Start up disc ... real purpose?

[COLDshiver]

First off, to clarify, the startup disk contains an updated firmware for the Wii, which may or may not include Opera(the only way to be certain is to pop it into your computer when you get it and analyze the disk).

New firmware, however, has already been confirmed, as they didn't finalize it until post production of the hardware.

As far as the browser is concerned, Nintendo of Japan stated that they would include it free with the console up until June or July of next year, in which time, they will charge a fee of $10 for it.

The browser itself works on a limited trial basis, after which point the browser will alert you that it has gone to Virtual Console to be purchased(this should be subsequent to an update to the browser, inticing people to want to buy it).


Now, why would someone want a browser on their Wii?

Well, for one, the intuitive nature of the Wiimote will be perfect for elderly people, as they don't have to worry about the complications of a computer. Instant on capability could work wonders for people who just want to check something quickly before they have to run out the door to their busy lives.

Second, even those who have a computer to use will appreciate the fact that the Wii never needs any TLC to be running in tip-top shape, never gets a virus, doesn't limit you by any media or format restrictions like browsing on a cellphone or PDA does, and most importantly, can be had from the comfort of any room with a TV.

With Google's consumption of Writely, you can even do word processing and spreadsheets online from the Wii, eliminating the need for boring term papers to restrict you to an uncomfortable desk.

$10 doesn't seem like a lot when you consider the value that can be had from having a browser on your TV. Sure, five to ten years ago, when WebTV came out, I mocked it at being horribly conducive to failure, due to the many restrictions it placed on web browsing. It seems like Nintendo got it right this time.

:lol: If this browser becomes widely popular on the Wii, coders will definitely be making viruses just for the Wii :lol: Since the Wii is connected to the internet 24/7, it leaves people very vulernable and since it's wireless, you can't just pull an ethernet cable from it to disconnect it from the internet. You have to pull it's power plug. And it would be a huge problem because everytime you turn it on, the virus will then be working and bad things could come of this. Hopefully, security will be tight for Wiiconnect24. in a recent post of yours, teqguy, you said that the network is a 'mesh' and that all the clients are connected together instead of a single server. This would be a huge problem imo because it would cause the virus to spread much faster into Wiis that are connected to the internet 24/7

 

[teqguy]

:lol: If this browser becomes widely popular on the Wii, coders will definitely be making viruses just for the Wii :lol: Since the Wii is connected to the internet 24/7, it leaves people very vulernable and since it's wireless, you can't just pull an ethernet cable from it to disconnect it from the internet. You have to pull it's power plug. And it would be a huge problem because everytime you turn it on, the virus will then be working and bad things could come of this. Hopefully, security will be tight for Wiiconnect24. in a recent post of yours, teqguy, you said that the network is a 'mesh' and that all the clients are connected together instead of a single server. This would be a huge problem imo because it would cause the virus to spread much faster into Wiis that are connected to the internet 24/7

And I suspect coders are going to pay the $1000 required for the SDK as well?

There's a thing about proprietary platforms that Apple has banked on for a very long time: Nobody goes after minorities when it comes to spreading viruses.

For one, virus writers want to reach large targets, and two, the amount of time and money it would take to research any exploitable features of the Wii would be worthless. In that amount of time, those coders could just as easily be looking for ways to play copied Wii games and sell the chip/bootloader online.

Furthermore, it's nearly impossible to exploit software that has few to no flaws, hence the reason Windows gets bogged down with so much crap.

 

[Equis]

sounds good!

and the opera is free till june.

so they better come up with something reall good to keep people wantin to have it

 

[teqguy]

so they better come up with something reall good to keep people wantin to have it

A browser on your TV that supports full format media, Javascript, and Flash, in addition to never needing to be booted up or shut down doesn't sound good enough to you?

 

[Kumoriken]

A browser on your TV that supports full format media, Javascript, and Flash, in addition to never needing to be booted up or shut down doesn't sound good enough to you?

Indeed it does. I'm definately gonna buy it, no matter what, as long as there's no monthly fee, and obviously, there isn't gonna be.

 

[pizzaluvr]

you realize that you can use your compy w/ the tv, just buy a 5-10 feet vga cable, and a vga to component(or composite) adapter

 

[teqguy]

you realize that you can use your compy w/ the tv, just buy a 5-10 feet vga cable, and a vga to component(or composite) adapter

1) That isn't convinient, especially for those who don't have a computer or prefer not to use one for quick and easy web browsing.

2) There is no such thing as a VGA to component or composite adapter. The signal has to be converted and converters for such purposes cost about $80.

And even then, have you ever seen the results of connecting a computer to the average TV? Let me tell you, it doesn't look pretty. For starters, you're limited to 640 x 480 resolution at 16 bit color. Second, you have to play with focus and moire reduction to even get anything that resembles well defined text. Third, you're limited to 60Hz refresh rate, which makes the screen flicker constantly.

3) VGA cables that long cost at LEAST $10, if not $15 or $20.

Therefore, the Wii browser is not only a better, but also cheaper solution for browsing on your TV.

 

[COLDshiver]

You dont' really need a VGA cable. My card has S-video so i don't even need to buy any cords. But like teqguy said, it's limited to 640x480 and 16bit colors. But still, i think it's cool to watch your friends play CS:S and get pwned by other players :lol: