TV and Wireless Internet Browsing on Your DS?!

Today during Nintendo’s Spring Conference two new services/products were announced for the DS, a TV watching program using Seg-1(Wansegu) and the Wi-Fi enabled browser. Keeping in mind, these were only announced for Japan at the moment, but it’s a matter of time before they should come state side.

 First, Seg-1 will be starting up in April. The top screen will be used to watch programs and the bottom screen will be used to change channels. The service will be enabled by plugging a card/antenna combo into the DS slot. Thus, the DS will be able to pick up digital signals and be able to navigate channels very easily using the touch screen.

Next, what most DS owners have been waiting for, is the Wi-Fi enabled web browser. Set to debut in June, the browser will utilize a customizable Opera system and the software will use the DS and GBA card slots on the DS for a “double attachment”. As would be expected, the bottom screen can be used much like it is used in Pictochat, were you input characters and type there. What’s interesting is that webpages can be displayed on both screens, where the lower screen can be used to click on links and icons. Nintendo is promising easy character input (this is Japanese, remember) because of the touch screen capabilities.

To quote Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President of Opera Software, “The incredibly popular Nintendo DS is already Wi-Fi enabled to support real-time gaming, so adding Web browsing capabilities was a natural evolution for this device. Gaming devices are growing more advanced and a great Web experience is becoming a product differentiator for gaming manufacturers. Opera is excited to work with Nintendo to deliver a unique dual screen, full Internet experience on Nintendo DS.” Truly, a great day when Opera and Nintendo become good allies.

Considering the TV is digital and the Internet is Wi-Fi there are no charges other than that to buy the hardware and software.

I’m usually pretty opinionated and yet reserved about what happens in the game world, but I only have one comment for this: ‘Bout damn time.

Today during Nintendo’s Spring Conference two new services/products were announced for the DS, a TV watching program using Seg-1(Wansegu) and the Wi-Fi enabled browser. Keeping in mind, these were only announced for Japan at the moment, but it’s a matter of time before they should come state side.

 First, Seg-1 will be starting up in April. The top screen will be used to watch programs and the bottom screen will be used to change channels. The service will be enabled by plugging a card/antenna combo into the DS slot. Thus, the DS will be able to pick up digital signals and be able to navigate channels very easily using the touch screen.

Next, what most DS owners have been waiting for, is the Wi-Fi enabled web browser. Set to debut in June, the browser will utilize a customizable Opera system and the software will use the DS and GBA card slots on the DS for a “double attachment”. As would be expected, the bottom screen can be used much like it is used in Pictochat, were you input characters and type there. What’s interesting is that webpages can be displayed on both screens, where the lower screen can be used to click on links and icons. Nintendo is promising easy character input (this is Japanese, remember) because of the touch screen capabilities.

To quote Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President of Opera Software, “The incredibly popular Nintendo DS is already Wi-Fi enabled to support real-time gaming, so adding Web browsing capabilities was a natural evolution for this device. Gaming devices are growing more advanced and a great Web experience is becoming a product differentiator for gaming manufacturers. Opera is excited to work with Nintendo to deliver a unique dual screen, full Internet experience on Nintendo DS.” Truly, a great day when Opera and Nintendo become good allies.

Considering the TV is digital and the Internet is Wi-Fi there are no charges other than that to buy the hardware and software.

I’m usually pretty opinionated and yet reserved about what happens in the game world, but I only have one comment for this: ‘Bout damn time.

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