HTPC web browser?

June 16, 2009 6:37 PM

Is there a web browser for your home-theater PC that works like Opera on the Wii? Something where I can sit back on the couch and navigate using the remote would be ideal.
posted by smackfu to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I don't know of any browsers specifically built for home theatre use, but if you buy an air mouse and customise Firefox or whatever your favourite browser is (fullscreen view, large text size, mouse gestures turned on) I think you could surf from a couch pretty comfortably.
posted by fearthehat at 7:56 PM on June 16, 2009

If you are primarily interested in using the Wiimote as a TVPC navigational device then check out the LINK set top interface, which allows you to use the 'mote (with a little Linux-fu) to control a disc-less Ubuntu setup. The problem is not in a lack of a specific browser for the Wiimote, but in configuring a bluetooth interface to accept commands from it. Instructions for installation on systems other than LINK hardware (for which the settings are optimized, but good results are reported with other bluetooth enabled systems,) are here.

But the fearthehat has an excellent point about the Air Mouse.
posted by EnsignLunchmeat at 8:41 PM on June 16, 2009

No browser/UI specifically, but the Gyration Air mouse works wonderfully as a Wiimote replacement for the PC. Emulating the middle mouse button should be a direct replacement to the drag scrolling on the Wii.
posted by wongcorgi at 11:24 PM on June 16, 2009