Nintendo has revealed the specifications for its Wii U Browser, announcing that it will run on NetFront Browser NX v2.1, but will not support plugins such as Adobe Flash. The Browser will also only support one of these TouchEvent at a time: touchstart, touchend, touchmove, touchcancel.
Enhanced Browsing Experience
“Wii U comes with a browser that lets you browse the Internet from the comfort of your couch. No need to interrupt your favorite show—browse purely on the GamePad while your program continues on the TV. You can also pause a game, launch the browser to search for tips on the game you’re playing, and then re-enter the game right where you left off”
The Wii U browser is designed to offer a seamless and convenient browsing experience. By allowing users to browse the internet directly from the GamePad, Nintendo ensures that users can multitask without disrupting their primary activities. This feature is particularly useful for looking up game guides, walkthroughs, or even watching tutorials while playing a game. The ability to pause a game and quickly access the browser to find necessary information can enhance the overall gaming experience, making it more interactive and user-friendly.
Technical Specifications and Limitations
The decision to run the browser on NetFront Browser NX v2.1 is a strategic one, as this browser is known for its efficiency and compatibility with various web standards. However, the lack of support for plugins such as Adobe Flash is a notable limitation. Adobe Flash was once a ubiquitous technology for displaying multimedia content on the web, but its usage has declined significantly in recent years due to security concerns and the rise of HTML5. By not supporting Flash, the Wii U browser aligns itself with modern web standards and practices, focusing on security and performance.
The browser’s support for only one TouchEvent at a time—touchstart, touchend, touchmove, touchcancel—means that it may not fully utilize the multi-touch capabilities of the GamePad. This could limit the browser’s functionality in certain scenarios, such as complex web applications that rely on multi-touch gestures. However, for basic browsing needs, this limitation is unlikely to be a significant issue.
For full specifications on Nintendo’s new Wii U browser jump over to the official Nintendo website for everything you need to know.
Comparative Performance
Interestingly, the Wii U browser has been noted for its superior performance in handling HTML5 content compared to some other browsers, including Internet Explorer 10 on PC. HTML5 is the latest evolution of the standard that defines HTML, and it incorporates features like video playback, audio playback, and interactive elements without the need for additional plugins. This makes the Wii U browser a robust tool for modern web browsing, capable of handling a wide range of content types efficiently.
The focus on HTML5 also means that users can enjoy a richer web experience, with smoother video playback and more interactive web applications. This is particularly beneficial for users who consume a lot of online media or use web-based applications frequently.
Source: VentureBeat : Nintendo
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