The XBMC Media Center is basically a free and open source platform media player and home entertainment system software that allows its users to easily manage videos, photos, podcasts, and music from a computer , optical disc, local network and the internet using a remote control. It has begun its life basically on the Xbox and has managed to grow into a multi-platform solution. And the good news is this XBMC Media Center is coming to the new Apple TV, iPad as well as the iPhone 4.
Just recently XBMC has released a new version of their software that is compatible with various Apple devices particularly the iPad, iPhone 4 and its new Apple TV. However, this software is not available through the Apple App store since it seems to directly compete with the other Apple applications and products and that is why it requires a jailbroken Apple TV or iOS device in order to be installed.
The XBMC software for your iOS devices is basically a full-blown XBMC and not just a remote application. All you have to do is install the software on your jailbroken iOS device, launch XBMC just like any other application and simply drag and drop media from your computer or even share it with your own home-network. As mentioned, besides the iPad this software also works with the iPhone 4. However, some say that it is quite frustrating to use at the moment.
Check out Engadget’s exclusive hands-on video for XBMC on Apple TV:
Jailbreaking has been known to be a way of loading third party applications to Apple devices such as the iPad and iPhone 4, but this procedure has not been common for the new Apple TV. But due to the certain similarities that the iOS firmware on the new Apple TV has, it is expected that this unauthorized software would also be available for the said device as well. At present, Apple does not offer any authorized way to install any apps on the new Apple TV, but XBMC promises that they can bring the XBMC software to the said device.
With XBMC on these devices, it will surely turn into a more interesting and exciting device as far as entertainment is concerned. The hackers and its developers must be really happy about this. If you are an Apple iDevice owner, would you be interested in jailbreaking your phone and have this software installed in your device?
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Tags: XBMC on Apple TV, XBMC on Apple TV features, XBMC on Apple TV video hands-on, XBMC on ipad, XBMC on jailbroken ios devices
I have been using XBMC on my TV for quite a while and have been quite impressed with each plug-in and update added. I have recently uninstalled the program for something better though. I am a DISH Network subscriber/employee, and I had the chance to try out the Logitech Revue before I purchased. It works seamlessly to sort all my DVR recording, live TV, and internet content into one easy to use UI. There is even talk about Android apps being accessible on my TV now!