Nintendo announced this morning that its boob tube altering experience, TVii, for its Wii U system hits in North America tomorrow.
A press release describes TVii as a "free, integrated service for the recently launched Wii U console that combines what you watch and how you watch into one seamless, second-screen experience on the revolutionary new Wii U GamePad controller."
So the Wii U's tablet style controller gamepad becomes a mini TV? Well, kind of. Nintendo TVii hopes to transform the Wii U console into an enhanced cable box, providing a "single navigable experience of cable and satellite shows, as well as on-demand services through the WiiPad."
"After Dec. 20, you'll never look at your TV the same way again," promises Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO of Nintendo of America. "Wii U owners have already experienced the transformative effect that the GamePad has on game play and social interaction. Nintendo TVii shows how the integrated second screen of the GamePad can also transform and enhance the TV viewing experience. Welcome to the new world of TVii."
Nintendo TVii maximizes Wii U owners' current cable, satellite and video-on-demand services by pulling all of their available content sources, be it Comcast, Verizon, etc. Viewing services like Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus will be integrated with TVii, with future plans to bring Netflix and TiVo into the fold.
With the ever increasing popularity of social networking, Nintendo TVii also includes features enabling Wii U owners to share experiences and moments with friends as they are happening on live TV. People can engage with others by commenting and sharing on Facebook, Twitter, and Nintendo's own social network, the Miiverse. Not MySpace, who uses that garbage anymore?
The service also allows each family member to create their own viewing profile, so viewing and programming can be easily set from viewer to viewer.
"Nintendo TVii launches in the United States and Canada on Dec. 20. At launch, the service will support cable and satellite providers in both regions, as well as direct integration with Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus subscriptions in the United States. Further integration with Netflix subscriptions and TiVo are expected in early 2013 in the United States. Wii U owners with a Netflix subscription can still access the Netflix application from the Wii U system's main menu and enjoy their favorite content accordingly."
For a better understanding, check out the trailer below.