Kodi (formerly XBMC) has attracted an undeservedly bad rap outside media streaming circles, garnering a piracy-associated reputation that isn't quite merited — at least, in my opinion. Whatever you might believe, it looks like Sony might be taking a critical view of the project, too, as reports indicate that at least some of the company's recent Android TVs are actively blocking the app.
Read MoreLong-awaited Kodi 18 release delivers Android Leanback suggestions, support for retro gaming emulators, and much more [APK Download]
Users of open-source media player Kodi (formerly XMBC) have been waiting for release 18 (codenamed "Leia") for almost two years. Now, after what the project itself describes as a "long gestation," Kodi 18 is available for all supported platforms. It has a massive list of changes, including Android Leanback suggestions, and support for retro gaming emulators.
Read MoreWhoops: Sony blocking Kodi on its Android TVs was an accident
Around half a week ago we reported that Sony appeared to be blocking the installation of Kodi — the occasionally maligned media-streaming platform — on some of its recent Android TVs. While there is an effective block in place, we're told by Sony that it was an accident, and the next software update for affected platforms will deliver a fix.
Read More[Continuously Updated] 2018 April Fools' Roundup: All the jokes from around the web
April Fools' day is almost upon us, but each year at least a few companies are unable to restrain themselves, pushing out their pranks early as the remainder dribble out over the day itself. Google's various divisions do some decent work each year—last year's Google Gnome was itpretty good, and the Maps team's 2014 Pokemon prank was memorable. OnePlus even has a history of pulling off a decent prank. But, there are a ton of individual companies and gags to follow.
It can be tough keeping track, so let us handle the work while you enjoy the jokes.
Read MoreMajor security vulnerability found in VLC, Kodi, and other media players, Kodi for Android already patched
What's worse than a security vulnerability in a widely-used program? A security vulnerability in several widely-used programs. Researchers from Check Point Software Technologies have uncovered a flaw in a handful of media players (including VLC, Kodi, Stremio, and PopcornTime) that allows hackers to run executable code through subtitle files.
Read MoreKodi 18 will support Leanback suggestions and Google voice search on Android TV
Kodi, formerly known as XBMC, is an open-source media player that is available on a variety of platforms - including Android. If you use Kodi on your Android TV, you'll be happy to know that the next major release will support Leanback suggestions and voice search.
Read MoreKodi 17 'Krypton' now available, with a new default skin and many under-the-hood changes [APK Download]
Kodi, perhaps better known by its former name XBMC, is one of the most popular media centers around. It's open source, cross-platform, and is endlessly extendable - what's not to love? Now Kodi 17, codenamed 'Krypton,' is live on the Play Store with thousands of new features and bug fixes.
Read MoreKodi version 17 beta with new Estuary and Estouchy themes is now ready for download
Kodi version 17 is bringing a new look to the app that turns your Android device into a media center. Some of you may still recall the open source project by its old name, XBMC. Either way, the upcoming release has reached beta status. That makes now a good time to dive in if you can't wait to get what's coming next.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Developer Of Kodi's Android App Has Quit, Will Work On His Own Fork Instead
Kodi is a popular name in media streaming circles, not least because it can run on pretty much anything. Last year, an Android app was released, which has gone to achieve over five million downloads. However, that's where it may stay, at least for the time being. In the last few days, the sole developer of the app, Chris Browet, a.k.a. Koying, has quit working on Kodi and resumed development on his forked version, Semper Media Center, or SPMC for short.
The reason he quit isn't entirely clear, but it seems to have resulted from creative and philosophical coding differences with the main Kodi developers.
Read MoreKodi Media Center Is Getting A New Look In Version 17, Available Now In Nightly Builds
Looking to turn your Android device into a media center? If you plan on streaming everything over the Internet, there's Plex. If not, there's Kodi, the open source project formerly known as XBMC.
Kodi has looked the same since before its name change, sporting a theme it's had back when Android only dreamed of making its way into millions of households. There were other looks to pick from, but it's the default that sticks in our heads as the Kodi experience. And it's the default that the development team plans to change.
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