Wii owners will use remote to surf web, says Opera exec

The executive vice president of Opera for Devices, Scott Hedrick, has revealed that Nintendo Wii owners will be using the console's unique remote controller to surf the web.

In an interview with IGN, Hedrick said: "The remote control is an extremely advanced tool. Opera plans to use this to its full advantage and it will provide an intuitive way to surf the Web."

"Imagine the possibilities in terms of surfing with a motion sensitive remote control."

Hedrick declined to give details of how the control system will work, stating only: "I cannot specifically comment on the lack of keyboard, but many devices running Opera don't have keyboards, such as the Nintendo DS, and feature on-screen keyboards to solve this problem."

He went on to say that Opera won't be sold separately from the Wii - but stopped short of confirming whether or not it'll come with the console as standard. However, it's clear that Hedrick believes online gaming will play a key part in the success of Nintendo's new console: "As Nintendo touts Wii as always connected it is natural that a browser should be a part of their strategy, as a gateway to the Web."

"I believe that Web technology will increasingly be a part of the gaming experience, whether it's live content being pushed onto games or you're just checking your Web mail while playing Mario Kart."

"We're seeing access to the Web in more and more places and in more and more ways, it was simply a matter of time before it spread to game consoles."

Via GI.Biz