WiiChannel
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.
Top 5: Things We Won't See at E3
This week sees the commencement of E3, the Super Bowl for gamers. On Tuesday, Nintendo will announce all of its big plans for the rest of the year, sending fanboys and fangirls alike into a frenzy. And while others choose to give us predictions of what we will see, here is the much more important information: things that we won't be seeing. 5. The Game Boy Ultra - Around the time that the DS was first announced, Nintendo made a point to clarify that the new dual-screened portable was more of a "third pillar" than the next installment in the Game Boy line. But then the DS started printing money ... lots and lots of it. Regardless, in an effort to stay true to their word (as they always do), Nintendo will unveil the Game Boy Ultra. The sleek handheld will feature a small but crisp widescreen display showcasing wonderful GameCube-esque graphics. In fact, it will be backwards-compatible with all GameCube games, using the same 8cm discs as Nintendo's last-gen console. Also, similar to the PSP's remote play, the Game Boy Ultra will connect to the Wii and allow data transfers to an SD card. This will allow Virtual Console and select WiiWare games to be played on the go. And since Nintendo plans to keep DS owners in agony by not announcing New Super Mario Bros. 2, they will reveal that the Game Boy Ultra will ship packaged with a free copy of Super Mario Bros. Ultra. Survey Says: Not necessary; Contra 4 removes the need for any other portable game or system.
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]
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!]
