Console Based Web Browsers

[Modeps]

For some reason, a web browser on a console is clamored for by tons of people. Wii's got one, PS3's got one, 360 doesn't... but people yell and yell that its not on the 360.

What is it with a console based browser that makes people want it? I've got a laptop, I've got a computer... most people asking for it probably at least have a computer and with that, access to several different 'real' browsers.

I tried the Wii browser, it does what it does but its a chore to use. In my opinion, an RSS ticker would be a much better investment of resources (similar to what XBMC does). Does anyone here regularly use their console based browser?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Yes, I watch streaming media and check movie ratings for items on my TIVO using imdb through my PS3 and wireless keyboard all the time.

Linux helps in the console web browsing department

 

[purbeast0]

i used the wii one when it was available for free, but it was only to check it out.

i quickly realized that it was absolutely worthless to me. it takes too long to do anything with it.

i dont think i'll ever use a browser on there. the only one I could see using is the PS3 one since you can hookup kb/m to it, and if I wanted to show people some funny videos or something on youtube. other than that, can't see any use for it. also, my PC is in the same room as my TV and I can watch TV from my PC, so as of now i just have no use for it

 

[Thraxen]

Yes, and on a fairly regular basis. My PC is upstair in my office and my consoles are are downstairs in the main entertainment center. Sometimes I'll use the PS3's browser to check some release dates or maybe look up something on Gamefaqs.... whatever. I don't do any serious extended browsing, but definitely for quickly looking up something specific. Also, with the release of themes for the PS3, I'll use the browser to download new user-made themes.

 

[Trader05]

I use Wii's web browser for Youtube videos when i have friends over. Other than that, nothing at all. I use my laptop for web browsing. Wii has USB keyboard support now also with the latest firmware, typing with the remote is a little time consuming.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Trader05
I use Wii's web browser for Youtube videos.

I thought that youtube wouldnt work on the Wii browser? Or maybe I haven't used it in that long... or maybe I was just trying out redtube instead.

 

[mugs]

I never use it on my Wii or PS3. But my setup is kind of atypical.

I have an L-shaped desk: http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/mugs/IMG_5895.JPG
The monitor in the corner was my TV; it has been replaced by a 26" LCD HDTV
The trash can has been replaced by my HTPC, which uses the HDTV as its monitor.

So I game in my office chair (Aeron :heart: ) and could browse the web on my PC right in front of me, or if I didn't have that I could browse on the HTPC.

 

[sciencewhiz]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Trader05
I use Wii's web browser for Youtube videos.

I thought that youtube wouldnt work on the Wii browser? Or maybe I haven't used it in that long... or maybe I was just trying out redtube instead.

Wii has flash 7, so it works with youtube, but maybe not some newer stuff.

 

[RandomFool]

I use the Wii browser every now and then. When I'm watching a movie on my laptop and want to browse around at the same time.

I'm kind of surprised MS didn't put a browser on the 360. It seems like a modified version of IE would easily beat any other console web browser out there (compatibility wise).

mugs, that's a pretty darn awesome setup you've got.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: sciencewhiz

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Trader05
I use Wii's web browser for Youtube videos.

I thought that youtube wouldnt work on the Wii browser? Or maybe I haven't used it in that long... or maybe I was just trying out redtube instead.

Wii has flash 7, so it works with youtube, but maybe not some newer stuff.

Don't goto Redtube at work

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: RandomFool
I'm kind of surprised MS didn't put a browser on the 360. It seems like a modified version of IE would easily beat any other console web browser out there (compatibility wise).

With all the security holes IE has had over the years, I bet you anything that IE would be the portal to hacking the 360.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: mugs
I never use it on my Wii or PS3. But my setup is kind of atypical.

I have an L-shaped desk: http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/mugs/IMG_5895.JPG
The monitor in the corner was my TV; it has been replaced by a 26" LCD HDTV
The trash can has been replaced by my HTPC, which uses the HDTV as its monitor.

So I game in my office chair (Aeron :heart: ) and could browse the web on my PC right in front of me, or if I didn't have that I could browse on the HTPC.

HTPC > *

 

[vpctech]

I don't use the web browser at all. My PS3 is off-line only.

 

[Trader05]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: sciencewhiz

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Trader05
I use Wii's web browser for Youtube videos.

I thought that youtube wouldnt work on the Wii browser? Or maybe I haven't used it in that long... or maybe I was just trying out redtube instead.

Wii has flash 7, so it works with youtube, but maybe not some newer stuff.

Don't goto Redtube at work

I had no idea what Redtube was..thanks!

 

[DivideBYZero]

I use the Wii browser quite a bit.

 

[eelw]

It's like DVD playback, unnecessary.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
i used the wii one when it was available for free, but it was only to check it out.

i quickly realized that it was absolutely worthless to me. it takes too long to do anything with it.

i dont think i'll ever use a browser on there. the only one I could see using is the PS3 one since you can hookup kb/m to it, and if I wanted to show people some funny videos or something on youtube. other than that, can't see any use for it. also, my PC is in the same room as my TV and I can watch TV from my PC, so as of now i just have no use for it

yea the Wii browser is horrible. too slow for everything and doesn't loag up a lot of things.

 

[hans030390]

I use the PS3 browser all the time. If I'm upstairs and want to check something, I'd rather go to my PS3 (in my room) instead of all the way downstairs to a computer.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I used the PS3 browser for a solid day when my computer was acting up. It was decent with a keyboard and mouse, but I wouldn't choose to use it over a computer, only in desperate times.

 

[CrackRabbit]

I used the browser on my Dreamcast when I was without a computer for a while. That sucked, horribly.

 

[beat mania]

I used the Wii browser for flash games.