Kodi (formerly XBMC)

[Lily Adler]

I need help from more experienced Hypesters who are familiar with this software. I'm debating whether or not to add it to my gaming PC. My plan is to use Kodi's benefits along with a specialized skin that mimics the Xbox dashboard (although I'm hesitant to use it due to the immense amount of files installed). I then plan to registry hack my system to run Kodi as the default shell with this skin on top of it to give me a pseudo-Xbox.

 

[Captain Bryan]

I banged my head against the way with XBMC for about a year before I discovered Plex. Plex might not be as skinnable as Kodi/XBMC but it works a lot better and is easier to set up.
Have you looked in to Plex? You can use an app called Plex Media Center. Have that program as a shortcut on whatever frontend you are planning to run.

 

[Lily Adler]

Well my original plan was to make Steam Big Picture Mode as my main shell to navigate my computer and make explorer a shortcut when I want access Windows (along with Origin for some EA titles). I have been very contempt with my setup, but then MS put AAA titles in the Windows Store and some are exclusives (ReCore). I tried to link the Windows Store app into Steam, but Windows forbids access to the Windows Apps folder (understandable). Now I have to turn on explorer navigate with a mouse and keyboard to the Windows Store to get games that way which is cumbersome cause I like Steam Big Picture Mode and just having to use a controller.

Then I discovered Toyota###'s Durango skin for Kodi which mimics a console (specifically Xbox) environment through Kodi. He also has one for PS4 for those Sony fans. The problem I have with Kodi are certain add-ons which hackers can gain access through "man-in-the-middle" ways. I plan to use no such add-ons (even if every freaking tech nerd keeps recommending them), but I'm afraid they're included in the skin I want to use.

I've been looking into Plex, and I love the aspect of being able to watch a show and continue watching it from any Plex app on any device (it also has a Windows Mobile app). I'm just leery over having to pay a subscription for certain features, but I guess paying for great features is better than risking exposing personal info to hackers.