View Full Version : Web Browser built-into XBMC?
PolishKid
2003-10-02, 04:12
i would love to see support for webpages. i know this would be hard, but to make it easier, the xbmc team could take an open source browser and incorporate that.
Hullebulle
2003-10-02, 04:13
i doubt someone will add a full webbrowser to xbmp/xbmc. i think it would be better to make a seperate app for it.
Bhellium
2003-10-03, 18:44
i agree with hullebulle. a full feature browser isnt likely to be built into xbmc, i personly dont think it would be practical. you have to remember you dont have a keyboard.
hmmm but maybe if you could from your pc/mac add your favorites via a web interface.
but i do have some ideas, not requiring a full featured browser:
isnt possible to get info on updates to xbmc.
like "updated version of xbmc is now available"
ability to get newsfeeds?
and might be far out, and probably not needed at all but
im brainstorming here :)
some sort of "plugin-system" that allows the browsing of pictures showing in your local cinema? and the plugins are to be built by the people needing it?
/bhellium
webbrowser will never b added 2 xbmc
simply because xbmc is a media center
and not an 'all i can think off is in here' application
so yes a webbrowser for the xbox would b nice
but as a separate application
and no it wont b developed/ported by me
sorry
frodo
windragz
2003-10-08, 09:32
so yes a webbrowser for the xbox would b nice
but as a separate application
and no it wont b developed/ported by me
sorry
frodo
let's do in this way, frodo.
you implement the (soap) webservice support and the community will do the second part. newsfeeds, web pages... and bla bla...
media center, means media from any source.
that's my .0v
hi xbmc-team, i would love to see an build in browser in the xbox media center. so you could browse the internet by the tv and listen to some music. it would also be great if the could be an alternativ between controlling the browser by handcontroller or by keyboard. *:)
silentyl
2004-03-08, 11:04
hiya all
just recently, linksbok's, an internet web browser, was just ported to xbox...
at the moment the linksboks web browser only supports pics, text and some simple code...but works very well at what it can do
though it cant support webmail, ssl or other complex tasks
in time, would it hold a place in xbmc?
just a question to chew over...
hi silentyl
do you have a link to a site containing information about this project ?
xbmc is a media player, not a web browser.
omg.... if it's an xbox app whats the problem, just launch it from within xbmc...
bobrooney_78
2004-03-08, 16:38
in time, would it hold a place in xbmc?
i like the idea.
a special xboxmedia-website (designed for the xbox-webbrowser) where i can stream (.strm-files) or downloading (.torrent ;) ) videos like movie-trailers or xbmc-skins...
anyway it`s not so important.
linksboks is amazing as stand-alone, too.
stickysnake
2004-03-08, 22:36
xbmc is a media player, not a web browser
thought it was a media center. you could argue that web content is media as well. usb keyboard support and a port of an open-source web browser such as mozilla would be a welcome addition to xbmc to me.
to tell you the truth, i'd be happier than a pig in poo if xbmc were the only program i ever had to look at on my xbox. all it lacks, as far as i'm concerned, is a few options like a web browser, games menu, and a few other bells and whistles and it could be a complete dashboard replacement. would sure beat the crap out of the sloppy interfaces that you find in a lot of other dashboards, file managers, etc.
if not adding these features to xbmc, it would be nice to see a consortium of homebrew xbox developers come together to integrate all of the great features of the many programs out there into one seamless, complete, total desktop solution that didn't require the use of linux.
but hey, i just use the stuff, i don't develop it.
xbmc is a media player, not a web browser
thought it was a media center. you could argue that web content is media as well. usb keyboard support and a port of an open-source web browser such as mozilla would be a welcome addition to xbmc to me.
to tell you the truth, i'd be happier than a pig in poo if xbmc were the only program i ever had to look at on my xbox. all it lacks, as far as i'm concerned, is a few options like a web browser, games menu, and a few other bells and whistles and it could be a complete dashboard replacement. would sure beat the crap out of the sloppy interfaces that you find in a lot of other dashboards, file managers, etc.
if not adding these features to xbmc, it would be nice to see a consortium of homebrew xbox developers come together to integrate all of the great features of the many programs out there into one seamless, complete, total desktop solution that didn't require the use of linux.
but hey, i just use the stuff, i don't develop it.
what do you mean a game menu?
you can setup your bookmark to point to your games directory and then check off flatten/show only default.xbe in settings->programs.
your bookmark in the <myprograms> section would point to like f:\games.
ts
LiGhTfasT
2004-03-09, 00:24
i love to to see this in xbmc, its a great browser
only problem is that its so quiet while browsing it needs music in the background... would be total ownage to be able to be browse the net and let stuff download while you watch your media... hell it would be to good if a bittorrent client was ported as well...
could browse to a few torrent sites click the torrent, start it downloading then go watch your media... after that watch the film or whatever you just downloaded
bobrooney_78
2004-03-09, 13:39
a bittorrent client is already ported
look here:
http://www.xboxmediaplayer.de/cgi-bin....;st=120 (http://www.xboxmediaplayer.de/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.pl?act=st;f=5;t=117;st=120)
lack of memory is the main issue with a web browser. the more stuff we put in xbmc, the less memory available for actually displaying media. i don't see what the big hassle with starting a separate app for browsing is - you're not going to be able to do anything else at the same time in any event.
bobrooney_78
2004-03-09, 16:51
you are right.
xbmc as dash and the browser as app and if i want stream something, the browser could make a .strm-file and exit to xbmc, which play the file immediately.
i don`t know if it is possible but it would be cool.
Bhellium
2004-03-11, 13:51
linksbok (http://ysbox.online.fr/)
so you know
i love to to see this in xbmc, its a great browser
only problem is that its so quiet while browsing it needs music in the background... would be total ownage to be able to be browse the net and let stuff download while you watch your media... hell it would be to good if a bittorrent client was ported as well...
could browse to a few torrent sites click the torrent, start it downloading then go watch your media... after that watch the film or whatever you just downloaded
if you want all that, use a pc. the xbox is likely to run out of memory just using the web browser, let alone a torrent and a video stream.
a special xboxmedia-website (designed for the xbox-webbrowser) where i can stream (.strm-files) or downloading (.torrent ;) ) videos like movie-trailers or xbmc-skins...
i really like that idea!!
those rss feads are quite nice but i still have to program the ui myself. a simple browser like links would do the trick.
i don't have a clue if there are other browsers (like firefox) could do the same while running as a thread?
silentyl
2004-03-18, 03:27
hmm..seems every1 is in agreement that it would drain resources too much..if this is the case....
maybe since xbmc can be a dash ..we could have a link "my browser" to launch linkbok's browser (or another 1 if/when it comes along) in the main menu between "my music" and "my files" ?
then make a tag appropriately in the .xml ?
okay. everyone agrees that we are working with limited memory here. also everyone agrees that xbmc. although wonderful, can't possibly include everything. it will never do your laundry, clean your apartment, or feed your cat. it will probably never have a full web browser either because that is a large project in itself.
however what it can do is become more customizeable via the xml file so that maybe along with/instead of music, videos, picutres, files we could add surf the web (which would be a bookmark to an app such as linksboks) or play super nintendo (which would like to xsnes9x). extending the xml syntax would get closer to pleasing more people, or at least giving them the option to please themself.
--jaga
p.s. and by please themself, i mean configure the menu's exactly as they'd like to, not masturbate.
about that memory problem. can't it be loaded in the pragma section.. so it wouldn't be loaded by default and can be unloaded again?
and what about a extremly simple browser (only bmp, text and tables)... in that way pages can be created specially for xbmc which contain .strm and .pls files..
perhaps some news and skins ?!
what do you devs think?
dragonforce99
2004-03-19, 15:56
i would really like to see the possibility to add menu buttons on the startup page of xbmc myself, that way i can put whatever i want there, be it a link to linkboks or a folder or whatever.
this is would give everyone the freedom they would like, i don't want the browser within xbmc, just a nice way of launching it.
since python scripts are more and more developed ( someone is working on a pop3 email client it would be more than great to have it launch from the startup page instead of going through the submenus to start it.
as for the 'special' xbmc web sites, why doesn't someone just write a python script to connect and parse a special page. it's doable and it wouldn't use much memory. if that is done then the dev's are a bit more likely to add in a handler to let you launch a stream found via the python script/psuedo browser.
--jaga
would be great at the home menu select the rss scrolling control and when you click it, open a browser page with the web link associated to the corresponded news item you were are seeeing?
thanks
i won't go that far to use a full web browser to read further descriptions of the rss news headlines. what about just making the headlines "selectable". after selecting a news headline simply parse the <description>-tag to the screen...
okay, i understand the focus of "media player", but also the weather forecast was implemented ( :kickass: ). and an enhanced rss support would bring xbmc once again a bit closer to beeing a perfect living room application!
cheers,
arrowx
new to xbmc and was wondering if it had some kind of web browser built into it, or do i need something else or is it even possible to do with thw xbox?
thanks
Hullebulle
2004-07-06, 23:38
moving to the "feature suggestions".
there is a xbox webbrowser called lixbox.
where could i find some more info on this, i searched the forum and nothing. want 2 know if it is as app like xbmc do i have to install linux, do i need keyboard...etc.
thanks
kingroach
2004-07-07, 01:10
this is a xbmc forum that why there no info on linksbox. its besically a application that u can run from any dashboard like xbmc.
Squirrel1
2004-07-20, 01:39
linksbox works pretty well. it would be better if i had a keyboard.
i thought their was a program that got movie listings for you, sorta like weather?
i would like to see a decent a web browser, in xbmc. it could use the xbmc on-screen keyboard too. thanks
yes plss preciouss coders...that would be awsome
this has been discussed a lot. i dont think its going to happen, i do agree it would be nice though.
in the mean while there is linksbox. it even works with a external usb keyboard. very nice!
swampie51
2004-10-11, 01:46
:bowdown:
linksbochs with an add in to run the onscreen keyboard.
(similar to when searching for locations in the weather settings)
tia
keep up the good work
jmarshall
2004-10-11, 12:39
talk to the lincsbox people. it's nothing to do with xbmc. the linksbox webbrowser is a separate app which we have nothing to do with.
(and no, a webbrowser is not being incorporated into xbmc, so don't ask).
Gamester17
2004-10-11, 13:26
webbrowser, why?, xbmc is not an operating system :bomb:
a small point that might be valid... ignoring the reasoning that xbmc isnt a catch-all app (in some ppls opinion). the other main anti-web browser excuse seems to be lack of memory.
what about for example opera etc installed on cell phones. pocketie on pocket pcs etc etc. these have (in most cases) even less ram available for apps than the xbox, why cant something like that be implemented? i know they are designed for smaller screens, but if you had a browser that was designed for windows mobiles 2003 se, vga format, surely that would be perfect for a tv resolution web browser? (ignoring hdtv of course!). you're not going to get anything much beter than 640x480, an legible, on a tv screen anyway.
hi,
just fall on this thread, please let me set things straight: as an xbmc user, i don't feel the immediate need of a web browser inside it, and i respect the policy of the xbmc team to avoid including every app under the sun inside it.
i won't deny the fact that i was contacted by runtime some time ago, and he had this idea in mind; i'm not sure he was speaking on behalf of the entire team, or maybe he changed his mind since then, but anyway i made some experiments to embed linksboks into other applications (with xbmc as an *example*), and now i'm planning some long-needed code overhaul which will make that possible.
of course i think making linksboks run under xbmc could be a good programming challenge -and i might do it as a "personal" proof of concept one day if i find the time-, even if it proves to be technically possible and acceptable in terms of memory consumption, xbmc won't have a webbrowser until the xbmc team says so.
as a side note, we're talking about 2 open source apps, so anyone with the skill and interest to do the job can perfectly give it a try.
but i hope it's clear enough that bringing linksboks to xbmc is not in the works as far as i'm concerned for the time being. but should the team here become interested, i may be willing to help.
thanks for reading,
-ysbox (linksboks author)
i read no posts asking this and im sure its been said a million times but id like to see a web-browser built into a product like this also in the downloads section an .iso for imbeciles like myself.
simple question! can i surf on the web with xbmc?!
if yes, any web site that tells you how?
Gamester17
2004-12-14, 18:39
simple question! can i surf on the web with xbmc?!simple answer: no!, see faq (http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/info_faq.htm#number_one_faq)! xbmc is a audio/video player, (not an operating system). install linksboks (http://ysbox.online.fr) or xbox-linux (http://www.xbox-linux.org) if want a webbrowser.
i have been using xbmc in different cvs`s the last 6 months! this is realy great! :bowdown: ! but i miss one thing, it is possible that this already exists, but i haven`t manage to find it out. i would like to read regular web pages via xbmc. is this possible? then i mean all web pages, not only some sites that is in different streams or feeds via phyton scripts that i already have installed.
anyone that know if this is possible?
ktm
HarshReality
2005-01-18, 21:13
hmm..seems every1 is in agreement that it would drain resources too much..if this is the case....
maybe since xbmc can be a dash ..we could have a link "my browser" to launch linkbok's browser (or another 1 if/when it comes along) in the main menu between "my music" and "my files" ?
then make a tag appropriately in the .xml ?
kewl.... something for me to play with!!! now if i can just get some sort of savegame manipulation and this i think i will be content for @ 10 minutes at least lol
first, i'm not interested in browsing the internet from xbmc.
but i am interested in displaying intranet web pages (in my house). they are html & asp pages to be exact running on a homeseer web server. these are my home automation status and control pages.
would the same effort to create a full web browser need to be applied to have a basic display of a page that would allow submits to an asp web server (basically the pages have some buttons to turn lights on/off)?
i've seen web servers and browsers built into pic chips so i'd think if they were stripped down bare they would not take up that much system resources?
with so much going web based today (router config/status, home media players (mp3, tivo, etc), appliances, etc. i'd think many people would want the ability to use the pages from within xbmc as a central location to control your home.
just my $.02
@affini: sounds like you could do what you want with a python script.
i'm not sure if python will be able to display asp pages... anyone know?
i'm not sure if python will be able to display asp pages... anyone know?
correct me if i'm wrong, but no matter what kind of web server it is, the browser will just get html tags and content. so there has no question about if a browser support asp or php or jsp/servlet. if you are asking if python support javascript or some other client side script language, that will be the question.
i did some research and here's what i have found so far. if someone is a decent python dev person they may be able to adapt some existing stuff to work on xbmc.
python and html processing
http://www.boddie.org.uk/python/html.html
lots of python info on web pages
http://phaseit.net/claird/comp.lang.python/web_python.html
python browser what is fully html 2.0 and partially html 3.2
http://grail.sourceforge.net
creating a gnome web browser with python
http://patrick.wagstrom.net/tutorials/pygtkmozembed/pygtkmozembed.html
- this looks promising... seems to use the mozilla libraries.
browser written completely in python
http://mindx.josefspillner.de/uni/python/browser.html
- source and doc (in german) on site.
los93sol
2005-04-16, 21:16
first let me say i know the developers have not been fond of the idea of integrating a web browser into xbmc because "it is a media center, not an os," but check this out and think of how many times people requested this in the past before finally accepting that it wasn't going to happen. *i tried searching for some of the old threads on this but they were buried to deep for me. *the source for the new release can be found at:
http://ysbox.online.fr/
also, this was posted on x-s about the release which makes it seem like most of the work is already done:
"this release features a major architecture change, the browser itself is now packaged as a library (the "engine"); the actual app as you know it is simply the first and only "host" application of this library (exluding the "embedded sample" included in the source package)."
"some more work is needed, but this library can (i think) be integrated quite easily into "host" applications (in xbmc or dashboards for example)."
i guess we can only hope that somebody will have an interest in this and take a peek to see how much it would take to implement it. my idea to keep away from cluttering the homescreen with another button is to set it up like xlink so that a button will only appear for it if there is an internet connection present that way people without an internet connection will not be bothered with it. please please please somebody check this one out.
wow, this would be wonderful. i hope it is indeed possible.
RocafellaSqualie
2005-04-17, 00:23
i was just thinking about posting the info here until i seen the topic on the forums homepage. ;)
integrating the web browser into xbmc would definately be a cool feature now that linksboks has the ability. this would be a huge step into making xbox media center the best application/dashboard of all time! :o
-rocsqualie
it would be an instant ~5mb of bloat.
whats so hard with adding it as a shortcut to the dialogsubmenu and have it quickly available ?
los93sol
2005-04-17, 05:06
it's not hard, just that there are benefits to integrating it. it would be faster to get back to xbmc if it was integrated. the base functionality is already in linksboks, however it could stand to be extended, with the xbmc user-base this is almost certain to happen. also, the author seperated the engine from the host app for uses like this. why immediately shoot it down and say launch it, things like audioscrobbler support are also bloat, what about kai, more bloat! i am not trying to come off as sarcastic, but let's be serious here, many people would use it and many people would love it.
i guess the difference between launching and integrating the web browser, would functionally be the ability to browse the web while listening to music and the ability to click a streaming media link in a web page, and have it launched. visually, a unified interface/keyboard/controls would be nice. i know memory is limited, and i also know at least a few of the devs are 'anti-browser', but for me, it'd be neat.
@los93sol
there's bloat then there's bloat.
audioscrobbler is max a cpl of 100k (but i would guess less than 100) and is very much mediarelated
xlink kai is a remote control for their engine, with substantially higher bloatfactor, but not even close to what a webbrowser would be.
at the end, there's 2 things that really matters:
* do we, team xbmc members (thats not you guys) want this (still unknown)
* is it even possible to do and/or would it affect our media playback abilities negative etc
Hullebulle
2005-04-17, 07:39
i think we can summ it up to one thing only:
- is there somebody who gonna add it (thats the great thing about open source btw, you want a feature so add it and don't be pissed if somebody says that he won't) :p
los93sol
2005-04-18, 02:09
i sent an e-mail to the ysbox, the author of linksboks, today asking several questions that have been raised as issues with having a web browser built into xbmc as well as some general questions about what lead him to split to application into an engine and host application. hopefully he responds with his position on the subject, i will keep you all informed if anything develops.
i understand the concerns about bloat as raised by some developers here but there are some significant advantages to integrating the web browser into xbmc.
* better integration with imdb (and other sites - ie the ability to follow links about cast members of movies etc)
* no real need for custom python scripts to scrape sites like apple and gamespot etc (although some people may prefer that to browsing the site normaly)
* follow links from rss feeds to get more information
* check email through xbmc (web based email only)
* listen to music while browsing the web on the tv
* connect to local web servers to retrieve custom information otherwise inaccessible (eg web cams of your house, screen caps of your pc's desktop etc etc)
probably a lot more than i have thought of too. the list goes on. sure some of this stuff could be done with python but it's always good to have different options to get things done.
sure, 5mb of 'bloat' could be seen as a lot because as a percentage of the size at the moment it's quite large. but it's just the same as upgrading the default skin from pm1 to pm3 and adding a few visualisations or screensavers. i'm sure that given the choice most people would accept the extra bloat.
it may be interesting to see an xbmc skin provide a custon css and or use xbmc controls for the rendering...
however i do think 5mb is pretty huge bloat considering how tight things are currently. i dont think this should be implemented until xbmc gets a virtual memory manager.
bloated? it seems like i remember xbmc being a 4mb or so download...... i don't use any of the web lookup features or rss feeds due to not having the internet at home. although i do use some scripts just to show off xbmc to friends. i'm kind of wondering if those features are adding "bloat" even if they aren't being used.
i do have to agree on not adding it into xbmc. it is quite easy just to load it from xbmc anyways. and some of my movies aren't playing as well anymore i have a feeling from all of the added features. although, yes, it would be cool!
los93sol
2005-04-18, 07:58
for those who do not use scripts or the internet in any way because they consider it a bloat factor, this could be integrated so that you will only be able to access it if there is an internet connection present, similar to xlink. the web browser could launch from an icon exactly like xlink, that way people who don't use the internet features of xbmc are not bothered with it in any way shape or form. i do have to agree that a virtual memory manager would be a very good idea, but i believe it will still be alright without it still. a virtual memory manager is definately not far off from being necessary after a few more major features are added, but we still have room to grow without it unless of course you are running 1080i, then memory becomes a bit more of an issue. i am still awaiting a response from ysbox to see what he has to say about the issues presented.
hello,
i see that that some effort has been put into intergrating the linxbox browser into xbmc. i think this is really good but the linksboks browser is fairly limited (the lack of css support for instance). a better alternative would be to intergrate minimo (http://www.mozilla.org/projects/minimo/) into xbmc.
from minimos site:
the minimo (mini mozilla) project is focused on code-size and runtime footprint reduction, and porting to small consumer devices. we hope to make minimo the browser of choice on small devices, or machines with limited system resources; taking advantage of mozilla's support for a broad and comprehensive set of standards and the variety of content on the web, proven security, international support, and cross platform capability.
minimo runns on wince so i think it would be possible to port it to the xbox. i realize this would take some effort to do and unfortunatly i don't have the time to do it but it would be great to have a mozilla based browser for the xbox.
regards
/pucko
HarshReality
2005-05-06, 15:49
oh!! new toy... gonna have to look at this one!
be advised there is already a browser being worked into xbmc however. while a date or for that matter cvs release is questionable (would love to get actual use myself just to play with and bug hunt) it is projected in the future,
hi, i'm looking into building up an xbox with the xbmc os. i was wondering wether there was a web browser available for it or not. just curious.
thanks.
los93sol
2005-06-28, 23:08
not officially supported but yes, it's been regarded as the linksboks integration. *:nod:
HarshReality
2005-06-28, 23:36
i think he means usable now. to which the answer we currently have is no. however we have also been given the answer in the process of and slated for future release.
**didnt mean to sound like i am snapping los, just got to remember a question like that is loaded. if the common noob doesnt have a neon sign pointing them to it then it isnt there.
apparently the search function of the board was not working.
HarshReality
2005-06-29, 16:29
indeed, might have to update its cvs eh?
sup guys, i just wanted to mentioned that there is a web broswer written in python. i would like to see an bittorrent plugin that actually downloads the full applacation or media file to a predetermine directory. the browser is located there ->grail (http://grail.sourceforge.net/) . :idea:
while i personaly would luv to see web browsing on xbmc. mainly for more detailed news than available through rss.
but while it would be nice to have websites like the bbc parsed in their full glory i cant help but be worried that by giving the avarage layman user access to the web that we wil open up a bad can of worms. allowing a open door to spyware/viruses/hackers etc.
i think it would be useful to integrate the web browser in a controlled manner to allow for example rss feeds to be displayed properly. and for scripts to be able utilise the built in web engine.
but removing access for the end user to specifically brows to a url.
hi all,
is there a general web browser available for xmbc? i'd like to use it to just surf the web but i can't seem to find anything that available.
thanks!
hi!
where could i get a simple internet browser for xbmc? it would be cool to have it. has anybody tried to program something xml-based browser?
-tommi
HarshReality
2005-09-16, 05:37
look at links, its here and being adapted for the cvs... since your doing your own compile (prebuild downloads.... bad) just do a search here, get their cvs and work it into xbmc and compile again. might take a note on the notes and direction they have for it, but hold in mind it works... but its still in dev.
night_crawler
2006-02-12, 18:38
i think that it would be a great idea to put in a web browser in to xbmc if there is any one out there who thinks this is a good idea please say so and hey firefox is open source couldent you build off that
diagdave@msn.com
2006-02-12, 19:09
search::
http://www.xboxmediaplayer.de/cgi-bin....t=12315 (http://www.xboxmediaplayer.de/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.pl?act=st;f=5;t=12315)
does anyone know when xbmc will have a integrated web browser. i would really like to know because i just use links box but it is only for surfing. has there been any announcements about it? can someone plz tell me?
thanks,
edj
Loto_Bak
2006-03-27, 05:49
according to the team linksbox should be intigrated post v2.0 (which should be released soon)
diagdave@msn.com
2006-03-28, 15:22
i doubt it will be intergrated at all(in too offical cvs)
incognegro
2006-03-28, 17:00
why is that?
the team said it would be iuntegrated in an interview here
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=6689
so I wouldn't really doubt it
theboxway
2007-01-10, 04:35
I compiled a working xbmc with linksboks but linksboks is to simple and ugly looking. I was thinking that maybe somebody could code a more complex browser into xbmc, something like firefox. I want a browser that is able to play videos from youtube..... to handle flash files, java script. In other words a full browser.
theboxway
2007-01-10, 04:52
When do you think a release of XBMC will include a web browser capable of watching videos (youtube, ect.) and checking email. I know many people said that this cant be done but linksboks was integrated. I compiled and links works but its a simple browser, its not like firefox.
gergtreble
2007-01-10, 05:17
Whats wrong with using the python script to watch youtube et al?
It would be nice to have a browser in XBMC but i dont think i would use it much personaly...
theboxway
2007-01-10, 06:00
Well it gets tiring having to go to linux just to use firefox, and I dont own a personal computer, so I would definately use it. If anybody has some sort of code I would be happy to test it.
anywonder
2007-01-10, 07:59
Firefox/Gecko prob won't handle well on the Xbox's hardware. Something like Webkit or KHTML (which webkit is based on) would be a better choice, or am I wrong?
I agree that linksboks is sadly very limited, although I actually think the user interface is great--you get tabs, innovative text input, etc. The lack of javascript and CSS is the big problem.
well, I think that someone should make a PS2 emulator that runs on the Xbox, but that doesn't make either proposition feasible...
El Piranna
2007-01-10, 23:27
I sayed some weeks before to use a WiiChannel like interface... I think the work order is:
1) Make linkxboks over XBMC official thought SVC
2) Adapt interface to a more easy to use
3) Add functionality or make a mini-fork to integrate gecko or khtml as happened with Gaim and Gaim-vv
Hi,
Im wondering if its at all possible to be able to connect to a website through xbmc and then be able to navigate through the website.
I have found a website where you can stream films to watch but id rather watch them on my tv and not my pc moniter, so i was wondering if i could connect to the site and pick the film i wanted through xbmc.
Thanks for any response and help
WizBit
what do you mean with standard xbmc, that sounds to me that i could get a script or something that would enable me to do that. or do you mean you cant do it!!!
timdog82001
2007-01-27, 05:47
what do you mean with standard xbmc, that sounds to me that i could get a script or something that would enable me to do that. or do you mean you cant do it!!!
There's a mod where you can manually add linksboks into xbmc, or of course, you can always use Linksboks as a separate app launched through XBMC. It's nothing as simple as a python script though
wraider1
2007-04-04, 04:58
i made the usb cable for the controler to do the hack, I also made a cable for with the left over pieces now I have a usb port on the xbox that i can hook a keyboard to....just need drivers?
gzusrawx
2007-04-04, 06:28
Drivers are built in to xbmc.
MikeBeecham
2007-06-06, 12:25
I'm sorry, but I have to post here...please dont flame, as it's just a personal opinion...
The clue is in the title...it's a media centre. It's not an OS, and nor should it ever be. There is no point re-inventing the wheel every time, if the round wheel you already has works just fine.
If I want to browse the web, I can jump onto my PC and get straight on it. If I want to watch a movie or listen to some music, then I can use the media centre...it's that simple.
When you start getting into the realms of software that already runs fine on PCs, then you get into the subject of the possibility of having to upgrade your hardware to run scripts / applications effectively.
Not something I want to do, as I already do it on my PC.
I completely applaude all the developers and coders out there that are doing the do right now for us all benefit from. I more applaude them for not bowing down and trying to please 'all of the people all of the time'
Keep XBMC for what it is...a media centre and nothing more!
Cheers
HarshReality
2007-06-06, 12:31
Just for clarity here... links has its own branch for those if interest... at the time I post this its last update was May 15... but it has its own branch none the less.
In the debate however the script keeps rearing its head... has anybody seen or updated that sucker in awhile? For general usage I'd like to see it....
I agree totally Mike.
I'm sorry, but I have to post here...please dont flame, as it's just a personal opinion...
The clue is in the title...it's a media centre. It's not an OS, and nor should it ever be. There is no point re-inventing the wheel every time, if the round wheel you already has works just fine.
If I want to browse the web, I can jump onto my PC and get straight on it. If I want to watch a movie or listen to some music, then I can use the media centre...it's that simple.
When you start getting into the realms of software that already runs fine on PCs, then you get into the subject of the possibility of having to upgrade your hardware to run scripts / applications effectively.
Not something I want to do, as I already do it on my PC.
I completely applaude all the developers and coders out there that are doing the do right now for us all benefit from. I more applaude them for not bowing down and trying to please 'all of the people all of the time'
Keep XBMC for what it is...a media centre and nothing more!
Cheers
ShortySco
2007-06-12, 05:46
When you start getting into the realms of software that already runs fine on PCs, then you get into the subject of the possibility of having to upgrade your hardware to run scripts / applications effectively.
Many Media center apps, game, emulators....etc run on PC's just fine, so what are you saying? Throw our xbox's in the bin :rofl:
I do get your point, but on the other hand, why not? It works fine and it doesn't interfere with the day to day operation of xbmc, if it was to florish and support some more protocalls (whatever can be done opensource, i don't know) then it'd be killer.... heck it's great as it is.
Shorty
DonBradken
2007-06-18, 04:55
I think that since it's a Media Center, it could support any media, including a web browser.
dpslusser
2007-11-14, 21:27
Is there an internet browser addon for XBMC?
Even though Id have to plug a keyboard and mouse into it.
Well, there is a linksbox integration, but its lacking support since its not up to date with the current one.
Best suggestion is to install linksbox as an application.
Not sure of its possible and what about my email? Can I read it too?
No, XBMC does not have a web browser in it.
There IS a Python script to allow you to access your e-mail. I believe its called XInBox. It should be on xbmcscripts.com
The build of XBMC supported by this site doesn't have a browser in it but there are XBMC builds with browsers built in that you can get. Although you'll find no support for them here. You can also download the browser as a stand alone app and use it with the T3CH builds if you wish as well. The xbox browser is called linkboks and it works pretty good. I heard it was suppost to be added to the main build awhile back but I guess it never happened.
I use the application X-DSL.. works really well. linux os with Firefox web browser.
http://www.x-dsl.org/wiki/Main_Page
The build of XBMC supported by this site doesn't have a browser in it but there are XBMC builds with browsers built in that you can get. Although you'll find no support for them here. You can also download the browser as a stand alone app and use it with the T3CH builds if you wish as well. The xbox browser is called linkboks and it works pretty good. I heard it was suppost to be added to the main build awhile back but I guess it never happened.
Got linksboks installed and running but its very "cumbersome" to say the least and locked up on a Google image search.
I use the application X-DSL.. works really well. linux os with Firefox web browser.
http://www.x-dsl.org/wiki/Main_Page
Matt I have the stuff downloaded but for the life of me I can't figure out how to install to the XBox HDD so I can run it from there. Reading the wiki from linik below talks about frugal, loopback, and native but I only see reference to running from live cd. Is there a way to copy files to E:\Apps etc. and run from the HDD?
Matt I have the stuff downloaded but for the life of me I can't figure out how to install to the XBox HDD so I can run it from there. Reading the wiki from linik below talks about frugal, loopback, and native but I only see reference to running from live cd. Is there a way to copy files to E:\Apps etc. and run from the HDD?
I originally installed with the AUTO INSTALLER DELUXE DVD.
So Im unsure how to get it installed.
Im sure you just need a couple of linux files in the root dir and the app under applications folder and should work.
If you need me to I can upload the files for you for your download.
Matt
If you need me to I can upload the files for you for your download.
Matt
Thanks Matt - that may be the best way.
Thanks Matt - that may be the best way.
No worries mate.
I'll try and get around to is asap.
If you dont want to wait just download package from here:
http://www.********.org/tor/995717
That didnt work so goto ********.org/tor/995717
hmm that neither - Just change the *** for ********
bugga keeps blocking it.. just find it on a torrent site :-)
that's because it says in the FAQ that you shouldn't link to binaries, bad boy
elliottlock
2008-03-10, 21:41
I've looked about and I can't seem to find a 100% functional easy to use Web Browser on XBMC.
I'm a bit confused about this because I would have thought this would be a big highly requested feature.
Is there a reason one hasn't been made from Mozilla or some other open source browser?
This truely is for me the only thing missing from XBMC to make it some kind of ultimate amazing Media Center LOL.
Cheers,
EL
on Xbox it's not as easy as it sounds. Do you know the Xbox hardware specs ?
Pentium3 ~700MHz CPU
64MB Unified RAM (shared between system and GFX, this is why 1080i is so hard to use)
what happened to linksbox-xbmc? want it soo badly lol
way to go with the "Let me search before I post" behavior there, elliot. "LOL" indeed.
elliottlock
2008-03-10, 23:00
Yeah but this post is massive! lol and all about linksbox which last time i looked was a bit pants.
chris123321
2008-03-13, 05:44
Is there any internet browsers out there for xbmc?
I see that you have not read the forum rules, because if you DID you would see that you're supposed to search the forum before you create a new thread. In this case, a search would reveal that this is a very old and never implemented feature request. The Xbox has 64 MB of RAM in it TOTAL. Just for an example, right now I am running FireFox to view this forum, and its reporting to Windows that it alone is using about 61 MB of RAM. Keep in mind that for FireFox to even be running, you have to also have some sort of operating system running, and that also takes up lots of memory.
In short, its very difficult, which is why past developer efforts (like the Linksbox project you would find if you searched the forums) have basically all been abandoned. You pretty much need to be running something more powerful than the old Xbox for this. Since XBMC is being ported to Linux, OS X, and Windows, the number of people who would want and be able to use this feature who are running the old Xbox hardware will be declining, so its extremely unlikely that this will ever happen.
Gamester17
2008-03-13, 15:22
It could be possible update the LinksBoks SVN branch (https://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/xbmc/branches/linksbrowser) and integrate a new very slim and memory efficient cross-portable HTML layout engine rendering backend (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layout_engine) with few dependencies like KHTML (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML) or WebKit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebKit) into XBMC, but the problem is finding developers who have personal interest in developing a such web-browser and actively maintaining that code, ...which is by the way the real reason why the LinksBoks/LinksBrowser branch for XBMC (http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11640) never got integrated into the main XBMC SVN trunk, no developer was willing to actively maintain the code (with bug-fixes, etc.).
chris123321
2008-03-13, 16:51
Thanks for the input.
elliottlock
2008-03-14, 00:59
The iphone has the Safari web browser which I imagine must be cut down as the iPhone can't have that much RAM in it.
Also why can't we use Virtual memory on my big fat HDD I have on my Xbox instead.
Dunno if what i just said is possible but I just thought it might be?
Gamester17
2008-03-14, 01:42
Safari uses WebKit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebKit) which is a fork of KHTML (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML), I mention both in my last post.
Virtual Memory (Swap/Paging Memory) is a separate discussion, see here (http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21837).
PS! Interesting reading for you: http://macenstein.com/default/archives/500
Today we know the first iPhone launched had 128MB of RAM, twice as much as the original Xbox
http://furbo.org/2007/08/21/what-the-iphone-specs-dont-tell-you/
The iphone has the Safari web browser which I imagine must be cut down as the iPhone can't have that much RAM in it.
:( Duck and cover, bud. Duck and cover.
The iPhone has 128mb of RAM, IIRC. I suggest you go back and read Gamester's response, though. No XBMC devs want to touch it, so it doesn't matter how much resources the Xbox has.
elliottlock
2008-03-16, 02:26
Makes me hungger fox XBMC on Xbox 360. I wish I could have that so everything was possible. :(
There was a project once called TuxZen for the DBox in Germany (66Mhz and 32Mb Ram)
Just to add my $0.02.. I understand the early reluctance to build a web browser into XBMC because the original xbox hardware simply couldn't do it. However today I'm running XBMC on my AppleTV which has a 1Ghz CPU and 256 meg RAM. It isn't a power house but could easily run a browser.
More and more people are going to be building HTPC's with XBMC in mind and would like to be able to browse the web without having to exit or minimize XBMC to do it. If there were a web browser I'd personally get myself a DiNovo Mini for some basic web browsing. It'd be even cooler if there were a "mini" mode for incidental web browsing, like looking up a brand website after seeing it in a commercial or something ridiculous like that.
Most importantly it'd be nice if it was fully integrated into XBMC. Now, before anyone goes saying I could just start a web browser in the background, take into consideration that I don't run a window manager. The machine boots and launches X which starts up XBMC, no Gnome or KDE to get in the way. I really like it like that, there's less overhead, no popups to get in the way.
Hemorrhoid
2008-07-01, 08:10
Hey all!
First time poster here... Anyway, other than the good old Xbox, I also have a Nintendo DS, which runs Opera as a browser. Now, this was an internet browser released by Nintendo as a 'Game' to take advantage of the Wifi capabilities, but the folks behind DSOrganise, have also integrated into their homebrew software an internet browser as well!
And the hardware specifications of the Nintendo DS (1 x 67mhz + 1 x 33mhz, with 4MB ram).... now I'm no hardware expert, but I'd bet that the XBox has a little more happening under the bonnet than the humble NDSL...
Even the Nokia 6120 has 369 mhz with 64MB Ram and that fully supports flash and Flash Lite.... So a simple web browser should be within reach..... in theory.
xbox has like 64mb of ram and like a 733mhz processor or something like that, running a browser would be easyyyy butttt integrating it into xbmc would take up more ram and processor speed so it MIGHT not work that well. i definetely want to get a browser built into my xbmc, idc if its slow, linksbox is shit (no offense to creator). i want a browser integrated with flash (w/e version can play imeem.com and youtube.com) and java and can save files, launch a media file directly from the source. xbmc developers could probably start selling xbmc if they did that :p
xbox has like 64mb of ram and like a 733mhz processor or something like that, running a browser would be easyyyy butttt integrating it into xbmc would take up more ram and processor speed so it MIGHT not work that well. i definetely want to get a browser built into my xbmc, idc if its slow, linksbox is shit (no offense to creator). i want a browser integrated with flash (w/e version can play imeem.com and youtube.com) and java and can save files, launch a media file directly from the source. xbmc developers could probably start selling xbmc if they did that :p
I think if it was easy then someone would of done it by now (well they have really as you mention, linksbox, flawed but it does work). If Apple have trouble getting Safari on iphone and ipod touch working with flash then it would be a mighty struggle for the XBMC dev's (who are obviously very talented and know how to squeeze the most out of the XBOX's hardware).
Cheers
Hi,
Is there any browser like script that i can browse the internet with?
Thanks,
G
PainToad
2008-08-19, 01:18
There is an app for xbox in general but. linksbox or something off the top of my head.
Thank you very much guys :-)
Infinity
2008-08-19, 16:25
Again.. with the O/T theme....
LinksBoks sucks like a Dyson vacuum cleaner... if you want a REAL browser on your xbox then look at XDSL (Xbox Damn Small Linux) which comes with an early version of Firefox installed... not great and doesn't play flash files or anything but along with XDSL's virtual keyboard is a more than satisfactory way of browsing the internet with your Xbox.
Hope this helps! :grin:
freddo99
2008-08-20, 06:31
Is there a web browser for XBMC. I have not been successful in finding one. If yes can you please provide a link to the program.
Thanks
no there isn't any. If you are on xbox, then there is linksbox (very basic browser) or the possibility to install linux and use the browser there.
Skindred
2008-08-28, 03:02
xbmc pimped has linksbox built into xbmc
but I warn you, it is not userfriendly, at all
you'll try it, and then realise that it was a silly feature to ask for in the first place :;):
xbmc pimped has linksbox built into xbmc
but I warn you, it is not userfriendly, at all
you'll try it, and then realise that it was a silly feature to ask for in the first place :;):
indeed linksbox is not very usable. But I don't agree on it being a silly feature to ask for at all. A webbrowser in a modern media center application makes perfect sense imo. As all the web is basically one huge collection of media. At least as much sense as having a weather forecast ;)
Take a look at Songbird for instance. Now, as an app I don't like it at all, but it does offer a pretty nice way of browsing and combining that with finding media to discover and play.
I understand the difficulties of building a webbrowser into xbmc but I still hope one day on Win/Nix/Mac xbmc could use the engine of an installed webbrowser and "simply" provide it with a frontend to operate it from within XBMC (think Opera Mobile style for example in terms of GUI)
Is there one? If so how do you get to it?
sickboy719
2008-09-28, 20:41
Not built in.
there is an xbox app to do it, cant' remember the name, but it's not very easy to use, and not very good.
sickboy719
2008-09-28, 20:42
Search is your friend.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5593
ok I search the thread and I have linksbox I just thought there was a built in app. cool thanks..
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-05, 09:07
Couldnt Firefox be integrated into XBMC? Not the xbox version, but the other 3?
Gamester17
2008-10-05, 16:40
Mozilla/Firefox has too many dependencies. WebKit or KHTML are the best options currently available for integration, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML
....and yes it would be simpler to only look at the Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms, at least to start.
Rand Al Thor
2008-10-05, 19:14
Mozilla/Firefox has too many dependencies. WebKit or KHTML are the best options currently available for integration, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML
....and yes it would be simpler to only look at the Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms, at least to start.
From a functionality standpoint wouldn't it be more logical to devise a way to launch external apps inside xbmc, with esc or whatever key taking you back to programs menu? It seems like there is no reason to reinvent the wheel and make a browser specifically for xbmc that might have limitations. This would kill two birds with one stone as it would also open up the possibility to launch other apps like games etc. Just my thoughts.
rwparris2
2008-10-05, 20:39
From a functionality standpoint wouldn't it be more logical to devise a way to launch external apps inside xbmc, with esc or whatever key taking you back to programs menu? It seems like there is no reason to reinvent the wheel and make a browser specifically for xbmc that might have limitations. This would kill two birds with one stone as it would also open up the possibility to launch other apps like games etc. Just my thoughts.
Agreed. Once 'programs' starts working for non-xbox builds simply launching a browser would be enough. I have no idea why people want a browser built into xbmc, it makes absolutely no sense to me. Yes, I KNOOOOW the web is the future of media blah blah blah, but that's why we have scripts/plugins for REAL integration.
In my opinion, the maximum "integration" that should take place is to use a skinable, cross-platform browser that supports plugins/extensions (firefox, opera, a more mature version of chrome). Then make a PM3 skin for it & a orbit-type plugin (http://www.orbitdownloader.com/) that a)sends the URL to XBMC for playback or b) creates a .strm file for it or c)downloads the file. Other skinners could choose to make more skins for said browser, or not.
There are already very good programs designed specifically for surfing the web, I see no reason to make another.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-05, 21:10
From a functionality standpoint wouldn't it be more logical to devise a way to launch external apps inside xbmc, with esc or whatever key taking you back to programs menu? It seems like there is no reason to reinvent the wheel and make a browser specifically for xbmc that might have limitations. This would kill two birds with one stone as it would also open up the possibility to launch other apps like games etc. Just my thoughts.
True. Wasnt there something for XBMC released not to long ago that could launch executables for windows and linux? I remember seeing a thread about it.
Rand Al Thor
2008-10-06, 02:14
True. Wasnt there something for XBMC released not to long ago that could launch executables for windows and linux? I remember seeing a thread about it.
Yes there was. It was a plugin and it actually works quite well. This, in my opinion anyway, is only a temporary solution. Basically what happens is you click on a program to launch and xbmc looses focus when your new program starts running. Then when you are done with your new program you kill it the same way you normally would and then xbmc be regain focus and go back to fullscreen. It works but on linux box for example there is definitely some lag time between killing a program and xbmc gaining focus so you see the desktop around the xbmc window until it switches back to fullscreen. It is not a huge deal but it takes away from the beauty and fluidity of xbmc. It kind of breaks the "illusion."
What I was referring to earlier would be the ablity to add .exe's under my programs. Then when you click on a program it would start "inside" xbmc, ie it would not launch in a seperate window so xbmc would not lose focus. Since it is functioning inside xbmc the program would still be subject to xbmc's controls. That way you could still hit esc to exit the program to seamlessly return to the home menu. Or you could hit tab and keep your program running while you start some music then hit tab again to return to what you where doing. For programs that use some of the same controls as xbmc, tab for example a workaround could be set up. So in a web browser just hitting tab works the way it normally would in your web browser but tab+ctrl would execute the normal xbmc tab function. That is kind of the way I see it. Xbmc "displaying" what the external programs are doing instead of just moving out of the way when you launch a new app. Anyone else got some thoughts on this?
Gamester17
2008-10-17, 18:50
Couch Surfer (http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/WebKit_Browser) is a native web browser for the Leopard Front Row and Apple TV written using the WebKit rendering engine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkit), and is suppose to have a intuitive interface with only the Apple Remote as the interface, (and if the interface works with only the 6-button Apple Remote then one should be able to easily control it with any remote control).
Maybe that GUI could be used as a base if someone decided to integrate WebKit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkit) into XBMC? ???
I believe that the source code for CouchSurfer is available here: http://www.brandon-holland.com/software.html
Controlling Couch Surfer
Once a page is loaded you are in "Navigation Mode" and can use the up and down direction circle on the Apple Remote to scroll though the page. Pressing and holding either the up or down direction on the remote initiates a smooth scrolling motion. Pressing the forward or back direction buttons will navigate through your browsing history.
The Menu button on the apple remote brings up the Couch Surfer info menu and has options to set bookmarks and return to the main couch surfer menu.
"Manipulation Mode" is used when you need to interact with a web page such a following links or controlling flash interfaces. To enter this mode simply press the Play/Pause button on the remote. (You will notice the arrows on the right side of the screen disappear.) An arrow will appear in the middle of the screen and can be moved around using the direction circle buttons on the apple remote just like a mouse.
To click a link in Manipulation Mode just press the Play/Pause button again. This can also be used to click buttons in flash movies like YouTube to stop or adjust volume.
To exit Manipulation mode press the Menu button on the apple remote once. You will notice the arrows re-appear on the right side of the screen indicating you are back in Navigation Mode and want to scroll the page up or down and go back and forth in your browsing history.
From a functionality standpoint wouldn't it be more logical to devise a way to launch external appsMaybe but that is off-topic in this thread as this discussion is specifically about "Web browser built-into XBMC"
Anybody tried the mobile version of Firefox yet? There's a version available you can try out on your desktop PC here (http://www.mozilla.org/projects/fennec/1.0a1/releasenotes/)
I can see an interface like that work quite nicely with a remote or controller.
One of the main issues is that entering URL's with a remote would be a pain. I use an extension for firefox which syncs my bookmarks between my main PC and my HTPC: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8379
I'm not saying it would have to be based on firefox, but functionality like this would work nicely imo.
frostwork
2008-10-20, 13:35
maybe owb
( http://www.sand-labs.org/owb )
might be interesting for s.o.
It's a SDL using webbrowser
Is there any consensus/direction from the XBMC team on browser type/version they'd like to see and support if there is interest in integrating it (as opposed to launching a separate app)?
Gamester17
2009-01-15, 00:40
Is there any consensus/direction from the XBMC team on browser type/version they'd like to see and support if there is interest in integrating it (as opposed to launching a separate app)?WebKit or KHTML are the best options currently available for embedded integration, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML
I believe that out of those two WebKit would be preferred as it is for many platforms :nod:
timdog82001
2009-01-15, 01:40
At this point it seems like it would make more sense for devs to spend time implementing and perfecting an external app launcher function rather than having to code and maintain a web browser when there are already perfectly good solutions out there like firefox that can be launched fullscreen. Just my thoughts...The only place i see a real benefit for it is on the xbox, and I suppose apple tv. Though, I suppose, if you really want to use a controller or remote to use the internet that's probably not possible with most standalone browsers.
At this point it seems like it would make more sense for devs to spend time implementing and perfecting an external app launcher function rather than having to code and maintain a web browser when there are already perfectly good solutions out there like firefox that can be launched fullscreen. Just my thoughts...The only place i see a real benefit for it is on the xbox, and I suppose apple tv. Though, I suppose, if you really want to use a controller or remote to use the internet that's probably not possible with most standalone browsers.
If you mean that the application (e.g., web browser) would be fully integrated as a "layer in the stack" (with XBMC menu addressable features) yes that would be wonderful. I think this project would be tantamount to an example of such a mechanism. I'd love it if there was some general directions or rules of thumb that can be followed.
Generally speaking the uses are many; first and foremost the use of things like yahoo widgets and other browser based mini programs can add immense value at the time media being played.
Gamester17, are there any existing code snippets or architecture suggestions you guys may have to get me started? I'd like to try as much of an integrated approach as possible. Say with Webkit.
timdog82001
2009-01-15, 02:57
If you're thinking of actually doing some coding yourself in the direction of launching external browsers/apps, I'd suggest talking with the guys working on the games library/database stuff. Not identical to what you're after, but definitely related. I'm sure their approach doesn't involve any of the layering you were suggesting but perhaps it's something that could be considered for non game-related apps if it's possible.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40715
If you're thinking of actually doing some coding yourself in the direction of launching external browsers/apps, I'd suggest talking with the guys working on the games library/database stuff. Not identical to what you're after, but definitely related. I'm sure their approach doesn't involve any of the layering you were suggesting but perhaps it's something that could be considered for non game-related apps if it's possible.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40715
Many thanks
Gamester17
2009-01-17, 19:00
Gamester17, are there any existing code snippets or architecture suggestions you guys may have to get me started? I'd like to try as much of an integrated approach as possible. Say with Webkit.I suggest that you take a look at the "linksbrowser" branch in the XBMC SVN, its only for the Xbox and have not been updated/maintaied in quite a while (which is the major reason of why the code never made it into the mainline SVN).
https://sourceforge.net/svn/?group_id=87054
http://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/xbmc/branches/linksbrowser/
http://xbmc.org/trac/browser/branches/linksbrowser/
The "linksbrowser" branch is XBMC for Xbox with an integrated port of the LinksBooks web browser for the Xbox, LinksBoks (http://ysbox.online.fr/) itself is a port to the Xbox platform of the Links2Browser (http://ysbox.online.fr/?pagename=LinksBoks.Links2Browser) which is an enhanced version of the LinksBrowser (http://ysbox.online.fr/?pagename=LinksBoks.LinksBrowser).
You can find out more about the XBMC integrated LinksBoks branch and its development here:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11640
and also about the standalone version of the LinksBoks web browser for the Xbox here:
http://ysbox.online.fr/
The nice think about LinksBoks for XBMC for Xbox what that its interface was very remote control and living-room friendly, as it was designed to be used while sitting in a couch about 10-feet from a large screen television.
So if you or someone else could find a way to replace LinksBoks HTML renderer engine with the WebKit HTML renderer engine then I think you would be of to a nice start.
:;):
ccMatrix
2009-03-10, 06:11
I've recently found http://ubrowser.com/ ?
It seems that this is specifically for integrating web browser functionality in an opengl rendered application. Apparently it is available for Windows, Linux and Mac and the source code is available (MPL). It might be a bit dated since it is working with the Firefox 2.0 source base.
The demo app and screenshots look promising. Maybe someone with XBMC source code knowledge can take a look at it?
VirtualDre
2009-05-27, 20:52
I absolutely love this software. I would like it to essentially be the os that runs on my media pc. Is there a web browser that I can add to the main menu list so that I can surf though a xbmc web browser? Thanks. Dre
VirtualDre
2009-05-28, 17:39
Thanks
Have anybody noticed this :
http://xbmc.org/forum/showpost.php?p=342227&postcount=98
is there a way of having an integrated web browser in xbmc? so it's the only program i ever have to run off my htpc?
althekiller
2009-06-06, 11:06
Search button broken again?
For any coders looking into actually implementing a browser for XBMC, here's some info to start off.
Embedding Mozilla (something close to an SDK).
http://www.mozilla.org/projects/embedding/
WebKit is also embeddable but I can't find any link like with Mozilla.
Also, if you wish for a python plugin/script, here's some info.
http://www.aclevername.com/articles/python-webgui/
Obviously, for anyone doing this, you'll have to take into account that XBMC is a media center. So this must work and be easy to use on a big screen tv with a remote (among other things).
For any coders looking into actually implementing a browser for XBMC, here's some info to start off.
Embedding Mozilla (something close to an SDK).
http://www.mozilla.org/projects/embedding/
WebKit is also embeddable but I can't find any link like with Mozilla.
Also, if you wish for a python plugin/script, here's some info.
http://www.aclevername.com/articles/python-webgui/
Obviously, for anyone doing this, you'll have to take into account that XBMC is a media center. So this must work and be easy to use on a big screen tv with a remote (among other things).
... and as stated early in this thread, Awesomium might also be a way to get it to work.
... and as stated early in this thread, Awesomium might also be a way to get it to work.
Awesomium looks nice, but there's no Linux support (yet).
http://my-trac.assembla.com/awesomium/ticket/1
Gamester17
2009-06-12, 15:53
You have to remember that cross-platform support and platform-independence is very important to keep in mind for something like this if it is to ever be accepted into the XBMC mainline code!
http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Development_Notes
All code should strive to be platform agnostic - XBMC is a multi-platform software, thus any single platform specific features should be discussed with other team members before implemented, and software portability should always be kept in mind. All major new features and functions should be developed in a separate branch or committed in small increments so that other members have the opportunity to review the code and comment on it during development.
XBMC today runs on Intel (x86/x86-64), PPC (PowerPC), and ARM processor-architectures, and on Linux, Mac OS X (version 10.4 and 10.5, also Apple TV OS), Windows, and Xbox operating-systems/platforms, ...and someone is currently in the process of also porting the XBMC on ARM branch in our SVN to Android operating-system.
Team-XBMC developers have previuos already expressed that they think that WebKit (http://webkit.org) would probably be best suited if someone would wants to try to embed it into XBMC, as Webkit is of agnostic design, have very few dependencies, and has a small memory footprint.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebKit
Maybe more importantly is also that WebKit is maintained by a very large and well organized group of developers, so that we do not worry about that bit and instead just get the latest library version when the latest regular releases comes out.
http://webkit.org
:nod:
You have to remember that cross-platform support and platform-independence is very important to keep in mind for something like this if it is to ever be accepted into the XBMC mainline code!
http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Development_Notes
All code should strive to be platform agnostic - XBMC is a multi-platform software, thus any single platform specific features should be discussed with other team members before implemented, and software portability should always be kept in mind. All major new features and functions should be developed in a separate branch or committed in small increments so that other members have the opportunity to review the code and comment on it during development.
XBMC today runs on Intel (x86/x86-64), PPC (PowerPC), and ARM processor-architectures, and on Linux, Mac OS X (version 10.4 and 10.5, also Apple TV OS), Windows, and Xbox operating-systems/platforms, ...and someone is currently in the process of also porting the XBMC on ARM branch in our SVN to Android operating-system.
Team-XBMC developers have previuos already expressed that they think that WebKit (http://webkit.org) would probably be best suited if someone would wants to try to embed it into XBMC, as Webkit is of agnostic design, have very few dependencies, and has a small memory footprint.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebKit
Maybe more importantly is also that WebKit is maintained by a very large and well organized group of developers, so that we do not worry about that bit and instead just get the latest library version when the latest regular releases comes out.
http://webkit.org
:nod:
Just to clarify this now, here's a comparison between WebKit and XULRunner (what is most likely needed from Mozilla for an integrated browser).
http://packages.debian.org/sid/libwebkit-1.0-2
http://packages.debian.org/sid/xulrunner-1.9
webkit has 25, xulrunner has 30. With webkit, sooner or later three more dependencies will post (hurd, libc0.3, and libunwind). Also, webkit doesn't have support for compressed web pages, but that's bound to change soon, and with that change, more than likely there will be dependencies on zlib and libbz2, bringing the total number of dependencies for webkit to 30.
So in other words, webkit has no significant advantage in terms of the number of dependencies it needs.
Also, Mozilla is cross platform and developed by a very large and organized group of developers as well.
I'm not sure of these claims of memory usage, but at least Firefox is known to run on xbox (via Xbox Damn Small Linux). On the other hand, I can't find any info of any webkit browsers running on xbox.
xlastshotx
2009-06-14, 11:29
I wanted to know if it was possible to browse the internet from XBMC. Is there a plugin or something that would allow me to do this, or is this simply not possible?
bidossessi
2009-06-14, 11:32
XBMC is a media center, not a web browser.
to launch external app, search for "Launcher" in the forum.
xlastshotx
2009-06-14, 12:13
XBMC is a media center, not a web browser.
to launch external app, search for "Launcher" in the forum.
Hmm I didn't know that XBMC was a media center and not a web browser, thanks for sharing some of that great wealth of knowledge you have there.
Alright so XBMC cant do that, oh well.
Instead of integrating an entire web browser, how feasible would it be to have XBMC parse an X/HTML file and render it through the skinning/layout system? Wouldn't be able to do javascript or plugins obviously, but you could render simple web pages directly within XBMC.
Gamester17
2009-06-18, 15:00
Instead of integrating an entire web browser, how feasible would it be to have XBMC parse an X/HTML file and render it through the skinning/layout system?For that you still need an HTML layout engine, and then you might as well use WebKit as it is a graphical HTML layout engine, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_layout_engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_layout_engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_web_browsers#WebKit-based_browsers
:;):
wstewart
2009-06-18, 19:06
QtWebkit (http://doc.trolltech.com/main-snapshot/qtwebkit.html) may be another option. It is used by mythtv for the mythbrowser.
FYI, boxee is using xulrunner for their flashplayer component.
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/6509
I think this is a first step towards a full web browser for XBMC.
Gamester17
2009-06-18, 19:39
QtWebkit (http://doc.trolltech.com/main-snapshot/qtwebkit.html) may be another option. It is used by mythtv for the mythbrowser.Why would you want to use a Qt port of WebKit in XBMC? XBMC does not use Qt for anything else, would it not be a shame to add that dependency to XBMC?
FYI, boxee is using xulrunner for their flashplayer component.
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/6509I believe some XBMC developers had some objections to Boxee's implementation, or maybe it was Boxee's specific way of integrating it there was objections to, anyway, I think it will be brought up and discussed at the XBMC DevCon 2009 next weekend.
wstewart
2009-06-19, 01:31
Why would you want to use a Qt port of WebKit in XBMC? XBMC does not use Qt for anything else, would it not be a shame to add that dependency to XBMC?
Hey it was just a suggestion, ..., didn't think it would be a great or popular option, but it doesn't hurt to put it on the table.
Btw, the similarity between the naming of QTwebkit and webkit mentioned in the thread should have been a clue to me that they are one and the same......
I believe some XBMC developers had some objections to Boxee's implementation, or maybe it was Boxee's specific way of integrating it there was objections to, anyway
Can someone comment on the technical specifics?
Bump!
OT for thread. Since we are witnessing the nascent days of webkit in XBMC (super exciting stuff), I'd like to humbly propose having it at least partially integrated with the skinning system. The latter does an incredible amount as well, and if the browser is going to do anything more than be a HTTP carrier with SWF playback (what we dont have fully available today) then perhaps the devs can entertain a new way to do skinning via generic web front end technology... meaning skinning as a abstracted and novel way to do alpha layer on top of CSS and JS. Given that there would be limitations even in CCS3 to affect the elements that the skin is readily capable of.
For people wanting a web browser in XBMC i've got a programmer currently trying to embed a web browser within XBMC and hope to have something soon.
For people wanting a web browser in XBMC i've got a programmer currently trying to embed a web browser within XBMC and hope to have something soon.
There is an effort going on by the XBMC team. Are they related?
Nah there not i'm paying our programmer to do a few things.
Thats one aswell as skype in xbmc, RSS feeds much like mythtv
FreddyAV
2009-08-17, 18:30
Skype would be awesome! (I was under the impression that there was no way of capturing / redirecting Skype video though)
Just hope they don't shut Skype down. :)