It’s one of the most popular TV streaming software platforms in the world – and is finally available on Microsoft’s Xbox One console.
The free Kodi software, which can be adapted to download and watch movies and TV shows illegally, is being re-released on Microsoft’s console, where it originally began its life.
Currently users usually buy another ‘Kodi box’ or connect a computer to access the controversial app.
The software itself is entirely legal, but can by downloading apps can stream illicit content, with sellers often labelling them as ‘Fully Loaded’, ‘Jailbroken’ or ‘Plug and Play’.
The software itself is entirely legal, but can by downloading apps can stream illicit content, with sellers often labelling them as ‘Fully Loaded’, ‘Jailbroken’ or ‘Plug and Play’.
‘It has long been asked for by so many and now it finally happened,’ the firm said.
‘Kodi for Xbox One is available worldwide through Windows and Xbox Store.’
The Xbox app is identical to Kodi on other platforms.
‘It is what it is. Just another Kodi platform that looks exactly the same but only on a different device,’ the developers say.
However, they admit some parts of the software have not yet been written for the Xbox One.
WHAT IS KODI TV?
Kodi is software that lets you stream apps and on-demand services on TV.
The software, which is legal, can even be downloaded onto an Amazon Fire stick.
Formerly known as XBMC, it is a free and open source software media player and entertainment hub that can be installed on Linux, OSX, Windows, iOS and Android.
Kodi is software that lets you stream apps and on-demand services on TV. Users can also install addons – many of which have come under fire for making it easier to illegally stream content
It also has a special ’10-foot’ user interface for use with televisions and remote controls.
It allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the internet.
Boxes running the software can be bought from most major retailers for as little as £20 ($24), with the software uploaded afterwards.
Users can play BBC iPlayer, Youtube, Soundcloud and other free catch-up apps on the device.
But many of the plug-ins the box offers are illegal.
In the UK, a plethora of government guidelines is seeking to crackdown on the illegal use of Kodi boxes.
Government recommendations have outlined what the law says you can and can’t do with the media devices, in a bid to protect copyrighted material from piracy.
Among other concerns is that the gadgets could expose children to inappropriate content, as well as warnings that they may present a fire hazard.
The guidelines have been published by the UK government’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO), to address what it terms ‘illicit streaming devices’.
The boxes themselves, often unbranded, are not illegal to own and the Kodi software they run is also legal to own and use.
The problem comes, the IPO says, once the devices are adapted to stream illicit content, with sellers often labelling them as ‘Fully Loaded’, ‘Jailbroken’ or ‘Plug and Play’.
It’s one of the most popular TV streaming services in the world and new guidelines seek to crackdown on the illegal use of Kodi boxes, in a bid to protect copyrighted material from piracy
Any content that normally incurs a fee to watch, including TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels, is illegal to access for free, the guidance warns.
The IPO wants anyone who comes across the adapted boxes for sale to contact Crimestoppers.
It also advises that removing modifications to access pirated material will make the boxes legal to operate again.
Writing in the guidance, an IPO spokesman said: ‘The creative industries in the UK is a very important sector.
‘It provides employment for more than 1.9 million people and contributes £84.1 billion to our economy.
‘If you are not paying for this content you are depriving industry of the revenue it needs to fund the next generation of TV programmes, films and sporting events we all enjoy.
‘Instead it provides funds for the organised criminals who sell or adapt these illicit devices.’
The IPO has also warned that using illicit streaming devices could expose children and young people to explicit or age inappropriate content.
It also raises the question of the electrical safety of boxes sold on the black market.
A new report released last month revealed that illegal Kodi boxes can pose a ‘substantial’ fire and electric shock risks to users.
HISTORY OF KODI
15 years ago that a group of like-minded developers released an app called Xbox Media Player to play back audio and video files, which developed into the Xbox Media Center which was the baseline of what would become XBMC, which then became Kodi in 2014.
As of 27 May 2010, it was announced by the XBMC developers that they would cease development for the original Xbox.
Researchers have conducted a review of nine Kodi boxes that were taken from raids across the UK. These tend to be cheap boxes bought on the black market that are pre-loaded with Kodi software (pictured) and illegal add-ons that let users access films and TV programmes
The report even goes so far as to suggest that some boxes could be lethal, with tests revealing that electric shocks emitted could cause ‘fatalities.’
The experts behind the report are now urging people with the devices to ‘unplug it and stop using it immediately.’
Researchers from Electrical Safety First have conducted a review of nine Kodi boxes that were taken from raids across the UK.
The boxes were assessed in terms of any faults in the marking, warnings and instructions.
Their analysis revealed that none of the boxes complied with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.