Wii Opera Browser (Beta), available Dec 22

Nintendo announced that on Dec 22, the Opera Web Browser (beta version) will be available for download for free from the Wii Shop channel. Once downloaded, it will activate the Internet channel and allow users to surf the web from the Wii.

The final version of the Opera browser will be available at the end of March 2007, and will be free for all Wii owners to download through the end of June 2007. After June, users who haven’t already downloaded the Opera browser can go to the Wii Shop Channel to download it for 500 Wii Points.

The beta version is a flash-enabled browser that will allow users to use the Wii-mote to click links for navigation. An on-screen keyboard will be provided to help users fetch web pages. Users will also be able to zoom-in/zoom-out of content.

Also today, the Forecast channel goes live delivering current and future weather information.