While we're sure that some Wii updates have been more
highly regarded than
others, it seems that MP3 diehards will want to pass on a forthcoming Photo Channel update if you just can't bear to lose support for your favorite music format. Apparently, the aforementioned channel will be revamped early next month, and while users will then be able to personalize their menu by implanting an SD-based digital image into the Photo Channel icon, gamers who previously used their Wii to play back MP3s will no longer be able to do so. For whatever reason, the Big N will be axing MP3 support and adding in AAC compatibility, and the company even goes out of its way to make sure that you realize downgrading will not possible once you install v1.1. Mark it down folks -- don't be left full of regret (if you're partial to MP3, that is) after carelessly downloading an update without reading the changelog first.
[Via
GameBrink, thanks J]
posted Nov 13th 2007 6:11PM
wait, what?
This isn't a system update, it's just the Photo Channel. If you need mp3, don't go to the online store and get the new Photo Channel... If you buy a Wii that already has the new Photo Channel installed, well I guess you better like AAC!
It'll probably be a system update rather than a WiiWare download, being that the built in channels are always updated that way.
Chalk this one up to Nintendo not wanting to pay the .75 per device to license the mp3 codec.
Wow...that's just ridiculous. I can understand adding AAC support, but they're REMOVING MP3 support at the same time?! That's the stupidest thing I've heard since the announcement that Sony would remove backwards compatibility.
"That's the stupidest thing I've heard since the announcement that Sony would be giving consumers the option to purchase a PS3 without backwards compatibility at a reduced price, while still providing the option to purchase consoles with backwards compatibility and a larger hard drive."
There, fixed that for you, np!
@Nate
"That's the stupidest thing I've heard since the announcement that Sony took out the backwards compatibility in the latest iteration of the PS3! Not only breaking their promise but making the consumer choose between it and an 80 gig model that has crippled backwards compatibility! All the while removing the 60 gig model with actual ps2 hardware! All in an effort to cut ps3 costs and force ps2 sales."
There, fixed that for you. You're welcome, tool.
Hey fanboys, take it elsewhere already.
"That's the stupidest thing I've heard since the announcement that Sony took out the backwards compatibility in the latest iteration of the PS3 since everyone who has PS2 games should already have a PS2 by now. And anyone who doesn't should have no use for the PS2 compatibility, making the PS3 a more affordable current-gen gaming hardware/media center/blu ray player."
Ok.
I like how you all agree that all those things you are trying to defend are indeed... stupid.
Why Nintendo?...Why? does it cost to them maintain mp3 playback wile introducing AAC support? i mean, it's like to axing mp3 playback to ipod because it already has AAC playback.
Ridicolous , what the will do the ordinary people that only have mp3s and doesn't know anything about audio formats or how to re-encode?
Despite the Wii great succes, some moves like this just doesn't have sense.
I'm definitely not defending Nintendo here... but as an FYI, yes... MP3 costs more than AAC
Anyway what's new in Photo Channel other than -mp3+aac support ?
sorry my bad, title made me so sad that I forgot to read the content.
wow. one step forward, one leap back. Not that I need the Wii for MP3, but I expect it embedded in everything, and it's hard to click OK to something that deletes usability.
Does this have any bearing on games like Boogie, Guitar Hero III or Rock Band?
Terrible move.
I like the sound of AAC, but almost my entire music collection is MP3 (my personal rips use beautiful Fraunhofer encoding). I think most people are similarly MP3-laden.
Oh well, guess I don't have to worry since I don't have a Wii (yet?).
doesnt seem like its that big of a deal for me. i havent ever really used the photo channel.
i do wish that nintendo would do something more useful....like make a channel for streaming music and video from the pc to the wii, so i wouldnt have to use random programs to access the stuff through the opera browser. And accessing my hard drive full of music seems better than buying a 2GB SD card and transferring only some songs...
Check out Jinzora - it even has a skin optimized for Wiimote use. Found it on Lifehacker.
try www.orb.com stream anything from your pc to the wii by logging in with internet channel. basically converts media from whatever you have to a playable format, checks bandwidth, and streams on the fly
Re streaming stuff to Wii see
http://www.x-oom.com/english/index.html
X-OOM Media centre for Wii.
Not out in UK 'til 12 Dec so can't vouch for how well it works yet.
Will update ASAP
Why?
AAC (MPEG-2 part 7) is the official successor to MP3 (MPEG-1 layer 3), and (probably most importantly) has cheaper licensing fees.
Seems like a bad idea to ax mp3 support. I don't know if it can be chalked up to the license for the codec though. Doesn't the aac have to be licensed as well. And if it is licensing costs, why not open it up to formats that have free licenses, not just aac. And while they're at it, how about adding an actual music channel and video channel (and adding support for something other than MJPEG video files). All this could be done with free codecs. Or if you have to charge something minimal, say a few bucks, I would still be along for the ride as I'd love to use it rather than burning DVDs to take to the home TV. Maybe even making it into a media extender on the home network. All this would be welcome. Nintendo, are you listening? Maybe if we all make a big enough huff, they'll at least keep mp3 support.
BrettB @ Nov 13th 2007 6:41PM
Seems like a bad idea to ax mp3 support. I don't know if it can be chalked up to the license for the codec though. Doesn't the aac have to be licensed as well. And if it is licensing costs, why not open it up to formats that have free licenses, not just aac.
-------------
yeah, like FLAC and Ogg Vorbis
http://flac.sourceforge.net
http://www.vorbis.com
Patents cost, and this is why we see almost all games use Ogg Vorbis instead of MP3, for years now. Publishers save a bundle (independent artists do/can too).
The Nintendo Wii.
Why, exactly?
Hmmmm!! AAC playback = integrating iTunes?
No.
I didn't know I could play MP3s on my Wii. I used it for, you know, playing games. What on earth could I possibly use for playing my MP3s now???
Sarcasm aside - it does list MP3 support for Audio files in the "Wii Operation Manual - Channels and Settings". So from my understanding, as long as you keep the player -as you purchased it-, you're not loosing anything.
If they were taking the feature away from everyone I could see some legal ramifications. Right now they are not doing anything wrong. Does it suck, yeah. But my guess is that in 2007, MP3 playback is not a major deal-breaker for anyone looking for a Wii.
Just to clarify: Nintendo has never positioned the Wii to be a media hub like the 360 or PS3. They've stated numerous times that they are not in competition with either in that aspect, and that their main concern is with gameplay.
I'm just curious as to why so many are expecting a video, music, and media streaming channels to be coming when there has never been word on them even being worked on. It would be cool if it happens, even if its a pay-for download, but I'm not complaining if it doesn't.
Yeah, this sucks, but they are NOT taking anything away from what you purchased. I just hope they have some kind of disclaimer before you download the "update". I may be the minority in saying this, but I wasn't considering future media playback features when looking at the Wii, otherwise I would be looking at the 360/PS3 (which I also use). I was considering future kick-a$$ games. Thanks for reading.
The point is that no one likes to have something taken away from them. I mean, I bet quite a lot of people have an SNES or Atari that they haven't played for years (mine got frequent use until it finally broke :/ ), but god help you if you take it away from them. Sure, I would never play MP3s on my Wii, it's not like I would have the thing hooked up to my sound system, just my builtin TV speakers, but you just have to wonder at why any ability would be removed.
John, please read the article, and my comments for that matter. Nintendo is not, repeat -NOT- taking the feature away from you. If you bought a Wii before this change and have the playback now, you will continue to have it for the life of the unit. Nintendo payed the license for that unit and you payed for it when you bought it. If they choose to not pay for MP3 licenses for future machines that is their right, just as its your right to speak with your wallet if you wish.
However, -IF- you upgrade the channel (not a system update), then you loose the MP3 playback. As I stated before, I hope they have a confirmation disclaimer so people don't complain like this after the fact.
What I find funny is how many people have their jaws on the floor because of this move. Step back a moment and look at your surroundings. How many things do you have that plays MP3s? A computer, phone, DVD Player, other game systems...
Are you really going to be so torn up about losing one of the many?
I say kudos to Nintendo for taking YAMP3P (Yet Another MP3 Player) off the market. :D
Might the Big N be thinking of releasing a music store? Not that we've heard anything about it, but they've got the Wii Shop in place already and AAC is built for DRM... Just saying.
This is why I like open formats. Stupid licensing nonsense.
having a custom soundtrack of 100 mp3s of my own choosing in Excite truck really made the game enjoyable. Having your favorite song come on right as you start a race just makes it that much more fun to blast through and kick ass.
I hope this update doesnt stop developers using a similar function, because it really adds to the experience.
JAJAJAAJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your gimpi konsole does not suppor Apple'z DRM.
My PS3 supports apple DRM without problem. I just have to connecz ta spekerz ov mi TV to ta iPodz (RULEZ!) and ta PS3 rocks!
@!#W$ Wii
@@# Xbox
PS3 is ta shitz!!!!!!!!!!!!
You realise AAC and Fairplay DRM are different things right? Probably not, because you can't even spell it.
what the hell was that all about?
Retard having a seizure. Noting more. Move along folks. Move along.
I'm guessing he's one of the guys that mugged someone for a PS3, because with a post like that, I can't imagine he'd ever have more money than it takes to buy a hit of smack.
You bring great dishonor to your family!!
Not to split short, curly hairs or anything, but my XBOX plays files off an iPod as well...
Well that sucks, but does anyone really use the photo channel for well anything?
I think maybe 1% of wii owners use it.
And 1% of that 1% use it to listen to their MP3s.
I could not care less.
Didn't knew the Wii supported music files until I read this news.
I only use the Wii to play games and to browse the web from the couch.
Kudos to Engadget for being the only site who didn't mention Apple in relation to this article or call AAC "proprietary" (as if MP3 is not).
On another note: what are these mysterious devices that don't support AAC? Is there a time-portal back to 2005 I'm not aware of? iPod, iPhone, Zune, PS3, PSP, etc.... all support AAC
Kudos to Engadget for being the only site who didn't mention Apple in relation to this article or call AAC "proprietary" (as if MP3 is not).
On another note: what are these mysterious devices that don't support AAC? Is there a time-portal back to 2005 I'm not aware of? iPod, iPhone, Zune, PS3, PSP, etc.... all support AAC
OGG
i think its a good thing
i have more songs in AAC format than mp3s
it shouldnt be an either or thing though
Wii
Good thing 90% of my music is non-DRM AAC. That being said I would NEVER use my Wii to play back music so its a nonissue for me either way.
Good and bad tech news always balanes itself out.
PS3 gets Divx, Wii loses MP3
DivX comes to the PS3
DivX coming to the 360
MP3 snatched from the Wii
Huh?
http://dailyrational.com/2007/11/13/ps3-meet-divx/
Guess I'm sticking with 1.0 FW.
I can understand adding AAC, but dropping MP3?
I don't use it anyway, and most of my music is already AAC, but it's still odd...
Who the hell cares? When was the last time any of you used your Wii as an mp3 player?
(This is the part where all the overly defensive liars come out of the swam for replies)
Note to self: skip this update. I hope this doesn't prevent me from getting future updates...or I will be major pissed.
I'm with the two other people who have mentioned this briefly so far. AAC support means probable apple support/ iTunes support/ or iPod support. I'd love to be the one to start this rumor going around, but there is a nice pair of USB ports on the back of my wii i wouldnt mind finding a use for. It's not like i dont already have wireless internet built in (and there's still another port if you are hardwired for some reason). I hope nintendo goes all out for the holiday season. Little known updates to come anyone? Maybe I can add some sort of toaster-add-on to one of my systems? (Note, I DO need a toaster, and would LOVE to buy a USB supported toaster at a reasonable price. Srsly. Hit me up if you see one.)
Why don't you stupid fucks learn that AAC was around for years before the iPod and iTunes. Apple simply licensed a codec that at the time was better than MP3. Many of us had been using it for years. Apple had nothing to do with the creation of AAC and another company adopting AAC doesn't imply that they want to do business with Apple.
How can you take away one of the most basic music formats in the market: MP3. Doesn't make sense, This has "Jobs" written all over it.
Hmm what does this have to do with Steve Jobs ? AAC wasn't invented by Apple the last time I checked.
But isn't it a coincidence that AAC's importance is mainly based 'cause of Apple? Think about it.
All your codec are belong to us!
I have a Photo Channel?
I've never used the photo channel, other than taking a look at it the first day I got my Wii. All of my music is in AAC anyway, for my iPhone & iPod.
Nintendo drops support for Metroid Prime 3 ?!?! Nooooooooooooooo
:-P
I loved the Wii at launch, but where the PS3 continues to improve, Nintendo seem to have done nothing new to make people happy.
Riiiiight. THAT'S why they sold over 13 million units and we still can't find them in stores. And when did Nintendo every advertise the Wii as a media hub?
Back to your bridge.
Nintendo may have never promoted the Wii as a media hub or anything like that, but they did say there would be some custom soundtrack support. At least one first party game even supports it, Excite Truck, and believe me when I say custom soundtracks helped.
That is where removing MP3 support will hurt most people. This isn't about just listening to MP3s on your Wii, it's about losing the ability to easily use custom soundtracks. Face it more people have MP3 tracks than AAC.
Even taking away the reasoning of custom soundtrack support, the fact is removing features is generally a bad thing. Also of note, the people saying your Wii supports it already, just don't update. You also make the point Nintendo already paid the licensing fee for these consoles, so why take away something that has already been paid for? Why not just remove it from future consoles?
MP3 playback is a feature that I want from my Wii. I did not know the PhotoChannel could play MP3s until this post. What would make me a happy customer is MP3 support from data and audio CDs.
(That is; thanks for the SD support, can I have CD support too?)
Ever since my roommate moved and took his 360 I have had to hook my laptop to the receiver to listen to CD music through the surround sound. Wii could have filled this gap.
Ok all yall cry babies, lets force nintendo to add the support back in, along with OGG and every other audio format and when we run out of codespace why we will just have nobody to blame but ourselves...
Vote me down if you must, but why do people have such a difficult time with lose/loose?
Lose = opposite of win, opposite of found
Loose = opposite of tight
The Photo Channel is LOSING (not LOOSING, which isn't even a word) MP3 support.
Are we sure that is a real website they are linking to? I can't seem to get to it from the Nintendo website even though the link makes it look like you can?
Are you not going to have to download an update eventually. I downloaded an update and it took away the browser and now i have to pay 500 points to get it back. Nintendo = Joke
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