We have many fond memories of XBMC from the olden days of the Xbox modding scene, so it’s good to see the famed media playing living on in a new form on Android. Test versions of the XMBC controller app have been floating around for some time – now it’s launched on the Android Market in public beta for everyone.
Obviously you need a build of XBMC to make it work, as without that it’s just some data on your phone. Here’s the maker’s description:
Besides using the app as pure remote control with the look of the famous Xbox DVD Dongle, you’ll be able to browse your music, movie and TV shows library. Browse through your albums by genre or artist, select or queue an album without even turning on your television? No problem. Make incoming calls automagically pause the film you’re watching? Go to settings and check the option. You can find a complete list of features on the project page. Also check out the screenshots gallery.
And a little look:
Happy days. We wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of old Xbox hackers and tinkerers are now happily doing the same sort of thing on Android. You can take the modchip out of the man… something like that.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
Colin Hardie
/ July 15, 2010Noticed that the Sony BD Remote application is now available for the Android phone.