RSSNew Wii Functionality Set to Launch
By the Betanews Staff | Published March 13, 2007, 11:48 AM
Nintendo is working on several new features that will be added to the Wii console over the next few months, gaming blog Joystiq reports. Among the new functionality would be new text-to-speech capabilities, a feature that would allow the console to detect where you are and where you might go next, and a Mii popularity channel where two Mii characters battle to be the most popular.
Text-to-speech would allow the console to read news, e-mail and other items while you are gaming. The motion sensing capabilities would likely be used for features like menu shortcuts. Details were scant on the Mii Popularity Channel, but it sounds like an America's Next Top Model of gaming, where two Miis walk the runway to be voted the most popular.
Come on BetaNews you left out the most important piece of information....
WILL THIS BE A DOWNLOADABLE UPDATE or will we have to BUY A NEW CONSOLE like the rumors of the DVD update?!?!?!
Info please!
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Yeah, this is some great reporting. They did not even give a source for this news. I'll fill in the blanks for them. This information came from Shigeru Miyamoto's GDC 2007 Keynote, and it will be available as a free download.
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Ummm... You never have to buy a new console just to get a new channel.
Channel = download.
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Are you sure the Opera version on the Wii already allows for text-to-speech? Because if so, I can't find that feature anywhere.
"...just a desperate attempt..."
Dude, do you even have a Wii? What's with the negativity? I bet you don't even have one...don't be bitter man.
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I don't think the CURRENT version of Opera on WII has it, but then the version of the WII is a beta. Opera desktop certainly has it. (highlight any text in a email,rss or webpage and press v)
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hmm, Opera already does text to speech to allow to read "read news, e-mail and other items".
I wonder if this is just a desperate attempt from Nintendo to say "look we got something new aswell".. Looks to me like they are unlocking something that already exists...
Lame..
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Your reaction seems a bit testy. I don't think "desperate" or "lame" can be applied to Nintendo right now. And, just because a browser has a feature does not mean that that feature works on every platform.
Sounds to me like they are trying to make a great product better, just like everyone else. I can't see anything wrong with that.
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I agree. The wii is such an awesome gaming experience, and adding this capability seems to be a natural progression for this type of console.
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It is desperation plain and simple, natural progression my as*, Nintendo is going to down like the Gamecube if it does not include the internet in its natural progression immediately, PS3 Home is crazy and i was hating PS3 for hte longest and got a Wii damn can't wait to get rid of my wii for a ps3
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Betanews would be a lot better if they tested the IQ's of their users before letting them post comments.
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This will be a awesome addition. I believe wii will win or at least come close to the xbox 360. The only thing making the PS3 sell is the fact it has a blue ray drive. There price will kill them in the end. The needed to be the first console out if they were going to have a chance with a console at that price. Here in TN where I live you can find 360's and wii's setting on the shelf. But they are stil having stocking issues with the wii they can't keep them on the shelves.
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But then we'd all miss out on lovely comments like yours...
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"But then we'd all miss out on lovely comments like yours..."
ROFL!!!!!! That one almost brought me to tears!!!
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Looking at the sales numbers it's incredible that anyone would be stupid enough to try and say they are desperate. Yeah, the makers of the hottest selling console on the market are shaking in their boots. Sounds like the Sony fanboys are the ones that are desperate. Lamer.
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Ignore this 'Lame..' Sony fanboi.
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