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AP: Wii Opera browser so simple, even grandma can use it

Published April 19th, 2007 1:10 AM EDT By Daniel Goldman

Quote from an AP article regarding the Wii Opera-powered browser:

“Nintendo’s Internet Channel, developed by Opera Software, is so simple even your computer-phobic, “Wii Sports”-loving grandma can use it. It has a nice, flexible zoom feature that keeps text readable no matter how big you make it, and it’s easy to bookmark or scroll around pages with the Wii remote. The only drawback is the lack of a keyboard, which makes typing web addresses a hassle.”

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4 Comments

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  1. 1 Wouter van der Graaf Apr 19th, 2007 at 4:34 am
    using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 on Windows Windows XP

    Do you have to zoom in and constantly scroll left-right-left to read text columns that are wider than the screen? That doesn’t seem grandma-friendly to me.

    It’s probably the only right way to handle fixed size websites, but what about liquid sites? Websites with a liquid layout are build for variable viewport widths.

    As I’m not yet owning an Opera-powered Wii, I can only give my opinion on what I’ve read and heard:
    1. It’s a shame Wii-Opera forces liquid sites to scale to 800px width and doesn’t handle them like desktop-Opera does.
    2. I think the smart zoom feature from desktop-Opera would be more user friendly when dealing with liquid websites.

  2. 2 Joar Apr 19th, 2007 at 11:17 am
    using Opera Opera 9.20 on Windows Windows XP

    As far as I know Wii Opera will NOT let you scroll left-right-left… The smart-zoom feature built in zooms in to the width of the column you are zooming at, if possibe. The smart-zoom feature is new to Wii-Opera, and not featured in desktop Opera.

  3. 3 Steve Barker Apr 20th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
    using Opera Opera 9.20 on Linux Linux

    I’m believe grandma could use a Wii, but we can’t. Tried four shops and two web-sites yesterday but no joy. Still does not seem to be easily available in the UK.

    Birthday on the 30th so still time to buy the desired present!

  4. 4 Jadd Apr 24th, 2007 at 5:38 am
    using Opera Opera 9.20 on Windows Windows XP

    Wish I could say the same for Opera on the desktop platform.

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Opera Watch, an Opera browser blog, is run by Daniel Goldman, who used to work for Opera Software as a Technical Evangelist.

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About Opera


Q: What is Opera?
A: Opera is one of the most powerful Web browsers around. A Web browser is the program that allows you to view Web pages. Opera is well known for innovation for PC browsers and bringing the full web to mobile phones and devices.

Q: Is Opera free?
A: Absolutely free.

Q: Why should I download a browser? Doesn't my computer already come with one for free?
A: It's about getting more out of the time you spend on the internet. Opera is designed to be much faster than these browsers and gives you powerful features that the default browser lacks. Default browsers like Internet Explorer are also more likely to be subjected to dangerous software such as viruses and spyware.

Q: Will Opera keep me safe from fraudulent websites and malicious hackers?
A: According to Secunia, a respected firm that tracks security in browsers, Opera has the best reputation and track record when it comes to browser security. Keeping our users safe from security vulnerabilities, fraudulent websites, and malicious hackers is a top priority for Opera. Opera is maintained by hundreds of engineers, developers and security experts who are constantly looking to make the browser even safer.

Q: Doesn't Opera copy all of their features from other browsers?
A: Absolutely not. In fact, many of the features that are popular in other browsers today were invented and pioneered by Opera a long time ago. Opera invented the precursor to tabs (in 1994), Page Zoom (1994), was the first browser to block pop-up ads (2000), first to add a Search field in the browser toolbar (2000), Sessions (1996), deleting private data (2000), Mouse Gestures (2000), User JavaScript (2005), BitTorrent support (2005), Widgets (2006), Speed Dial (2007), and much more.

Q: Does Opera support extensions, such as those found in Firefox?
A: Much of the functionality provided through Firefox extensions is already built directly into Opera, so you don't have to download additional extensions in Opera. In addition, Opera is highly customizable and supports all standard plug-ins.

Q: Can I also use Opera on my mobile phone?
A: Yes. And your Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS or almost any connected device and mobile phones. Opera Mobile oftens comes preinstalled from the manufacturers, but if it doesn't you can install Opera Mini which runs on nearly all phones.

Q: This all sounds great, so how do I download Opera?
A: -- Opera on your computer
-- Opera Mini on your phone
-- Opera Mobile on your phone
-- or learn more about Opera at www.opera.com