Opera plays pac man
Thursday, 16. February 2006, 14:27:23
Opera expanded its reach this week in terms of platforms which use the desktop browser. Opera is now available on the Nintendo DS WiFi enabled hand held game console in Japan with U.S. release expected later this year. The Opera browser, coupled with WiFi hot spots, will allow Nintendo users to play games online with other users. McDonald's is expected to co-market the device by providing wireless hot spots at over 6,000 locations. Embedding the browser in the game device, and linking it to a major fast food chain, is a clear push by Opera at gaining market share with teens and young adults. For these customers the placement could generate crossover branding opportunities for Opera. If as a teen or 20 something you've seen the browser on your game device, why not also have it on your cell phone? The branding image of Opera's browser could hitch a ride on big macs and pac man. Stranger things have happened :-)
By John Gaudiosi
Reuters
Thursday, February 16, 2006; 2:49 AM
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Nintendo is expanding the entertainment capabilities of its best-selling Nintendo DS, making it possible to watch live television and surf the Internet using the dual-screen portable game device.
Oslo, Norway-based Opera Software is creating a Web browser for the handheld that will work with the built-in Wi-Fi functionality of the Nintendo DS. Once gamers buy the browser, which will come on a standard cartridge, they will be able to surf the Web on both the touch-sensitive and regular screens using the stylus and on-screen keypad for input.
[snip]
Nintendo also is rolling out additional features for the Nintendo DS, which so far has sold more than 14.4 million units. Starting next month, gamers will be able to download game demos, trailers and other content via retail kiosks that send content over Wi-Fi. Nintendo is also introducing Voice-over-Internet-Protocol with new games that will allow players to use the built-in microphone to talk in real time before and after online matches of games like "Metroid Prime: Hunters."
In November, Nintendo partnered with Wayport to allow gamers free Wi-Fi hot spots at more than 6,000 McDonald's restaurants. When coupled with the new Opera software, gamers would be able to play online games or search the Web at these hot spots for free, or log into thousands of other hot spots around the country at the standard rate.
By John Gaudiosi
Reuters
Thursday, February 16, 2006; 2:49 AM
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Nintendo is expanding the entertainment capabilities of its best-selling Nintendo DS, making it possible to watch live television and surf the Internet using the dual-screen portable game device.
Oslo, Norway-based Opera Software is creating a Web browser for the handheld that will work with the built-in Wi-Fi functionality of the Nintendo DS. Once gamers buy the browser, which will come on a standard cartridge, they will be able to surf the Web on both the touch-sensitive and regular screens using the stylus and on-screen keypad for input.
[snip]
Nintendo also is rolling out additional features for the Nintendo DS, which so far has sold more than 14.4 million units. Starting next month, gamers will be able to download game demos, trailers and other content via retail kiosks that send content over Wi-Fi. Nintendo is also introducing Voice-over-Internet-Protocol with new games that will allow players to use the built-in microphone to talk in real time before and after online matches of games like "Metroid Prime: Hunters."
In November, Nintendo partnered with Wayport to allow gamers free Wi-Fi hot spots at more than 6,000 McDonald's restaurants. When coupled with the new Opera software, gamers would be able to play online games or search the Web at these hot spots for free, or log into thousands of other hot spots around the country at the standard rate.
WIDGETIZE