Kodi

When the subject is multimedia center for several platforms, Kodi is an important name in the industry. With this tool, you create a true Netflix with the contents of your own computer using a more organized interface than simply one that brings files separated by folder.

This is the successor to the old XBMC, in which you can manage all the videos, music and images from your PC in one place. The difference of the application compared to its competitors is the possibility of reproducing their digital media in any device, such as smartphones, tablets and SmartTVs.

Improved and updated libraries

One of the first steps to using the program is to configure the default content folders. For example: if you go to the "Videos" tab and search for movies, you will not find anything; for this to happen, you should click on "Browse" and find the location where you store all your feature films and series.

To see images and music, the process is the same. However, playing content in this way does not differ much in the conventional way, that is, as when we open with Windows Media Player, Gallery or other programs, such as VLC. The great highlight of Kodi are its add-ons.

In a movie, for example, you can search for synopses, reviews, and even cover and box images to complement the information layout, making the interface very similar to paid streaming services such as Netflix, Crackle, and Hulu, with support controls and joysticks. We can follow the same example with songs, downloading album covers, lyrics and more.

Plugins and programs to complement

Integration with third-party plugins is perhaps the main differential of the program. As an open source software, many people develop additional applications for Kodi. This makes it one of the most customizable utilities on the market. You got the movie, but you forgot the caption? Just look for a plugin that downloads it automatically.

Among the compatible add-ons we have JDownloader, uTorrent, Web Viewer, Last Episode, Facebook Media and a dozen others. Some news portals offer apps, such as GiantBomb and Engadget, allowing you to read news and watch videos without closing the platform.

Kodi's appearance and options are also customizable. If you do not like the design, there are hundreds of other visual alternatives. In other words, you can change almost any setting in this multimedia center.

Use on any device

Another differential of Kodi is the streaming of content directly from your machine. The program is compatible with UPnP technology - Universal Plug and Play -, a system that allows a simple and fast connection between two devices.

So just configure the options to broadcast your digital media to Android devices, iPhones, SmartTVs etc. In addition, the software is compatible with many remotes, creating an experience similar to watching movies and series on TV or DVD players.

What's new in version 15

Among the news regarding version 14, we have some important elements. One of them is the official support for a variety of languages, among them, Brazilian Portuguese. The video chapter selector has also been enhanced, making navigation much easier. In addition, changing audio and subtitles became easier now, because the interface has been redone.

Another problem users faced was when it was time to move forward and rewind a movie. Each time a key was pressed, the video was advanced - or rewound - in a constant stretch - for example, a minute and a half. Now, the more times the button is pressed, the greater the jump on the timeline.

If you are looking for a complete multimedia center that can make your life easier, Kodi is a great alternative. In a few steps, we can create very organized libraries with a great visual appeal, creating a nice interface, nice and professional looking, similar to paid services such as Netflix, Crackle and Hulu.

High customization

If the default menus do not please you, you can select an option between a sea of skins and new interfaces. Being open software, variety of content, features and appearances are not lacking.

However, the overall system is only masked by other design styles. The structure itself does not change. Fortunately, this is not a bad point as Kodi is very organized, easy to use and with many divisions and listings for each type of media.

Although the software structure is extremely functional, it is natively in English. Although there is an official support for Portuguese in version 15, there is no option to change soon in the installation menus. So if you do not speak English, you'll have to find a way to find the setting and change the language.

Cast content is great functionality

Without a doubt, streaming your computer directly to the TV in the room is a very big highlight. This tool enables the creation of a collection of digital media and transmits it to the TV without gambiarras, like using pendrives or services in the cloud.

This differential is not very simple to be enjoyed, but just a little perseverance to understand what to do and enjoy any movie, series and episode straight from your couch. It is worth mentioning that the devices must be connected in the same WiFi network and be at least ten meters in range of the router to ensure a good quality.