Nintendo Planning Instant Messaging Service for Wii?
Nintendo‘s US Patent filing published on June 6, 2006 reveals what seems to be an instant messaging service for the Wii. The filing describes the service as follows:
A messaging system includes a web server computer and at least two video game systems. Each game system is configured to connect to the web server computer via the Internet and to communicate status data indicative of an activity engaged in by a user thereof. The web server computer generates a session file indicative of user status and the status of each of two or persons on a buddy list of the user.
The filing further reveals the system’s capability to create a buddy list to allow users to be in contact with other users. Private chat sessions can be set up typically in a text-based format, but voice chat is also possible. All these are made possible by using input devices such as an on-screen keyboard, microphone, and headset. In addition, a separate keyboard may be connected to the game console. Voice over IP may also be implemented within the messaging service. Furthermore, the patent system will have a View Associate List, Block List, User Preferences, Profile, Access, Status, Rules list, Alerts and Autostart Alerts. It also hints on the possibility of a DS-to-Wii connection to make use of the said features.
Nintendo may have had this instant messaging service planned for quite some time, but with this patent filing, we can see all those plans materialize for the Wii.
Via US Patent & Trademark Office
Nintendo‘s US Patent filing published on June 6, 2006 reveals what seems to be an instant messaging service for the Wii. The filing describes the service as follows:
A messaging system includes a web server computer and at least two video game systems. Each game system is configured to connect to the web server computer via the Internet and to communicate status data indicative of an activity engaged in by a user thereof. The web server computer generates a session file indicative of user status and the status of each of two or persons on a buddy list of the user.
The filing further reveals the system’s capability to create a buddy list to allow users to be in contact with other users. Private chat sessions can be set up typically in a text-based format, but voice chat is also possible. All these are made possible by using input devices such as an on-screen keyboard, microphone, and headset. In addition, a separate keyboard may be connected to the game console. Voice over IP may also be implemented within the messaging service. Furthermore, the patent system will have a View Associate List, Block List, User Preferences, Profile, Access, Status, Rules list, Alerts and Autostart Alerts. It also hints on the possibility of a DS-to-Wii connection to make use of the said features.
Nintendo may have had this instant messaging service planned for quite some time, but with this patent filing, we can see all those plans materialize for the Wii.