XBMC For Android
We have been keeping a little secret.. the kind that is so much fun to share when the time comes.
Today we announce XBMC for Android. Not a remote, not a thin client; the real deal. No root or jailbreak required. XBMC can be launched as an application on your set-top-box, tablet, phone, or wherever else Android may be found.
The feature-set on Android is the same that you have come to expect from XBMC, no different from its cousin on the desktop. Running your favorite media-center software on small, cheap, embedded hardware is about to become a hassle-free reality. And as Android-based set-top-boxes are becoming more and more ubiquitous, it couldn’t be a better time. In fact, primary development was done on a Pivos XIOS DS set-top-box. And that is no coincidence, you will notice that Pivos is now listed as an official sponsor (more on that later). XBMC is stable and works great there, as well as on various tablets and phones. Though with Android, as many of you probably know, that is only the beginning of the story.
Enjoy the stereotypical dev-shot low-quality demo video. More video, including phone/tablet usage in the next post.
So what’s the catch? None… in time. Currently, for most devices only software decode of audio and video is hooked up. We considered waiting until universal hardware decode was ready before making our announcement, but in the end decided that in the spirit of keeping things open and working with our ever-expanding community, it made sense to open up sooner rather than later. We are confident that an OpenMax-based player (similar to the one used for the Raspberry Pi) will spring up very quickly. That said, software playback of most media plays quite well already.
Though, there is one exception. As Pivos sponsored a large portion of the port, we were able to work with their vendors to achieve buttery-smooth hardware-accelerated playback on the XIOS DS. It remains to be seen if such hardware-specific features will make it into XBMC mainline or exist as patches for vendors to integrate.
While, as you can see in the video, the port is fully usable and lots of fun to play with, it’s not quite ready for prime-time. We will begin releasing apks for interested beta testers in the coming weeks. But for those who are up to the task, as you would expect from XBMC, the source code is available. We have decided not to push to Google Play until we are satisfied that users with all kinds of devices get the same great XBMC experience. We ask that our users stay on the lookout for evil-doers trying to cash in on XBMC’s popularity. If you see anyone masquerading as XBMC, please be sure to let us and Google know about it.
There is also the issue of having a proper UI for small-screen devices. Typically, XBMC skins have been designed for use on a TV, so use on a small phone can be clunky. But there is nothing keeping skinners from creating more functional touch-oriented skins, like the included “Touched” skin from Jezz_X. With the community’s help, we’re sure to have a more refined version available for inclusion by the time we release a stable version.
There are still many details left to iron out, mainly related to the wide variety of Android devices in the wild. We have not yet decided what minimum requirements will be set, due simply to the lack of extensive testing on exotic devices.
As for taking advantage of Android itself, we haven’t even scratched the surface. There are so many interesting features that we could take advantage of: launching apps, location awareness, speech recognition, on and on. Once the core port is finished up, you can bet we’ll be exploring many new avenues.
I could write for days about how the port started, how it was accomplished technically, what tricks were used, etc, but I will save that for a (somewhat more personal) follow-up post. There is much to say about the process that would likely bore most readers, but I will try to answer the questions that come up in the comments as much as possible in that post. The port was a big effort with many contributors, many thanks to Davilla, Memphiz, Phaeodaria, Montellese, Topfs2, and everyone else who was involved.
Full disclosure: I have been working for Pivos for the last few months, where I suggested the port-work and XBMC sponsorship. I hope our users join me in a thanking them for supporting XBMC and allowing me to work on the port (among other things) during the day. Be sure to check out the Pivos forums, where discussions and unofficial builds are bound to spring up quickly.
Congratulations ! You make my day ! Now I can buy an android tablet without fear to be left behind :D
Can anyone please tell me the name of that white thin client he has in the video? I would appreciate it.
@Riaz Same Here
@Bugyboy
I can think of a lot of uses. On my tablet as an in-bed TV to connect to my media server. Or on an Ouya or Nexus Q as a huge media center feature upgrade.
Wow, I cannot wait! I have a few ideas for a tablet UI…
here is the link to test alpha unoffical though. test at your own risk. copied from another site. heard people taking it works on HP touchpad
https://www.miniand.com/forums/forums/1/topics/136
@R00l
Likely, something like this:
UK: http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_7&products_id=113931
US: http://www.amazon.com/SumVision-Nano-Android-Media-Centre/dp/B0083T0R1W
@R00l
Pivos Xios DS. Its not a thin client, its an Android STB.
STOP SAYING WOULD LIKE TO TEST. STOP SAYING WOULD LIKE TO BETA TEST.
I gotta read thru 20 useless comments to see one worth reading.
Keeping up the great work XBMC team.
Because its a useless comment from him since he doesn’t say where this thing supposedly is.
Also SMS for a media streamer? Sounds very dubious.
The actual PIVOS XIOS DS box is available on ebay item# 120951636046 .
Thanks for all the hard work. This will defiantly breath new life into my Atrix 4G. Assuming you decide/can get it to work properly (only need 720P) with the Tegra2 chip. Sucks we don’t have Neon on our chip.
Great work guys, been using xbmc since 2005 and I will keep using it.
It works fine on my Samsung S2 – I am searching for a small android tv box now – The settings on the weather plug-in was not working. Could not save the weather locations… :) Great job XBMC Team…
Will this version of XBMC work with a mysql DB deported ?
I can beta-test this configuration :
NAS(Filer) / Mysql server : Debian
Android Device : Samsung Galaxy SII(GT-I9100) – Andoid 4.0.3
Can you please post a follow-up article directed towards developers?
Another much more technical detailed article would be great thanks!
Some hints where do begin to help develop this and required skills?
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/07/15/pre-built-xbmc-apk-is-available-heres-what-it-looks-like-running-on-a-nexus-q/
Tried it on my Galaxy S3 and seems to be working well!
This is certainly good news for some, but personally (and I know I’m not alone) I think you should work with a server version of XBMC for centralized media library and management.
Finally, keep up the good work:-)
You guys rock !!! I have been waiting for this since last year…
Great news !
I run 2 XBMC/xbox for many years now, and they are ready for retirement …
But can this APK read files (mp3/divx) from an FTP server (as can my actual xbox) !?
And is there any way to get the app work on bootup of the device !?
@Alik
If that’s included, I’d assume it’s for Android phones, so messages can be displayed in the HUD the same way they are in the desktop client.
@Kermonk
1. You should try reading all the comments, because I posted directly below that I retract that statement with the exact same quote you posted (right here).
2. I really don’t know where you getting the “So, YES if people want to be beta testers, they should ask.” from the quote. As said in the quote:
“Once all is set up we will start releasing official build APKs for testing.
There will be an announcement when this will happen.”
“Official build APKs for testing” – i.e. pre-Alpha/alpha/beta-testing. There is no word about “stable build APKs”, but test-builds which will be available. It is just useless to ask for being a beta tester since they will provide APKs for testing once the source hits the point where they actually want people to test this (and getting bug-reports, etc.)
3. XBMC is not a media-streamer.
4. The permission in question is actually for the official remote not for XBMC.
@David Skinner
Well done. I would ask you to remove the comment but that is impossible now. But you just posted what the Team did not want to be posted. As said countless times on the forums and in these comments.
I got it to work on my Pantech Burst. Some times it force closes when I launch it but usually launches without trouble. It runs smooth and video looks good. Audio is garbled on music and video files. Works much better than I imagined for how earlier it is in the processes. Nice job devs!
i kinda think that the whole read sms\mms part is that you can enable such an option in xbmc itself, so it shows a toasty when someone calls or you recieve sms\mms. those tags can be misleading sometimes, as i assume this is reading that you just got a message, not the message itself. also, give beta .apk please.
Is it my understanding that Android cannot handle ISO files… so, this wouldn’t be able to read them?
Other than that caveat (and I realize it’s an Android issue), this is great.
Works perfectly on my galaxy note with paranoid android 4.0.4. Keep up the great work guys!
Just tried to play an .mkv file but xbmc doesn’t recognize this a video file. Has anyone else experienced this issue?
@Vaalir
Again, slowly, so everyone can comprehend:
XBMC . Does . Not . Require . Access . To . SMS/MMS/Calls .
Here, these are the permissions needed for installation:
http://img.tapatalk.com/46c60071-7d1c-b787.jpg
AND there will be a beta-build once it hits the status “beta” where it isn’t yet. So, just leave it alone and wait, like everyone else (or compile on your own).
And before you ask: Below “Show all” is only “Development tools” which is kinda obvious.
Where can I find the code to compile it?
Ok guys – is it just me, but what are the ramifications of “SMARTTV” with this. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that essentially a big android tablet (minus the touch screen) and that this could run on that — and be eventually gesture driven?? I personally have everything android but i still think that would be very cool…
I mean “HATE” everything andriod…
Then its gamma! Release that! Go go go go! :)
I’ve been waiting on this for for a while so THANK YOU!! It works pretty well on my Galaxy Nexus. I have a couple suggestions:
1) Allow use of the phones keyboard instead of the XMBC input (the letters show up very small because of the high resolution of the phone)
2) Run the app in “portable mode” and put the profile data on the sdcard
3) #2 might resolve this issue but in case it wouldn’t: allow for an option to use a MySQL database for the libraries (usually configured in advancedsettings.xml)
Thanks again and GREAT WORK!!
Great news ! Anyway to set it up with a mysql library ? (well, how can we setup the advanced settings) I think it’s the interest of this soft. That we can acces to centralized library over wifi. Many thanks.
@H29 on my Galaxy Note (Rocket Rom v7 ) it recognize MKV files and play with a little stutter …
I dont need to run xbmc on my Note and I just ordered my XIOS !!!!
and my main xbmc is crystalbuntu on atv1 for now …
Just thinking, this would be great for the iPPea TV Dongle powered by MIPS and running Android 4.1.
http://www.ippea.com/
Hello,
Were can I buy a PIVOS XIOS DS in Fort Lauderdale? Is it available at Best Buy?
Thanks in advance.
It runs on a Yarvik table – Allwinner A10 (A8 1.2Ghz), ICS 4.0.4.
Decoding stutters of course, it is software only.
One question – how do you simulate right click for menus etc.?
Great Work, I tested on Samsung GTab 7.7, interface works fine, but:
1-SD videos suffer audio shutter problems
2-HD videos suffer video/audio shuttor problems
3-Otherwise function very well
I read on the post that HW Acceleration was expected to be part of the build, but wight now only SW acc. is used, my tablet has a good RAM and it performs very well, specially with ICS.
Thank you, XBMC is a very big addition to android media uses
@Trollslayer
Try pressing C on a keyboard for context menu, that’s XBMC default keyboard shortcut (see wiki for more info). The build that’s out there has various issues with input via mice and keyboards with clicks and buttons not registering so I’d wait for later builds.
On the All Winner remotes the right mouse button is mapped to the Android back key the arrow that loops back on itself, I don’t think you can map that action to a key at least not easily.
Thanks Tiptop – it’s a trivial thing at this stage, I’ll try both things later.
Thanks so much for this really made my week. Looks great on my Galaxy S2.
I have tested app on my HTC Desire and it’s working :D I have installed 1Channel plugin also and it is working :D Audio is shuttering little but hardware in my phone isn’t best and app is in test phase still. But amazing work guys. I will try to record video and post it if it’s ok?
It works on my HTC inspire 4g and the audio is shuttering. At least is in test phase and I would like to see the final version soon at least. Great work for beta version and also would like to see with internet connection live tv on xbmc for tablets and phones .
i installed it on galaksy 2 its working great only one problem the hebrew font dont work good
Dear XBMC Team….
As a VERY GREATFUL user of XBMC for nearly 10 years from XBOX 1,(ModChip & XBOXKai anyone?? lol)
I THANK YOU for this brilliant piece of FREE software you have tirelessly produced for all these years…
I have always championed that XBMC should of had a ‘dedicated box’ of sorts and the Android direction may mean finally I can get rid of/DUMP the 10+ various HTPCs/NetTops/Windows PCs/Ubuntu PCs scattered around my world…I hope you will retain the ‘play from rar’ feature I cherish & love so much… ;-)
As an ISP owner since 1997 in UK, I have access to A LOT of hardware & software and to this day, NOTHING beats XBMC for me….
Keep up the great work….and yes, It seems I’m a ‘fanboy’ :-p
1
XBMC —-MK802
Big thanks to the xbmc team for all these years, all these builds on all these systems.
just started exploring the android world last week and BAM! xbmc is announced for it :).
love your work.
XBMC FOREVER!
Tested on galaxy Note.
All menu/functions seem to work, but it had some problems with portuguese subtitles and HD video playback
My Phone works great with BSPlayer on same videos.
ITS still a HUGE thing you guys are doing, THANK YOU VERY MUCH
@X DoKToR
couldn’t agree more, being a ‘fanboy’