XBMC 10.0 features new Add-ons system

The XBMC project developers have released version 10.0 of their open source media player, code named "Dharma". The latest version of the cross-platform media player software and entertainment system application framework can be controlled via an iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPod Touch, as well as and Android smartphone.

Like the first beta release from August, the final version includes an Add-on system which allows users to extend the media centre. Administration has been simplified by means of an add-on browser with a GUI and a search function. The announcement cites add-ons for listening to online radio programmes and podcasts, for watching YouTube videos or for connecting a webcam. However, currently the web site shows a placeholder for a forthcoming live browser. The add-on browser can also be used to add skins and at the moment just under a dozen skins are listed on the download page.

The open source XBMC Media Center 10 provides playback for photos, videos and audio files
Source: xbmc.org Dharma extends the list of supported formats to include unencrypted Blu-ray discs without menus and subtitles embedded in MKV containers (for example). A complete list of changes can be found in the change log. Users can manage their own audio and video libraries via a MySQL database. XBMC displays graphical animations during audio playback.

More details about the release can be found in the official release announcement. XBMC 10.0 is available to download for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Apple TV, as well as a bootable live version is available that can also be used to install the system if required. XBMC source code is hosted on SourceForge and is licensed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL).

See also:

• XBMC 10.0 Beta 2 released, a report from The H.
• XBMC drops support for XBOX, a report from The H.

(crve)