XBMC 11 Eden: Screenshot Tour - iOS Support, AirPlay & Custom OS
Introducing XBMC 11 Eden: A Comprehensive Update
A new version of XBMC, the extensively used, cost-free, and powerful open-source media center application, has been released.
XBMC 11 Eden introduces a wealth of new functionalities and enhancements, and is now offered as a dedicated operating system focused entirely on the XBMC environment.
Key Improvements and New Features
As dedicated enthusiasts of XBMC, we are excited to highlight the significant advancements found in the latest XBMC 11 Eden release.
Users currently running XBMC 10 will discover numerous improvements with this update.
For those unfamiliar with XBMC, this version delivers a media center experience unlike any other.
- Enhanced User Interface: The visual design has been refined for improved navigation and aesthetics.
- Improved Performance: Significant optimizations have been implemented to boost overall system responsiveness.
- Dedicated OS Option: XBMC is now available as a standalone operating system.
This release represents a substantial step forward in the evolution of XBMC, solidifying its position as a leading open-source media center solution.
The changes in XBMC 11 Eden are designed to provide a more streamlined and enjoyable experience for all users.
The Confluence Skin Receives a Significant Usability Upgrade
For a considerable period, Confluence has served as the standard skin for XBMC. By the time XBMC 10.0 was released, it was already considered a well-refined interface. However, with the introduction of enhanced add-on integration in a subsequent major XBMC release, it became clear that navigating to add-ons via Confluence was cumbersome and lacked intuitiveness.
The Confluence version included with XBMC 11 offers seamless add-on integration. A key change involved the reorganization of menu bars, shifting from a vertical to a horizontal arrangement. The design team effectively utilized the space both above and below this central menu bar to present information.
Add-ons can now be conveniently placed directly within the front page categories for quick access. For instance, if you frequently watch YouTube videos through your XBMC media center, a dedicated shortcut can be positioned directly beneath the Videos section, as illustrated in the accompanying screenshot.
Customization of which add-ons appear under specific sub-menus is achieved by navigating to System –> Settings –> Skin –> Add-on Shortcuts. Slots are available for Videos, Music, Programs, Pictures, and even add-ons related to on-screen lyrics and subtitles. Locating and accessing your preferred add-ons has never been simpler.
Beyond add-on placement, the area above the menu bar is now utilized to display pertinent information. This includes thumbnails and screenshots of shows and movies, which were previously hidden within the “recently added” link in the older Confluence menu. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with multiple XBMC users.
It provides a readily accessible solution to the question of “What’s new on the media center?” Upon login, users are immediately presented with the latest movies and television shows. The recently added TV Shows/Movies info panel can be disabled by going to System –> Settings –> Skin –> Home Windows Options.
Further details regarding the changes implemented in the Eden release of Confluence can be found here.
Enhanced Add-on Functionality for a Superior Experience
Beyond the improvements to the main screen’s integration, the support for add-ons has been significantly enhanced. Previously, utilizing add-ons within XBMC presented considerable difficulties.
Installation could be problematic, and updates frequently caused malfunctions. Maintaining these add-ons demanded substantial effort from the user.
Centralized Management and Version Control
The previous major XBMC release addressed many of these issues through the implementation of centralized add-on management.
XBMC Eden builds upon this foundation by introducing a crucial feature: version rollback.
Should an updated add-on create instability or conflicts, users can easily revert to a previously stable version directly from the Add-ons menu.
This streamlined add-on management system represents a long-awaited advancement for those who have been using XBMC since its early stages.
The ability to quickly restore a functional version provides a level of control and convenience that was previously unavailable.
AirPlay Streaming Now Available in XBMC
Direct AirPlay streaming to XBMC is now functional, eliminating the need for add-on modifications or complex third-party applications.
XBMC, across all operating system versions, will be recognized as a legitimate destination for video output.
Devices running macOS, Linux, and iOS are also capable of audio streaming via AirPlay.
AirPlay Support Details
The libraries essential for AirPlay-based music streaming have been successfully integrated, but currently, Windows support for this feature is still pending.
Further information regarding AirPlay functionality within XBMC can be found through the following resource.
XBMC users can now enjoy a streamlined experience when utilizing AirPlay for both video and audio content.
XBMC Live Is XBMCbuntu
Initially known as XBMC Live, the project has undergone a rebranding and is now officially called XBMCbuntu. This change reflects a closer integration with the Ubuntu operating system.
Origins and Evolution
The foundation of XBMCbuntu lies in the earlier XBMC Live distribution. It was designed to provide a straightforward method for running XBMC, now known as Kodi, on a variety of hardware.
The transition to XBMCbuntu signifies a shift towards leveraging the stability and extensive software repository of Ubuntu. This allows for a more robust and feature-rich media center experience.
Key Features and Benefits
- Ease of Use: XBMCbuntu aims to be user-friendly, offering a pre-configured environment optimized for media playback.
- Ubuntu Foundation: Built upon Ubuntu, it benefits from regular security updates and a large community support base.
- Kodi Integration: Provides seamless integration with Kodi, a popular open-source home theater software.
- Customization: Users can customize the system to their preferences, installing additional software as needed.
Hardware Compatibility
XBMCbuntu is compatible with a wide range of hardware, including PCs, laptops, and single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. This broad compatibility makes it accessible to many users.
Optimal performance is achieved with hardware that meets the recommended system requirements, ensuring smooth playback of high-definition media.
Installation Process
Installing XBMCbuntu is typically done by downloading the ISO image and creating a bootable USB drive. The installation process is similar to that of standard Ubuntu.
Detailed instructions and support are available on the official XBMCbuntu website, guiding users through each step of the installation.
Future Development
The development of XBMCbuntu continues, with ongoing efforts to improve performance, add new features, and enhance the user experience. Regular updates are released to address bugs and security vulnerabilities.
The project remains committed to providing a stable and reliable media center solution for enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Previously, installing XBMC Live on nettop devices provided a satisfactory experience. However, exiting XBMC would lead users to a Linux command line interface, lacking a graphical user interface (GUI).
With this new release, the XBMC team has discontinued XBMC Live in favor of XBMCbuntu. Now, a standalone installation of XBMC – as opposed to a standard application within Windows or another operating system – incorporates a tailored version of Ubuntu Linux.
This customized Linux distribution is based on LXDE and includes a GUI, a web browser, and a file manager. Users can remain entirely within the XBMC environment if desired.
Enhanced Functionality
For those wishing to utilize their media center for general web browsing, a copy of Chromium is included, alongside an updatable Flash installation.
Furthermore, when advanced configuration outside of XBMC is necessary, a conventional desktop environment is readily available. This allows for simultaneous access to the XBMC wiki via a web browser while working at the command prompt.
Having a full desktop environment streamlines the process of advanced customization and troubleshooting.
Detailed Changes
Beyond these significant improvements, numerous smaller enhancements have been implemented at the operating system and hardware level.
A comprehensive change log detailing all modifications can be found here for further review.