wii channel
Latest
BBC redoubles its Wii efforts with dedicated iPlayer channel
The BBC's iPlayer streaming video / radio service has been available on the Wii in the form of a browser-based app for some time now, but it looks like it's now set to step up its game considerably with a full-fledged iPlayer Wii channel. Launching in the UK on November 18th, the new channel boasts a streamlined, Wii-friendly interface that was apparently the result of extensive testing, and includes a number of other smaller design touches, like some nifty background animations during radio programs, and some use of the Wiimote's rumble feature for added feedback. Best of all, the whole thing's completely free -- now, about that UK-only part... [Thanks, Lenny]
Japan getting Wii video service May 1st, complete with DSi connectivity
We haven't been hearing a whole lot about the planned video distribution service for the Wii as of late, but looks like folks in Japan will soon be able to try it out first hand, as the service is set to launch in the country on May 1st. Dubbed the "Wii no Ma Channel," the service is rolling out with a little help from advertising firm Denstu, and includes both free and paid content, as well as some other various services and special offers from sponsors. Even more interesting, however, is word that a free DSi app will launch alongside the service, which will let you download video from the Wii to the DS, and even download coupons from advertisers, which can then be scanned directly from the screen. Head on past the break for a quick video overview -- which, of course, doesn't include any word of a launch 'round here.
Rumor: BBC iPlayer getting dedicated Wii channel
According to Cubed3, Nintendo has approved plans for the BBC to release a dedicated iPlayer Channel for the UK market. Sources tell the British tech site that the BBC plans to launch the Wii Channel in Q2 2009, and that the service will be comparable in quality to the current mobile iPlayer services. Improvements are allegedly planned for a future version.In October, the official BBC blog revealed it had optimized the iPlayer for the Nintendo Wii after previously mentioning the possibility of a dedicated channel for the service.Cubed3 also reports that the broadcasting channel is looking to expand into video game development, but no franchises were mentioned. Can anyone say Bargain Hunt: The Game?
GDC09: Nintendo updates Wii Shop Channel with 'SD Card Menu' [update]
Click to check out our video walkthrough! At his GDC 2009 keynote, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata will announce, Apple-style, that a Wii Shop Channel update will be available to all. We ran over to the Wii and began the agonizing update process to discover -- an "SD Card Menu" ...? Yes, it would seem that the vaunted "storage solution" has arrived."Welcome to the SD Card Menu! Here, you can launch channels saved on SD Cards by temporarily utilizing the Wii System Memory." CONFIRMED. That's right, launch from SD.If your system memory is full, you still have to delete stuff, but there's now a streamlined, automated process to do that from this new SD Card Menu. It will even choose stuff for you, if you want. Update: The new Wii system update also adds support for SDHC cards up to 32 GB -- that's alotta Virtual Console games folks!
New Wii Channel in the works?
This one is a bit odd.IGN recently published a kind of "What if?" story about connecting the DS and Wii versions of Guitar Hero together, to form some kind of Voltron-like super game. That's all well and good and we'll be the first to say that daydreaming is fun, but there was something curious tucked away within the three pages there. "With a Wii channel already in the works that would output DS's audio from your TV speakers, it would be an impressive next step to sync the DS game with Wii, and use Guitar Hero Wii to truly interact with the pocket version." Wait a minute, there's a Channel in the works to output your DS's audio from your TV speakers? This is the first we've heard of anything like this (only the Speaker Channel comes to mind, but that's specifically for Band Brothers DX, so it doesn't fit).What do you guys think? Error on IGN's part, or did they let something slip?[Thanks, Sonic_13!]
Nintendo Channel for Wii goes live
It didn't exactly launch with much fanfare but, as anyone's who's already flipped on their Wii today will know, the Nintendo Channel is now live. There you'll find easy access to a range of videos, recommendations for new games based on the games you've played (if you give consent for such nosiness) and, of course, game demos you can download to your DS (there's eight of those right now). If you somehow haven't already left for your Wii, you can find a guided tour of the new service courtesy of the fine folks at Joystiq by hitting up the link below.[Thanks, Dean]
Wii's TV Guide Channel gets demonstrated on video
Ready to torture yourself even more? For folks not shacked up in Japan, there's little good in spending precious moments of your life checking out screenshots of the recently launched TV Guide Channel. Still, that's absolutely no reason to not check out the same on video, now is it? Oh, and for those curious, the Wiimote simply changes stations and volume levels like any other remote -- 'cept it's 498.3-percent more likely to shatter your set. Check out the vid after the jump.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Wii gets TV guide channel, Wiimote becomes universal in Japan
Wii's 'Terebi no Tomo' Channel has launched in Japan, free for download from the Shop Channel. Better understood as 'TV Friend' Channel, the service, which was announced last November, provides users with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that updates over the internet from Japan's G-Guide service. While it might be a giant step backward for TiVo and DVR users, the new channel may be useful for elder Wii owners still stuck with ancient SD analog programming. EPG browsers can search by genre and keyword -- in 3D! -- and then 'stamp' programs of interest. These picks can then be shared with in-house users and coded Wii friends, and are used by Nintendo to give programs aggregated popularity scores. The service will also send out an alert to an email address specified during setup, 30 minutes prior to a stamped program's start time.Additionally, while using the TV Friend Channel, the Wiimote will operate as a semi-functional universal remote, capable of changing channels, adjusting volume, and switching between the Wii and TV inputs. The 'hack' is accomplished with the sensor bar, which sends out an IR signal compatible with your display. The signal is bounced off a wall (or your head or whatever) and ideally lands on your TV's IR port. There's a faceless female voice that guides you through the IR calibration process via the Wiimote speaker (we knew it had a purpose!), just in case your screen goes dark ... and stays that way. Hey, it's free, remember? [Via Engadget Japanese; thanks to Ittousai for translating!]%Gallery-17530%
Nintendo launches TV Guide Channel in Japan, enables Wiimote to control TV
For Wii owners not located in Japan, get ready to weep. Why? Because users in the aforementioned nation now have access to an incredibly fascinating new channel and you, well, don't. Details on the TV Guide Channel are still a bit fuzzy (read: lost in machine translation), but based on what we've pieced together, users can surf through shows on the EPG, share their favorites with friends, see how popular a program is (using demographic data, too) and even receive an e-mail / SMS alert 30 minutes prior to a flagged show's start time. Best of all, however, is the ability to use your Wiimote as a television remote. You heard right -- owners can use their Wii controller (via the sensor bar) to dictate volume, switch channels and flip back and forth between their shows and the TV Guide Channel. Now, how long must the rest of the free world wait? Check out the gallery over on Classic for a few more looks at what you're (probably) missing out on.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Everybody Votes! Nintendo secretly adds new Wii channel
How do you like them eggs? No, seriously. Nintendo wants to know. Nintendo wants you to know. Nintendo wants you to want everyone to know.This covertly added Wii Channel allows you to answer inane poll questions, like the aforementioned one. You'll be able to see how your tastes compare to the millions of other Nintendo fans like you. To get this update (for free, don't worry), head over to the Wii Shop Channel and go to Wii Ware.Nintendo: first they made weather fun. Then, the news. Now ... mass polling?[Thanks, Jed! Image via Go Nintendo]
Wii News Channel is live
Although announced for a Saturday unveiling, Nintendo went ahead and launched the Wii News Channel this morning. The service is free and requires a system update (that you'll likely be prompted to do next time you turn on your console).The service uses a globe for news searching much like the forecast channel, which could be seen as an educational tool for those with geographical deficiencies. According to Gamasutra, the service will be offered in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German and Swiss-German by the Associated Press, while Japanese-language news will be provided by Japanese news company Goo.There are some bugs with the globe-trotting format, as reader Ralph Kruse discovered. Give the new channel a whirl, let us know what you think and of any other bugs / easter eggs you find.[Thanks to the plethora of tipsters who sent this in!]
