PhotoChannel
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Nintendo offers official downgrade to Photo Channel 1.0, MP3 addicts rejoice
Generally speaking, the reaction to Photo Channel v1.1 wasn't exactly positive -- especially when the MP3 faithful banded together to protest against the update's newfound adoration for AAC. Thankfully, Nintendo has created an official process for downgrading back to v1.0, and yes, users who choose to take advantage will indeed have MP3 support once again. Interested? All you have to do is hit up the Data Management section on your console, select "Channels," choose the Photo Channel icon and confirm that you want it deleted. Subsequently, Photo Channel v1.0 will immediately be available again from the Wii Menu. Oh, and if you get downgrader's remorse, you can apparently switch back and forth at anytime.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Photo channel update avoidable and reversible
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo/Wii_Photo_Channel_1_0_Downgrade_Available'; The update that will make the Photo Channel lose MP3 support is finally here, and we can only imagine how utterly gutted you are. Or maybe "utterly indifferent" would be more fitting.Fortunately, if you're like us and think this "upgrade" makes no sense (even though we don't even use the Photo Channel), there are steps you can take to resist switching to AAC compatibility. First, you can avoid downloading the Photo Channel 1.1 upgrade altogether, which is the easiest course of action, as this means you don't have to do anything. If it's too late and you've already downloaded the upgrade (for curiosity's sake, perhaps?), then you also have the option to downgrade the Photo Channel back to version 1.0, which allows MP3 playback. Just follow Nintendo's handy instructions here to get the downgrade.Of course, this will only work with Wiis sold before December 2007, so if you've gotten yourself a shiny new Wii for the holidays, you're out of luck.[Thanks, hollyw0od!]
Wii to drop MP3 support, add AAC in Photo Channel update
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]
Photo Channel to become less useful in December
Nintendo will be making some changes to the Photo Channel next month, including two neat features and one annoying feature. First, the neat feature: you'll be able to create your own Photo Channel icon for the Wii Menu from one of your pictures. Also, random song selection will be enabled for music files.But about those music files. The other feature seems to have been added with the best of intentions, but is a misstep as far as we're concerned: the MP3 support is being removed in favor of AAC format support. Nintendo cites the improved sound quality of AAC files versus MP3's, but the files won't sound very good at all if you can't play them. Unless the file is 4'33", which may sound even better.The problem is that most of the AAC files on anyone's computer are songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store. These songs are protected by DRM and, thus, won't work if they are moved to a system that is not authorized by iTunes. Since there's no iTunes client for the Wii (only programs that let you stream iTunes-controlled music), the files just won't do a thing.Only if you have ripped your CDs to AAC, or if you've paid out the extra the same amount for "iTunes Plus" versions of your music will you be able to play AAC's. Unless Nintendo works some kind of DRM-breaking magic, which won't happen. Of course, if you're like us, this update probably won't impact you in any real way. We personally have never used the Photo Channel for anything.[Via GoNintendo]
Wii Warm Up: Photos
Do you mess around with the photo channel? Regularly? Or did you maybe try it a few times just for the novelty and then give up on it? We can't help but wonder if a few of you use it to show off pictures to several people at once; after all, it's often easier to gather around the Wii than around the computer.
Today's most obsessive-compulsively awesome video: Wii Photo Channel mosaics
Does anyone even use the Wii's Photo Channel anymore? We suspect that many, like ourselves, thought the Photo Channel was a neat addition for about 15 minutes, after which the kitsch factor wore off and the channel was promptly relegated to the back pages of the Wii menu, to make room for copious Virtual Console purchases.Well, apparently one person enjoys the Photo Channel, if for no other reason than zooming in and out on giant, time-consuming mosaics. Blogger Random J found footage of one user's mind-numbing labors. Watch, as hundreds of photos of cute anime girls transform into one giant cute anime girl! Be amazed, as Mario and a goomba appear... out of around 500 pictures of cute anime girls! Hold on, I'm sensing a pattern. Check it out for yourself after the break.
