New Wii System Software Adds USB Keyboard Support

New Wii software learns to work with USB keyboards

Those who have noticed their Wii sporting a glowing blue light (or no light at all for a non-Internet connected console) will be pleased to know that a new system firmware has been released.

New in version 3.1 of the firmware is expanded USB keyboard support, improving greatly over keyboard implementation in previous firmware versions. Hyperlinks may now be included in messages, which can be launched directly into a web browser with a Wii Remote click. Users of the Internet Channel will find with the new 3.1 firmware an experience that better matches a full-featured web browser.

Speaking of the Internet Channel, there also appears to be an updated version of the browser software available for download. Also, an improved “Everybody Votes” Wii Channel is also online, allowing users to input questions of their own.

Version 3.1 firmware builds on all the changes introduced in version 3, such as an on-screen digital clock and the ability to rearrange the Wii Friends address book.

Currently, the only way to obtain the new system software is through the Wii's Wi-Fi Internet connection, as games have yet to ship with the firmware update included.