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Nintendo’s impressive TVii service has been confirmed for Europe.
The previously North American only functionality will arrive in the region some time on 2013. In Nintendo’s words it enables you to find, watch, and engage with TV shows and movies in entirely new ways”.
The blurb adds: Using the Wii U GamePad, you can browse and search for programming from sources you subscribe to, including cable and satellite channels and video-on-demand services.”
TVii will allow users to access all their various streaming video services through the Wii U console, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and others. It’s powered by tech provided by i.TV.
Other functionality will be included, too, such as Universal Remote Control functionality for the GamePad as well as using the pricey peripheral for that much touted second screen experience”.
This mainly comprises the ability to talk to others via a social network – specifically, Nintendo’s own social network. It will also offer additional information, such as stats for sports coverage or IMDB information for TV shows.
Nintendo TVii makes watching TV more simple and fun by combining and displaying video content from a variety of sources all in one easy-to-use second screen experience,” NoA’s director of network business Zach Fountain said back in September. i.TV’s strong legacy and commitment to reinventing TV make them an ideal partner to help bring Nintendo TVii to life.”
Nintendo has also promised some sort of level of compatibility with cable and satellite PVR boxes, though TiVo – which remains a big brand in the US – was the only brand named. Wider compatibility remains a question.
