Overheard In Providence » shopping http://www.overheardinprovidence.com A blog by EERac Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:19:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The most fun I’ve ever had entering my credit card number http://www.overheardinprovidence.com/2007/12/12/the-most-fun-ive-ever-had-entering-my-credit-card-number/ http://www.overheardinprovidence.com/2007/12/12/the-most-fun-ive-ever-had-entering-my-credit-card-number/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:33:53 +0000 eerac http://www.overheardinprovidence.com/2007/12/12/the-most-fun-ive-ever-had-entering-my-credit-card-number/ The Nintendo Wii is the first toy I’ve ever owned that enables me to spend money on it using only the toy itself. I’m referring of course to the Wii Store, one of the many “channels” you can access when you turn on your Wii. I used the store for the first time a few days ago to download the web browsing channel, but you can also use the store to buy mini games and I think Wii accessories. The best part is that all of your purchasing is done using the point and click Wiimote interface, so you have a hell of a good time entering your credit card number and billing address. Plus, once you make your purchase, the download progress is represented by Mario gathering coins, such a delightful sprite!

I’m not sure if the Wii stored my credit card number, but it probably should have, since Wii Sports would be a lot more exciting if I could place large cash wagers on the games. For even greater excitement, the Wii could randomly start doing betting on my behalf. Along these lines, a webcam attachment might also open up interesting possibilities. Using camera-based motion tracking (my officemate can help with this), the Wii could demand that the winner of a match punch the loser in the stomach, lest both parties be fined. It’s totally the future of fun.

Update: As long as I’m on the topic of toys and credit cards, here’s a post from consumerist.com discussing the plastic-swiping good time known as Barbie Fashion Fever Shopping Boutique Playset.

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