Planetweb Internet Browser V3.0 For Dreamcast

Released: September 30, 2001
Platform: Dreamcast
Publisher: Planet Web
Developer: Planet Web
Genre: Utility

That's a long name for a piece of software. No, it's not a game, but Planetweb was important in the history of online gaming. They created the first web browser for a console (Sega Saturn NetLink), which was considered a miracle at the time. It was good too. I grew up on the NetLink.

When Dreamcast launched, the browser they produced was a quick slightly enhanced port of the NetLink 4.0 browser. Planetweb didn't expect Sega of America to contract them with Sega of Japan having already contracted a different browser. The product wasn't stellar and was widely panned. It was so slow at 56k that I stuck to my 28.8 kbps NetLink modem. I think the 3.0 makes up for it. It's probably the best product that could've been squeezed into a Dreamcast in 2001.

I'm also feeling lazy today. The following is a (slightly edited) review that I wrote in 2001 for Dricas World Networks. Accompanying it is an interview I conducted with Planetweb founder and CEO, Ken Soohoo.

Ken who, by the way, began his career programming for Atari 2600 as a teenager and moved on to Digital Pictures before getting involved with "Planet Web" (as it was called when it was founded).

On September 30, 2001 something happened. After a five year history of developing web browsers for Sega consoles, Planetweb has shipped what will most likely be the last browser they ever develop, the Dreamcast Internet Browser v3.0.

The new browser ships in a purple and black cardboard case. Unfolded, the manual tucks into the sleeve on the right, while on the left is the solid blue disc with the Planetweb logo printed onto it. Once loaded up, the user is presented with sever options; E-mail, Search, Connect, Chat, Games, and the option to create a new ISP account with Earthlink. Once connected the browser forwards to the Dreamcast homepage.

The fundamentals of the 3.0 Browser have not changed a lot since Planetweb's previous effort. In fact, they've really not changed much at all since their first product for the Sega Saturn NetLink. The Command Compass is still the heart of the browser. The IRC client, Email client, and video and audio support are all remain largely unchanged, but what makes this new browser better, faster, and smarter than anything we've come to know from this company is its new list of features.

For the first time, Dreamcast owners who have the Broadband Adaptor can connect to the Internet and surf at broadband speeds. Users can now use the mouse in combination with the keyboard for a more PC-like online experience. Flash 3.0 from the last browser has now become Flash 4.0, making the Dreamcast that much more compatible with the modern Internet, though large Flash 4.0 movies can cause the new browser to lock up, forcing a reset.

Sure, these features are nice, but they are nothing to write home about, and for most people are not enough to warrant the $19.95 upgrade alone, which is why the list of new upgrades doesn't stop here.

In order to add more fun to the Dreamcast-based Internet, Planetweb squeezed Sun Certified pJava into the mix, which must be turned on in the Optional Settings. Planetweb's pJava allows the World Wide Web to come to life. The thousands of Java applets that were not previously accessible on Dreamcast now are, including countless single and multiplayer Java based games.

Planetweb already has several of them linked to their Dreamcast homepage for convince. Incase IRC just isn't your thing, pJava also grants users access to the wide, wide world of Java chat. Thousands of users participate in Java chat every day at places like Yahoo! and Talk City. Most sites like these allow membership free of charge.

The other big new feature is the Planetweb Messenger. Finally we have an instant messenger service for Dreamcast. All one has to do is activate this feature in the Option Setting and then click the IM icon in the upper right of the screen. It's as simple as that.

Currently the Planetweb messenger is only Dreamcast to Dreamcast, but according to Planetweb, it will soon be compatible with a third party messenger service. Unfortunately the IM service was down at the time of this writing, so a full review of it will have to come at a later time. Don't think that this new feature doesn't come at a price, though, DreamCall has been excluded from the 3.0 in order to cut costs. (Remember DreamCall? It was a VoIP service that allowed Dreamcast owners to place Internet calls with each other. Link)

With the addition of mouse support, the 3.0 Internet Browser has far better control than any before it. The mouse however, is optional. If you've grown accustomed to using the controller, or don't have a mouse, the Dreamcast controller is still an excellent tool to surf the net with. As far as I can tell, all of the browser controls are exactly the same as the 2.0 and 2.6, which I think is a good thing. The trademark bells, beeps, and whistles also remain intact, as well as the browser graphics themselves.

For those who use their Dreamcast as their primary source for the Internet, and plan to continue to do so, the upgrade to the 3.0 Browser is well worth the money, as this new browser brings to the Dreamcast pJava, instant messaging, Flash 4.0, and all of the things that make recreation on the internet enjoyable. Just don't expect the Dreamcast exactly like a PC. It will never happen.