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C3 Exclusive Interview | Opera's Nintendo DS Browser

on 13.03.2006 at 13:00 User Icon Posted by James Temperton (Mr. T)
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Interview: Opera’s Nintendo DS Browser

Conducted by James Temperton :: March 13th




This interview was meant to go live quite some time ago, but Opera is a very busy company at the moment. With the recent deal at Nintendo they have been thrown into a whole new spotlight as the company that will open Nintendo's little console up to the big wide world. The Internet is coming to the DS and no doubt this will have a big impact upon the console. But what about the people making the software? We put some questions to Berit Hanson, the PR Manager for devices at the company. Read on for the answers...


Cubed3: Do you intend to continue the unrivalled support that Opera has provided for web standards, e.g. CSS, when developing for a handheld platform?



Berit Hanson: Opera’s browser for NDS is based on the common Opera core used for desktop, mobile and other devices. Opera delivers superior Web standards support no matter the platform or device.



Cubed3: Will handheld extras, such as support for various plugins, be available when using the DS browser?



BH: This information is not available at this time.



Cubed3: What advantages do you think the simultaneous browsing through a dual-screen setup would provide to DS users?



BH: The two screens allow for two different modes of browsing: fit-to-width and DS mode. In fit-to-width mode, Opera uses both screens for scrolling up or down a page with both screens completing the view. In DS mode, an overview of the Web page is displayed on the lower screen and a pink square can be moved around an area of the page. The area you have selected is shown on the upper screen. This is a unique way to deliver the Web to take advantage of the DS hardware configuration and Opera has worked closely with Nintendo to optimize this experience.



Cubed3: Recently it has been announced that the DS will have a TV adaptor as well as web-browsing via the Opera service. Do you feel the system has further potential as a multimedia device?



BH: The NDS has proven its evolution through the addition of the browser and the TV-tuner. Only Nintendo can comment on what’s in store for the device next, but the addition of Opera allows for many future possibilities.



Cubed3: And what are your opinions on the system in general?



BH: The Nintendo DS is a superior portable gaming device that delivers an entirely different gaming experience with its dual screens. This also gives the users a different and exciting new way to surf the Web.



Cubed3: Will the Opera DS web-browser be comparable to the current Opera browser? In what ways will it be similar or different?



BH: With the same standards support, surfing speed and rendering capabilities, Opera on the DS will be much like Opera on the desktop. Currently announced browser features include bookmarks, zoom, and fit-to-width. A new feature for the DS is the ability to hand write the URL into the address field. You can currently write in English or Japanese.



Cubed3: Does this announcement signal the start of a continuing relationship with Nintendo or is it purely a one off?



BH: No other announcements have been made.



Cubed3: Is there any potential for the ability to download and view small files (i.e. text files) using Opera DS?



BH: We cannot comment on this at this time.



Cubed3: Nintendo has confirmed that a similar service will be ready for purchase on its Revolution system. Does this mean that Opera has already begun work on that platform, or are you not involved in the project at all?



BH: We cannot comment on this at this time.



Cubed3: The Nintendo DS accessing the Internet with such a well-respected browser is an unprecedented step in both the world of gaming and the web browsing industry. Is this an avenue that Opera sees as being key to both industries?



BH: Definitely. Web browsing is becoming a key differentiator between portable gaming devices. We have delivered as superior Web experience to the NDS, providing the full Web, standards compliance and superior rendering suited for the small screen. This makes surfing from the DS easier, more convenient and more functional. We are excited to work with Nintendo and enter the gaming community – it has been a fun and exciting challenge for us to deliver to the NDS.



Cubed3: Nintendo have been very careful to ensure the DS remains safe for the use of children. What are Opera going to do to try and prevent the DS browser being used as a 'tool' by paedophiles?



BH: Nintendo will announce these types of features at product release time.



Cubed3: What has it been like working in conjunction with Nintendo?



BH: We have had a very positive experience working with Nintendo. They are a company that is very passionate about their products, and their enthusiasm is contagious. We are excited about the opportunities ahead.



Cubed3: And what are your impressions of them as a company?



BH: As one of the best brands in the world, Nintendo is an outstanding leader in the gaming industry. Not only for the quality of their devices and games, but also for their leadership in the industry. Nintendo has set a high standard for competitors to live up to, and we are extremely proud to be working with them.



Opera is one of the leading browser platforms, and does a snazzy job of rendering Cubed3. We recommend trying the desktop version for a superior browsing experience.
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