C3 Exclusive Interview | Opera's Nintendo Wii Browser

Scott Hedrick: The Opera browser is saved to the Flash ROM on the Wii console, and does not require a separate memory card as Opera for DS does. The browser can be launched in only a few seconds, immediately delivering a great user experience.

C3: Have there been many challenges moving from the computer platform to delivering a secure and functional game console browser?

SH: Not really any big challenges, since Opera has experience with porting to many different devices and mobile phone platforms. The biggest challenge has been to create the best "living room" Web experience, leveraging the unique capabilities of Wii. Opera has worked closely with Nintendo to achieve a breakthrough experience, especially in terms of incorporating the revolutionary Wii remote into the browsing experience.

C3: As a very successful software developer what challenges does the WiiConnect24 service provide, and what do you think of this specific feature?

SH: Nintendo's network-centric approach with WiiConnect24 will enable rich new services and capabilities, the full extent of which Nintendo has yet to reveal. For Opera, WiiConnect24 presents more interesting opportunities rather than challenges.

Opera has long been working with set-top box manufacturers, for example, that use Opera to create Web-based user interfaces. These IP-based set-top boxes are always connected, like Wii, and can be easily and dynamically updated with live content or new menus.

C3: To what extent will user customisation be allowed?

SH: Nintendo isn't ready to discuss if there will be any user customisation allowed for Opera on Wii. Opera's desktop browser is highly customisable and "skinnable", and the latest version, Opera 9, even includes small Web-based applications called Widgets. We have announced that Opera Widgets will be available on devices and it would be cool to see them on Wii.

C3: Are there any plans to include advertising via the Opera browser on Wii?

SH: No, there are no plans to include advertisements within the Opera browser user interface for Wii, but the same ads you see on Web pages on your desktop will show up when browsing using Opera on Wii. Nintendo hasn't confirmed if Opera could be used to deliver Web-based advertisements into games, for example.

C3: Will the Opera DS and Opera Wii browsers be able to communicate or interact in any way?

SH: Nintendo has not announced any plans for this, but it would be great to enable this.

C3: How easy is it to control and navigate the Internet using the Opera Wii Browser?

SH: Navigating the Web with Opera on the Wii will be as easy if not easier than using Opera on a desktop. For Opera desktop users, surfing on the Wii will be a very familiar experience. Opera will be integrating its unique rendering technologies to compensate for the lower resolution of TVs and the added distance of the user from the TV screen.

Nintendo's vision is to expand the appeal of its products to as large of an audience as possible. We aim to make a browsing experience that leverages the intuitive capabilities of the Wii remote, ensuring that anyone from an experienced gamer to your grandma can surf the Web on Wii.

C3: What will the Opera Wii Browser allow you to do outside surfing the 'normal' Internet? Will there be any additional features/functionality?

SH: Based on Opera 9 for Devices, the Wii browser will be not only able to surf the full Internet, but execute Web applications using technologies such as AJAX. In addition to the ability to use advanced services such as Google Maps, third parties could theoretically develop Web applications specifically for the Wii.

C3: Will the Opera Wii Browser be integrated into any games?

SH: In addition to being a full Web browser, Opera also serves as a presentation engine for devices, such as set-top boxes. This means that you it is possible to create dynamic Web-based applications and user interfaces using Web technology running on Opera