Wii-Update
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New Wii update targets modded save files, alters user agreement
When dealing with new and apparently minor Wii updates, we always consider Nintendo's struggle against the homebrew community to be as futile as Arnold Schwarzenegger's barrage of attacks on the T-1000. The aggressive application of shotgun shells, grenades and liquid nitrogen tanks can do naught but delay the 'brew crew, always reassembling itself and slipping through the next exploitable crack*.Aside from, once again, removing "unauthorized modifications to save files" (think: Twilight Hack), the 3.4 update alters the Wii's Network Services User Agreement, adds an "enhancement" to parental controls and enables compatible USB keyboards to be used with the Mii channel. Exciting![Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]*Of course, the T-1000 is defeated in the end ... but then Arnie tosses himself into a smelting pool. Hmm. Honestly, we didn't really think the comparison through. Does the lava represent core gamers?
Wii update blocking homebrew installations
Yesterday's seemingly inane Wii update, which neglected to bump up the system menu version a single decimal value (it remains at 3.3 -- the firmware has upgraded to IOS51, though), now appears to have an actual purpose. Forget the Shop Channel optimization tweaking. The update's more direct mission seems to be to block new installations of fakesigned applications -- most notably, the Homebrew Channel and DVDX. But take note, if you've already got the Homebrew Channel or other unofficial apps up and running then apparently you won't notice the difference. Carry on.[Via Wii Fanboy]
Wii update adds expanded USB keyboard support
Nintendo already dipped its toes into USB keyboard support with a previous Wii update, but it now looks to have busted that functionality wide open with the just-released 3.1 system update, which also brings with it an enhanced "Everybody Votes" channel. Among the most welcome additions is keyboard support for the Internet Channel, which will no doubt make your couch-bound web browsing experience a fair bit more enjoyable. A separate update to the Opera-based Internet Channel is also available through the Wii Shop Channel, which includes some new shortcuts to ease your Wiimote-based surfing, along with nine additional favorites slots, an option to send favorite web sites to a friend, and a new "Widget View Mode" that'll let you take advantage of Opera's various community-built widgets. The update is free for existing users, or 500 Wii points for anyone that has yet to take the plunge. Still no word on that rumored Nintendo-made Wii keyboard though.[Thanks, Mike]Read - Joystiq, "Wii update 3.1 includes USB keyboard support, enhanced Everybody Votes channel"Read - Huliq.com, "The new "Internet Channel" for Nintendo Wii"
