At this year's E3, Sega will officially show PlanetWeb's latest browser, version 2.0. This browser will feature the following new features:
MP3: The new Dreamcast browser will include the option to play MP3's through the browser. For those of you who do not know what MP3's are, they are CD-quality sound files that are much smaller than .wavs. Soon, Sega will incorporate the Zip Drive for the ability to download these files.
Flash 3.0: Sega has finally jumped on the Flash trend. Flash is a way of making online presentations or movies. While it is more graphically pleasing than HTML, it is not quite as functional due to the extensive load times.
PNG: While I didn't know much about this alleged "PNG" previous to this announcement, I'll tell you about it anyway. Pretty much, the new browser will support this feature. It will make for better online graphics, supposedly.
JavaScript Updates: While the previous browser did support some JavaScript, the newer one will have a little more support. In the same way as Flash, it is a more pleasing language, but is also slower to load.
Force Feedback: Essentially, the new Dreamcast browser will include support for the Force Feedback feature of the Dreamcast. Web-page developers will be able to include force feedback with their online presentations. I don't see how this will be used too often, but I guess it can't hurt.
VMU Support: This is more or less an upgrade from the 1.0 edition of the browser. In the new version, gamers will be able to download more files to the VMU for use in games.
"We have brought advanced Internet functions such as more efficient browsing, parental control, email, chat, secure socket layer (SSL) for e-commerce, and easy-to-use navigation to Sega Dreamcast since its introduction," said ken Soohoo (goofy name)."With this upgrade, web developers will have the opportunity to bring more creative Internet content to Sega Dreamcast, while gamers will be able to take advantage of even more interactive elements available on the Internet."
"As Sega moves forward into a critical year, we are looking for products and services that will provide Sega Dreamcast Network consumers with as much value-add as possible," said Peter Moore, senior vice president, Sega of America. "The improvements made to the Planetweb browser, including the addition of MP3 compatibility, will enable us to take gaming to the next level. The complete Internet gaming experience is right around the corner and Sega is the only company that will bring it to the gaming community."
Back To
