We're living in a supposedly "golden age" of television. Typically, when people say this, they're referring to the fact that there are a lot more high-quality shows available than ever before. It's a content-driven market. Thanks to the recent onrush of streaming services all constantly trying to put out new content, there's a surplus of television series that haven't been seen before.
We can thank Netflix for this race to become the top streaming service. They sort of kicked off the trend a few years ago when they began streaming content instead of just mailing DVDs to people. However, their business model changed in order to take advantage of the much cheaper alternative of streaming content. This was always their goal - they just had to wait for the technology to catch up with their vision.
When the majority of people had access to the internet and could stream content without any lag or quality concerns, Netflix quickly became the number one streaming platform for original content. Then, other streaming platforms raced to keep up with Netflix's popularity.
Recent years have seen streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video begin to put out award-winning original series and movies, while each individual cable network has also decided that they want in on the fun. Now, platforms like Disney Plus, HBO Max, and NBC Peacock all offer their own original content.
As more streaming services come into existence, the streaming world is starting to feel nostalgic about cable - somewhat defeating the purpose of cutting the cord, in the first place. If every single network simply starts offering its own content and putting legal limitations on the rights to syndicated shows and movies, the less convenient streaming becomes in general.
I hope I'm wrong about this, but it looks like we're heading down a road where the structure of streaming will just become a wireless and more expensive version of what cable used to be - having to pay per channel, only being able to watch certain programming on certain networks. It seems to me as if the streaming service industry is on its way toward entering a bubble, much like the dot com bust of the early 2000s.
But, hey, I can't really speak for everyone. Personally, I just want to sit back and continue enjoying all of the great streaming content that I can get my hands on. But maybe for some of you, the corporate warfare and cash-grabbing is getting a little tiresome. So what do you say? Do you want to go the route of a media server?
Kodi media servers offer a variety of ways to bypass certain network-only protocols, allowing users access to shows and movies from other streaming services. Additionally, as Kodi becomes more convenient and user-friendly, it can be a convenient resource for accessing all of your subscription services.
Access all your favorite streaming sites from one well-designed location on your TV. Similar to having a Roku device without the hardware, Kodi allows users to quickly bounce between Netflix, Spotify, Pandora, Hulu, Amazon Video, YouTube, Crackle, and the rest of them. Just a click of the remote control takes care of it! Plus, it has some very cool customizable features that you will not want to miss out on. This Multi-Platform Home Theater experience will take your at-home media enjoyment to the next level.
History
Kodi?s software was created in 2002. It was an independently developed ?homebrew? media player that was originally called Xbox Media Player. It first appeared as an app, too, under the name of XBMC and was available on Linux, Android, BSD, macOS, iOS, tvOS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. In 2004, the software's name was changed to Xbox Media Center (often abbreviated as XBMC), and it first appeared as an app, too.
Since Kodi is a free and open source software application, there are numerous Kodi spin-offs that have been developed. JeOS, for instance, is a modified version of Kodi that can be used as a software appliance suite or a software framework for smart TVs - essentially modifying Kodi's core C++ code. Other whole media server programs have also been created based on Kodi's initial coding - such as Plex and Media Portal.
Although Kodi has received a great deal of attention both good and bad, the majority of it has been positive. However, because Kodi is so easy to use and third-party plugins are easily available, it has received a great deal of flack from those who worry that this platform could be exploited by hackers.
These plugins and capabilities make it possible for people to get around paying for content. There are many extensions for Kodi, for instance, that allow people to stream copyrighted content for free. This is exciting news for cord-cutters and pirates around the world, but not so much for the NBC or Disney executive.
Design
I think the design of Kodi's interface is sleek, easy to navigate, and intuitive. I like the default skin, too - a sort of gunmetal and midnight blue theme - but if that's not your aesthetic, don't worry; Kodi can be customized to your liking. One of the things that users love about Kodi is its versatility - it can be used in many different ways, depending on what you're looking for.
On the left-hand side of the interface, you will find a variety of content types. This is my opinion, the best way to organize Kodi, by media type: because of the enormous number of files and programs that Kodi can run. Simply choose from TV, radio, add-ons, pictures, videos, favorites (or weather), and Kodi will take care of the rest! From there, once a selection is made, you can browse all of your content - from downloaded files to apps to extensions. Allow Kodi to turn your TV into what basically amounts to a powerful computer operating system!
Content
When it comes to content on Kodi, there really is no such thing as too much. You can access any video or picture file that you want, as well as hundreds of additional add-ons and extensions. If you can find it online or have it downloaded, Kodi makes it easy for you to use it.
Pricing and Plans
As I mentioned before, Kodi is free and open-source. That means you can download it today, free of charge, and enjoy everything Kodi has to offer. There are no monthly subscription fees, or charges for using the programs you want to access on Kodi. Or find the right add-ons and pay nothing? What you do with Kodi is your business, but Kodi itself costs nothing.
Suggestions that I have for Kodi
I don't think that Kodi should be made more difficult to download. In fact, I think it could be made a little bit easier for people who aren't as tech savvy. But even still, Kodi is not as easy to use as some of the other apps out there.
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of your Kodi experience, it's important to learn how to use the software. mastering the interface can be a time-consuming process, but it's well worth it in the end. So I say give Kodi a try today â if you enjoy it, please consider donating to help keep Kodi evolving into a top-notch media streaming experience!