Opera has begun to disribute a new version of the Internet Channel for Wii. In addition to added support the new channel will allow users to communicate better and will also support a USB keyboard.

Any standard USB keyboard will now plug into one of the USB ports on Wii allowing you to write emails, post in forums and blog much easier. Also making text input more comfortable are several new keyboard-specific shortcuts to be used with the existing soft keyboard, such as using the B button on the Wii remote as a Shift button.

"We believe this new version of the Internet Channel is even more engaging and delightful for the users around the world than its predecessor," says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera. "Nintendo has always brought a new perspective, fresh ideas and unwavering enthusiasm to our partnership. And today, our combined efforts have given users more reasons to be excited."

Send to a friend enables you to send links to your favorite Web sites - or the one you are currently browsing - to your Wii friends whom you have added in your Wii. You can also add a message to send along with the link. When your Wii friend opens the message, they can immediately visit the page in the Internet Channel.

The new Internet Channel for Nintendo Wii carries additional usability improvements. Users can now copy information from a Web page and paste it directly into the search field. Users may also store nine more favorites, bringing the total to 56. Visit the Wii Shop Channel to download the new Internet Channel today.

The Opera powered "Internet Channel" is available as a free upgrade for existing Internet Channel subscribers. For people wishing to subscribe, the Internet Channel can be purchased from the Wii Shop Channel menu for 500 Wii points.