost. The title bar can be clicked on to bring up a list of 20 recommended games.

• Titles You've Downloaded was moved to the main shop menu

• New ways to browse

• Popular Titles

• Newest Additions remains the same

• Search for a title which can use partial names

• Search by Category

• Search by Publisher

• Search by Genre

• System shows the different systems and how many titles have been released under each

Settings

• Pre-system update warning details that technically modified consoles may cease to function upon being updated. Also the only way to not accept an update is to power down the console by holding the button for 4 seconds.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

[Via Joystiq]