XBMC is a free and open source media player application developed by the XBMC Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium. XBMC is available for multiple operating-systems and hardware platforms, featuring a 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.
It is a popular alternative to Windows Media Center for HTPC (Home Theater PC) use. One of XBMC's main features is its customizability. A variety of skins can change its appearance and various add-ons allow users to access online content on services such as YouTube, Spotify, Grooveshark and Pandora Radio. And as of version 12.0 (codename "Frodo") XBMC will also feature PVR (Personal Video Recorder) GUI frontend for Live TV with EPG (Electronic Program Guide), and high definition DVR (Digital Video Recording) support.
XBMC was originally created as a media center application for the original Xbox game console but is today officially available as a native application for Android, Linux, BSD, Mac OS X, iOS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is also available as a standalone version referred to as XBMCbuntu.
Because of its open source and cross-platform nature, modified multi-platform versions of XBMC have been used in a variety of devices including Smart TVs, set-top boxes, digital signage, and hotel television systems. Derivative applications such as MediaPortal, Plex and Voddler have been spun-off from XBMC. Some of them, such as Boxee, are certified by the XBMC Foundation and developers and are designated as "Powered by XBMC" or "''Designed for XBMC".
Read more about XBMC: Overview, Mobile Remotes and Second Screen Apps, Official Versions, Commercial Systems, Derivatives, Programming and Developing, Current Software Limitations, Reception, History, Legality