5 Things To Do After Installing Boxee
The Buzz Around Boxee Box: A Potential Disruptor
The anticipated release of the Boxee Box is generating significant excitement within the technology sector. The question remains whether this new company, leveraging the benefits of open source technology, can effectively challenge the established players – Google and Apple – in the competitive television market.
A strong case can be made for Boxee’s potential success, largely due to the extensive functionality it offers to users.
Exploring Boxee Beyond the Hardware
Skepticism is understandable, but direct experience is the best judge. Interestingly, purchasing the Boxee Box isn't a prerequisite for experiencing its capabilities; the service can be installed on computers running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
This allows users to connect their computers to televisions, or simply utilize Boxee directly on their desktop.
More Than Just Streaming: Boxee's Versatility
It’s common to perceive Boxee as solely a platform for accessing streaming services like Hulu on a larger screen. However, its capabilities extend far beyond this single function.
Boxee is capable of consolidating video content from various social media platforms, organizing and playing podcasts, and even functioning as a launchpad for your preferred computer games.
Optimizing Your Boxee Experience: Five Essential Tips
Among the many applications available, Boxee stands out as a premier media center solution. To fully unlock the application’s potential, proper configuration is crucial.
Below are five recommendations to help you get started and maximize your enjoyment of Boxee.
- Consider utilizing custom backgrounds to personalize your interface.
- Explore the wide range of available apps to expand functionality.
- Regularly update the software to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
- Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation.
- Take advantage of the social features to share content with friends.
With careful setup and exploration, Boxee can transform your television into a powerful and versatile entertainment hub.
Connecting Social Media to Boxee
A remarkable feature of Boxee is its ability to collect videos shared by your connections on social media platforms. To begin, navigate to Boxee.tv and log in to your account.
From there, select the Services option, which will allow you to grant Boxee permission to connect with your preferred social networks.
Authorizing access to these services ensures seamless integration within the Boxee environment. Consequently, you’ll be able to view videos shared by your friends directly on your television.
This could include personal updates, such as videos of a new family member, or interesting content like a viral video shared by a contact from overseas. (Thanks to Nancy for the tip!) The benefit is enjoying this content conveniently on your couch, rather than being tied to your workplace computer.
This functionality provides a beneficial separation between work and leisure. It allows for dedicated viewing of online videos within the home environment.
Having rapid access to these videos from your living room enhances the overall viewing experience.
RSS Feeds
When you are logged in to Boxee, consider incorporating some RSS feeds to enhance your experience.
Selecting the Feeds button allows for the swift addition of your preferred podcasts.
Virtually any RSS feed is compatible, encouraging experimentation.
This method provides access to content from shows lacking dedicated Boxee applications, such as Homestar Runner, though updates are infrequent.
It also serves as a convenient way to receive regular updates from sources like The Bugle, for which a dedicated Boxee app would be beneficial.
Accessing Your Feeds
Once added, your feeds will be accessible within the RSS application.
Should the RSS app not be pre-installed, it can be located through the Apps section and the App Library.
A simple search for "RSS" will quickly reveal the application.
This allows you to stay informed with the content you enjoy directly through the Boxee interface.
Discover Available Applications
As you navigate the App Library, dedicated exploration is strongly encouraged. A diverse selection of applications awaits, including tools for monitoring weather conditions.
Furthermore, entertainment options are plentiful, with apps providing access to Funny Or Die videos and channels featuring popular web series.
Expanding Your Viewing Options
Notably, the Justin.TV application allows users to stream sporting events that may not be available through local broadcasts in their region.
A thorough review of the app library is likely to reveal numerous applications tailored to individual preferences and interests. Explore and find something new!
- Weather apps provide up-to-date forecasts.
- Funny Or Die offers comedic video content.
- Justin.TV enables access to international sports broadcasts.
The breadth of available apps ensures a personalized experience for every user. Don't hesitate to browse and discover the possibilities.
Expanding Your App Selection with a Master Repository
If the built-in App Library doesn't quite meet your needs, consider incorporating FuzzTheD's master repository. This provides swift access to a wider range of applications not currently available through the standard library.
The process is straightforward. Navigate to the Apps section within Boxee, then activate the left-hand panel.
Adding the Repository
At the bottom of this panel, you will locate a specific button.
Selecting this button will reveal an option to add a new repository. Enter dir.fuzzthed.com to gain access to an expanded selection of apps.
This alternative collection offers apps that may eventually be integrated into the official library. It allows users to explore the latest additions and features.
Feel free to share any interesting discoveries you make within this repository in the comments section below. We'd love to hear about your experiences!
Configuring Games and ROMs
Alongside exploring the repository, consider installing the Launcher application. This transforms Boxee into a comprehensive platform for launching both ROMs and games.
Integrating this functionality significantly enhances the user experience, particularly for those who enjoy classic or retro gaming.
Optimizing with Mednaen
The Launcher app demonstrates excellent compatibility with Multi-emulator Mednaen. This synergy provides a streamlined and efficient method for accessing your game library.
Utilizing Mednaen alongside the Launcher app completes the setup, effectively converting your television into a dedicated retro gaming hub.
This combination offers a convenient and enjoyable way to revisit beloved games.
Further Enhancements for Boxee
Are there additional essential modifications or improvements for Boxee that haven't been discussed? Your suggestions are highly valued and can be shared in the comments section below.
Contributing your ideas could potentially lead to recognition in a future article published on MakeUseOf.
Seeking Community Input
We are actively soliciting feedback from the user community regarding potential enhancements to the Boxee experience.
- Share your thoughts and suggestions.
- Valuable contributions may be highlighted in upcoming MakeUseOf content.
The development team is keen to understand what features and adjustments would most benefit Boxee users.
Don't hesitate to submit your ideas – your input is crucial for shaping the future of this platform.
Boxee’s continued improvement relies on the active participation of its user base.
