Keyboard Functionality Added to Wii

Chaos | August 08, 2007 | News | Wii

When Nintendo made their third system update, they added keyboard functionality to it. Sadly, if you used your USB Keyboard on the Wii, you wouldn't be able to use it on the internet browser. The keyboard only works on the Wii Shop channel and when writing messages memos or mail on the Wii Message Board. However, it's a start.

Among the many updates contained within the most recent firmware for Wii - including a lovely digital clock and some changes to the Wii Shop - comes the surprise news that USB keyboards can now be used to type entries into some Channels. Currently, you can make use of the keyboard within the Wii Shop (where you can type in game names in the search box) plus, rather handily, when writing memos or mail via the Wii Message Board. Unfortunately, keyboards can't be used in the Internet Channel at the moment - which might explain why Nintendo's been a little reluctant to tout this inconsistent upgrade too much so far.

News Story attached to:

Wii Hardware [Wii]

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Comments

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Evanster 69 | August 08, 2007

Looks nice. But I don't have a Wii
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Gogetenks | August 08, 2007

It's a nice new addition, although I don't have a USB keyboard.

The Internet Channel, unlike the Shop Channel, is not a part of the default software. It's an extra, downloadable program. I'm guessing any upgrading would require an update directly to it, which we have seen before in a few Virtual Console games to fix any faults in the emulation. I don't see why they wouldn't do that, especially now that it supports USB keyboards.

I'm assuming it will come soon as an update in the Shop Channel, just like the final browser was.
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bbb7002004 | August 08, 2007

I agree with Gogetenks. Opera will most likely push an new update through soon to incorporate this new ability. Hopefully they will update their flash and Java players as well.
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nflsmc | August 08, 2007

I'll wait till you can use it on the internet to buy a keyboard.
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oOhennersOo | August 09, 2007

Wtf, who care's about the shop channel? Internet compatibility or don't bother.