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The Complete Kodi Apple TV Setup Guide

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Kodi Apple TV support may not be official, but there is a way to get the world’s most powerful streaming software on tvOS right now. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up Apple TV with Kodi media player, and how you can get started with it right now.

For as long as the Apple Inc. brand has existed, the company has been driven by the mindset to create consumer technology that stands apart. From the Apple II desktop computer that broke the tech world in ways no other computer in its time could, to the revolutionary Apple iPhone which continues to be one of the most successful inventions by the Cupertino company till date – Apple has been the epicenter of some of the resounding feats of personalized technology ever created.

The release of Apple TV in the year 2007 was the brand’s entry into the home entertainment space, bringing the simplicity of online entertainment streaming to people’s homes, and it certainly was ahead of its time. This was the same time when open-source media streaming program called XBMC, now known as Kodi, was gaining popularity. In the world of entertainment, Kodi media player has been one such driving force, which was created as a non-profit software to streamline media consumption. However, instead of creating a profiteering business around consumer market, Kodi is a free-for-all community that contributes openly to form a globally accessible streaming platform.

Kodi Apple TV Guide – Everything you need to know

Apple TV is designed to be a full-blown media streaming center that revolves around the closed-environment ideology on which all Apple products are based. From the MacBook running Mac OS X to the iPhone and iPad on iOS, Apple TV also comes with its very own proprietary operating system deemed as tvOS. Since the moto of Apple is essentially opposite to that of Kodi media player, it seems like two worlds colliding when you consider installing that open-source media streaming platform on a streamer device that isn’t intended for it.

Since Apple has made changes not just to the hardware, but also to the software of the Apple TV devices over the years, the ability to perform the Kodi Apple TV setup isn’t the same for each of the variants. We’ve deconstructed the process of setting up the most popular media streaming platform on Apple TV, and here’s everything you need to do to unleash your entertainment experience on the big screen.

Kodi Apple TV 1st Generation Setup

Apple TV First Generation may have been discontinued for almost a decade now, but it hasn’t been devoid from support for the Kodi media player. When it comes to the installation process, all you need to get started is around 1GB of available disk space on the Apple TV storage, along with a USB flash drive which puts up the Kodi media player on to the streamer.

Setup Process:

  • Make sure that you have upgraded your Apple TV 1 tvOS version to 3.0.2 in case you’re still using the previous older version.
  • You need to then fetch the OSMC (Open Source Media Center) installer by using the download link given here.
  • Once the installation process for OSMC completes, open the app on the Apple TV. Remember, you will receive a warning alert on the screen, since OSMC is not officially licensed to be used with the Apple TV.
  • Plug the USB flash drive into your computer, select ‘Apple TV’ from OSMC’s menu screen, and hit the Enter button.
  • Select the latest version of OSMC available and then press the Enter button.
  • You will be able to see a list of download options on the next screen. Select the ‘SD card’ option from the options and then hit the Enter button.
  • Now go ahead and choose the location of your USB-DISK, approve the user agreement box and wait as OSMC begins downloading on your USB flash drive.
  • Once the installation process of OSMC is completed, unplug the USB flash drive from your computer and then plug it into your Apple TV.
  • Turn on your Apple TV and wait as OSMC will begin installing it automatically.

Open Source Media Center (OSMC), which is a Linux-based media player for Kodi, will now be running on your Apple TV 1, allowing you to make the most of the online entertainment world.

Kodi Apple TV 2nd Generation Setup

Although the OSMC platform for the very first Apple TV was a step in the right direction, it did not support the later versions of Kodi media player that were released. Apple TV 2nd Generation was one of the first streaming devices out there to be able to run Kodi in its full capacity. However, after the device was discontinued, so was the software support for Kodi on it, which the reason you can only run older versions such as Kodi Helix on it.

Note: The process of installing Kodi media player on an Apple TV 2 requires a computer running Mac OS X software.

Setup Process:

  • Using a USB Type-C cable, hook up your Mac computer to your Apple TV 2 device.
  • Open the terminal window on your Mac and enter the following code – ssh [email protected]. Note: Replace the IP address ‘192.168.3.4’ with the IP address of your Apple TV.
  • Enter the password of your Mac computer when prompted.
  • Now go ahead and enter the commands into the Mac terminal:

apt-get install wget

wget -0- http://apt.awkwardtv.org/awkwardtv.pub | apt-key add –

echo ?deb http://apt.awkwardtv.org/ stable main? > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/awkwardtv.list

echo ?eb http://mirrors.kodi.tv/apt/atv2 ./? > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xbmc.list

apt-get update

apt-get install org.xbmc.kodi-atv2

Once the process is completed, you can connect the Apple TV back to your HDTV and check to see if the Kodi media player is working optimally.

Kodi Apple TV 4th & 5th Generation Setup

If you own an Apple TV 3rd Generation, then you’re out of luck, since it is the only variant of the media streamer that is not supported by Kodi. The only way to make Kodi work on an Apple TV 3 is by running it on a Mac OS X device or an iOS device, and then using AirPlay to cast the display to the big screen on the Apple TV. However, if you own an Apple TV 4th and 5th Generation, or the latest Apple TV 4K, there are a handful of methods for you to try out and get Kodi media player working.

Prerequisites:

  • Apple TV 4th or 5th Generation, or the latest Apple TV 4K.
  • tvOS version 11 or higher installed.
  • File for the latest version of Kodi media player for iOS (DEB File (ARM64).
  • Cydia Impactor tool (Download link).
  • iOS App Signer and Xcode.

Method No.1: Apple TV Kodi setup using Cydia Impactor

In order to install the Kodi media player on your Apple TV, you need to begin by converting the DEB file package into an IPA package.

  • Start off by ensuring that you have an app installed on your computer that can unzip files. Mac OS X users can fetch the Unarchiver or Entropy app, while Windows users can choose to use the 7-Zip or WinRAR app.
  • Start off by using any of these file unzippers to unzip the DEB Kodi media player file.
  • Once you have unzipped the DEB file, go ahead and unzip the file that is named ‘data.tar’.
  • Now you need access to the folder named ‘data’, then open the ‘applications’ folder and yet another folder called ‘Kodi.app’ will appear.
  • Start off by creating a new folder next to ‘Kodi.app’ and simply name it ‘XYZ’.
  • You need to drag the ‘Kodi.app’ folder and drop it into the ‘XYZ’ folder you created earlier.
  • Now you need to create a new ZIP file. Windows users can simply right-click on the ‘XYZ’ folder that was created in the previous step and select the unzip app to create a ZIP file. Mac users can right-click on the folder and select the ‘Compress’ option to create a ZIP file.
  • Mac users will have the file format of the compressed file as a ZIP by default, whereas Windows users will have to manually make sure that the compressed file format is ZIP.
  • Both Windows and Mac users must right-click on the ZIP file and rename it as ‘Kodi.ipa’.

Once you have successfully created the Kodi IPA file, you can begin the installation process, which doesn’t take more than a couple of more minutes.

  • Begin by connecting your Apple TV to your computer and if the iTunes app opens automatically, then make sure to close it.
  • Go ahead and open the Cydia Impactor app.
  • Locate the Kodi.IPA file that you had previously created to drag and drop it into the Cydia Impactor window.
  • You will now be asked to enter your Apple ID, so go ahead and provide it.
  • Cydia Impactor will then begin the process to install the Kodi app on your Apple TV.
  • Once the process is complete, feel free to disconnect Apple TV from the computer.
  • Now connect your Apple TV to the big screen and start using Kodi.

Method No.2: Kodi Apple TV set up with Xcode

Since Xcode is the official app development software for all things Apple, you will need a Mac OS X computer to get Kodi working with this method.

  • Hook up your Apple TV to your Mac OS X computer with the help of a USB-C or USB-A cable.
  • Download and launch the latest version of Xcode on your computer, and click on the button that says “Create a new Xcode project” from the main menu of the application.
  • Using the sidebar on the left, choose the ‘tvOS’ option, and then the ‘Application’ option.
  • Now select the option for ‘Single View Application’ from the right side of the screen.
  • You then need to specify options such as giving the app a product name along with an organization name and then fill the Bundle Identifier, after which, you can press the ‘Next’ button.
  • As the Xcode program loads, you might end up with an error that says the software can’t find a “matching provisioning profile”. Press the ‘Fix Issue’ button, which should resolve this issue.
  • You will now be asked to enter your Apple ID, and although being a developer is a bonus, a regular Apple ID should work too. Pick your Apple ID from the drop-down menu and click the ‘Choose’ button to proceed. The error should now be resolved on Xcode and you will be redirected to the main menu.
  • Now go ahead and open the iOS App Signer you installed using the link given above. You will be asked to enter details into multiple fields, starting with the first one named ‘Input File’, where you need to select the Kodi DEB file. For the fields such as the ‘Signing Certificate’ and ‘Provisioning Profile’, you can use the default values as it is.
  • Browse for the section that reads the ‘App Display Name’ field at the bottom of the screen, type in the name ‘Kodi’ and then click the ‘Start’ button.
  • The App Signer should now be able to unpack the data in the Kodi DEB file and create a new IPA file as a result.
  • Head to the Xcode app, click on the ‘Windows’ button, and then choose the ‘Device’ menu.
  • From the list of devices appearing on the left, pick your Apple TV and then choose the ‘+’ tab under the ‘Installed Apps’ section.
  • Make your way to locate the newly created IPA file within iOS Signer to open it.
  • Once the process of installing Kodi has finished, you can feel free to disconnect Apple TV, attach it to your TV and get Kodi running on the big screen.

Final Words

You may not be a big fan of the closed-loop that Apple dictates on the software side when it comes to interconnectivity, but there’s no denying that all Apple products are popular for a good reason. Apple TV has enjoyed a permanent place in the living rooms of millions of consumers all around the world, and while the majority of them may not feel the need to tinker with the software that comes pre-installed, running Kodi on Apple TV requires you to roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work.

Are you among the Apple TV users who is rushing to get Kodi media player working on the big screen, or do you think that all of the work simply isn’t worth the hassle? Be sure to let us know what you think about the entire ordeal in the comments section right down below.

Best Kodi Tips You’ll Find in 2019

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Kodi tips are rather underrated. After all, one of the biggest advantages that Kodi offers compared to other players and streaming services is that it’s extremely modular. It can be shaped in any way you want. 

So, why not take advantage of that? Here are the best Kodi tips that we can give as of 2019!

1: Use a VPN

Kodi veterans probably saw this coming from a mile away, but one of the most important Kodi tips that we can give you is to use a VPN. More so for security rather than privacy. 

See, while Kodi itself is completely legal to use, there are numerous 3rd party add-ons that aren’t. In some places, this can get you into huge trouble. You may end up paying fines or in some other, more severe, but also more rare cases, going to jail. 

Using a cheap VPN (Avoid freebies) is an easy way to avoid that. Not only because it conceals your identity, but also because it can make it look as if you’re browsing from another region; preferably one that doesn’t care too much about piracy. 

Germany and Japan are two of the most strict countries when it comes to pirating and streaming copyrighted content. So, those of you who live there should definitely use one. As for the rest of us, it’s still a good idea. Just to be safe. 

Some of the top choices include: 

  1. Express VPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. And Nord VPN

We personally prefer Express VPN since it has been long known as one of the best options and you know what they say: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”. 

2: Change The Language

This is quite a simple one, but did you know that Kodi offers multiple languages? It starts off with English, but there are plenty of more options to choose from. 

There are 75 options to choose from including: 

  1. Greek
  2. Russian
  3. Swedish
  4. Japanese
  5. German
  6. Croatian
  7. Czech
  8. Danish
  9. Dutch
  10. French

And many, many more. So, if you’re not a native English speaker, why not change the language to feel right at home? You can do that by going to: 

  1. Settings (Gear icon)
  2. Interface
  3. Regional
  4. Language
  5. And then simply select the language of your choice

Sure, this isn’t anything breathtaking. But, for those of you who are not too good with English, it can definitely make a huge difference. 

3: Install Different Skins

Kodi looks beautiful as is. But, did you know that there is also the option of installing custom skins on it? This can change not only your background but the overall feel of the app. 

Thankfully, unlike installing 3rd party add-ons, installing skins is as easy as going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Add-ons
  3. Search
  4. Insert the name of the skin that you want
  5. Search
  6. Click on it
  7. Select “Install”

And that’s about it. 

Now, of course, the harder part is finding some skins to install in the first place. But, in such cases, Google is your friend. Some of our favorite options are: 

  1. Eminence: Very simplistic and elegant
  2. Aeon Nox: SiLVO: Beautiful and transparent
  3. Arctic Zephyr 2: Magical
  4. Atlas: A bit dark
  5. Chroma: Great for TVs
  6. Black Glass Nova: Fancy
  7. Pellucid: As simple and beautiful as it can get
  8. Transparency: Probably the best option for those who are stuck with a remote
  9. Revolve: Practically makes Kodi feel like a different app
  10. Aen Tajo: Abstract themed

Kodi tips

With so many options out there, you’re bound to find something that fits your tastes. All of the installed skins can be found at: 

  1. Settings
  2. Add-ons
  3. My add-ons
  4. Look and feel
  5. Skin
  6. Select the skin that you want
  7. And pick “Use” 

4: Customize Your Skins

Installing skins is one thing; customizing them is another and probably one of the best Kodi tips that we can give you. After all, there are times where the skin hits all the right spots, except one thing. 

That thing could be anything. The background, colors, header, etc. To find these options, you simply need to head over to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Skin settings

And then adjust anything according to your preferences. 

Kodi tips

Do keep in mind that your options may vary depending on the skin that’s installed. In any case, this is something that helps us bring everything one step closer towards our taste. 

5: Create Separate Profiles

Netflix offers a handy feature which allows you to switch between different profiles for different members of the family or friends who are sharing the account with you. But, did you know that you can also do something similar with Kodi? 

If there are multiple people in the house who are using the same machine, then creating a separate profile for each person may be a good idea. Not only for having a bit of privacy, but also for individual preferences like add-on lists, skins, setups, etc. 

Creating a profile is as simple as going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Profiles
  3. Add profile

Kodi tips

You’re free to add passwords if you want and it goes without saying that there is the option of selecting different profile pictures, default log-ins, etc. 

6: Don’t Forget to Adjust the Main Settings

Most of the time, Kodi manages to setup the main settings automatically without any issues. But, if you are experiencing issues with your display or anything like that, then chances are that you’ll have to manually adjust some options. 

The main settings can be found at: 

  1. Settings
  2. System
  3. And then you can tweak whatever feels wrong

For example, a common issue with Kodi users on PC is that they can’t get audio on their headphones. Especially those who are using a dedicated audio card for it. Fixing that requires you to go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. System
  3. Audio
  4. Audio output device

And then you need to select your headset. 

Kodi tips

As far as basic Koti tips go, this an absolute must. The same thing applies to your display settings. You can change not only the active monitor but also its resolution with the native option being the best. 

If you don’t know what your native resolution is, just try out different options until the display feels more natural and crisp. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other good Kodi tips, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below. 

Best Netflix Alternatives in 2019

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There are numerous Netflix alternatives out there and we’re here today to find the best out of the bunch. I mean, Netflix is a great streaming service. It really is. But, what if you want something different? Something maybe a bit cheaper, free, or with a different selection of movies and shows? So, let’s check out some alternative options. 

1: Best Netflix Alternatives For a Subscription: Amazon, Hulu, And HBO

Netflix alternatives

Amazon, Hulu, and HBO are by far the most popular streaming services aside from Netflix. Obviously, most of us already know about them. But, still, we thought that mentioning them is good for starters who are just now getting into streaming. And if you haven’t heard about them, now is your chance to check them out!

First of all, there is Amazon Prime Video which offers a great collection of movies and TV shows like Aquaman, Captain Marvel, Game of Thrones (Along with an HBO sub) and many, many more. The great thing about it is that it goes hand to hand with Amazon Prime which means that you won’t have to pay for two separate services. 

Then there is Hulu which has a wide variety of shows to watch from – especially if you include the add-ons that you can use like HBO, Showtime, and more. The only downside of it is that their Android app doesn’t play well with certain devices and that can be an issue. Especially if you consider that more than 60% of people nowadays prefer browsing with their smartphones. 

Last, but not least, there is HBO. This is  the streaming the service that offers two of the most popular exclusive shows out there: 

  1. Game of Thrones
  2. Chernobyl

Exclusives are obviously not exactly a good thing for us, the consumers, but just saying. Prices are not going to be mentioned cause they can wildly differ from region to region. 

Best Free Netflix Alternatives: Showbox, Popcorn Time, And Kodi

Netlfix alternatives

Not everybody is able or willing to pay for a subscription. Thankfully, there are quite a few Netflix alternatives that are also completely free to use. 

Now, some of them are a bit shady and maybe even dangerous for your device’s health, viruses and such, while others, up to a certain point, are completely safe and legal to use. Let’s shart with Showbox. 

Showbox is completely free and allows you to watch almost every show and movie that’s out there. However, it has 2 series downsides: 

  1. Only available for Android
  2. No official source as of yet

The first downside is somewhat of a problem for PC users and for those who want to watch their shows on a bigger screen. Not really a huge deal. However, the second downside can even prove to be dangerous. After all, download the app from the wrong source and you may get infected with adware or something even worse. 

Popcorn Time is a bit more popular and is available for computers as well. While it has a rather big collection of shows and movies, it’s also considered illegal in numerous countries.

Piracy is commonly nothing to be afraid of. But, if you are living in the wrong country and at the wrong time, you’re risking getting fined or even going to jail. More on that later on. 

Last, but not least, Kodi. Kodi, by default, offers quite a number of legitimate and legal sources to watch numerous videos. Now, if you want to move on to more questionable add-ons, then that’s your call to make. 

Basically, Kodi allows you to use 3rd party sources and that, in turn, makes it practically possible to get all the shows and movies in the world for free. Just not legally. Again, Kodi, by default, is completely legitimate and legal. The 3rd party add-ons are the ones that are questionable. 

Consider Using a VPN

Some of the above-mentioned services, including Kodi and Showbox, are considered illegal in numerous countries. Well, to be more precise, Kodi isn’t considered illegal as it is, but that’s a topic for another day. 

Usually, pirating movies and shows isn’t something that will get you punished. However, some countries are known for being strict for such matters. Germany is one of the few that can fine you or even send you to prison for piracy. 

So, are you going to take the risk? Why not use a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a kind of software which conceals your identity and also whatever it is that you’re doing on the Internet from any prying eyes. 

That includes your ISP and even the government. Obviously, if you’re going to do something that’s considered highly illegal, then no VPN provider is going to try and hide you from the government/police. 

However, for the rest of us normal folk who just want a bit of privacy and security, a VPN is a great solution. Most of them are extremely cheap while there are also a few free choices. We’d recommend against the latter, but, that’s a topic for another day. 

There are plenty of choices out there, but ExpressVPN is the one that we’re going to recommend. After all, it has a long-standing reputation for being fast, reliable, affordable, and secure. 

So, all things considered, do seriously think about installing a VPN. 

Get ExpressVPN From The Official Website

 

Honorable Mentions

All the services that we mentioned above are some of the most widely known Netflix alternatives, but there’s much more to it than that. Here are some other streaming services that deserve a bit of attention as well: 

  • HooqMubi
  • Fandor
  • Crackle
  • Hotstar
  • Filmstruck
  • Sling TV
  • Tubi TV
  • YouTube
  • Pluto TV
  • Showtime
  • Pureflix
  • Pocorn Flix
  • Viewster
  • Snag Films

Yes, YouTube is also included. While it’s clearly far from having the biggest collection of shows and movies, you can still find a few stuff there. For example, The Red Pill is only available on YouTube at the moment. 

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other Netflix alternatives to recommend, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One Console – The Complete Guide

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Do you want to learn how to install Kodi on Xbox One and gear up your gaming console for some entertainment streaming as well? Here’s everything you need to know about installing Kodi media player on an Xbox One, and how you can supercharge it with the help of ExpressVPN.

Back in the early 2000s, the gaming industry was dominated by the Japanese tech brands such as Nintendo, Atari, and Sony. The American computer company Microsoft decided to take a jab at it, introducing the very first Xbox console, which may not have been able to compete with the PlayStation One in terms of sales, but certainly overpowered it with the hardware specs that it boasted. Soon enough after its launch, the community support for Microsoft Xbox looked for ways to run multimedia files on the console, which led to the inception of the XBMC (Xbox Media Center).

Fast forward to 2019, and XBMC has evolved into the Kodi media player, possibly the most versatile streamer software available today. The widespread popularity of Kodi has helped it spread across the desktop and mobile platform, but it continues to have a home on the Xbox One console. Thanks to the introduction of the Kodi media player app on the Microsoft Store as well as the Xbox App Store, you now have an official method on how to install Kodi on Xbox One. But with the built-in multimedia capabilities that are included with the latest generation of Xbox One consoles, why do you need to hook up Kodi media player to it?

Why use Kodi on Xbox One?

The very first Xbox console may have had the hardware that allowed the installation of XBMC, despite the software limitations. The Xbox One console is designed to be a multimedia hub, allowing you to not only enjoy high-graphics game titles, but also act as a streaming device with support for all the top names in the entertainment streaming business. While the ability to install the Kodi media player on your Xbox gaming console may not seem essential to the cause anymore, but there are plenty of reasons to do it.

Multi-format media support – Kodi has been built from the ground up to support every media format there is available, covering the basics such as AAC, MP3, OGG, MP4, and many others. But the ability to support content in unconventional formats such as ISO, 3D, H.264, etc., along with the ability to import additional details such as posters trailers, video extras, and more, is what makes Kodi one of a kind.

Live TV Streaming – Unless you have a dedicated streaming service that offers live TV coverage and is supported by the Xbox One, the only way to enjoy live TV is through the Kodi media player. Supported services such as MythTV, NextPVR, MediaPortal, and others are integrated with Kodi, allowing you stream thousands of channels on the Xbox One, along with the ability to double up as a recorder too.

Kodi Add-Ons – Just when you thought that a multimedia player could not get any better, Kodi changes the game with the add-ons. With a massive library of official Kodi add-ons that bring a slew of features related to video, audio, weather, productivity, and more, there is also a community driven to offer unofficial add-ons for the media platform, some of which are even known to offer free movies and TV shows.

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One

The original Xbox, as well as the previous generation Xbox 360 were built on a different software operating system, which required a lengthy process to install Kodi on the console. However, the Xbox One has been integrated with the Windows 10 operating system, which makes it an ideal home entertainment system. This also makes it easier to install Kodi on Xbox One, since the media player is available officially on the Xbox App Store.

  1. Turn on the Xbox One console and access the Main Menu
  2. Make sure that the Xbox One is connected to the internet and you’re logged into your Live account.
  3. Tap on the Search button and type in “Kodi” and select the Kodi icon when it appears.
  4. Press the Get button and wait while the Kodi app is installed on your Xbox One console.
  5. Once the app has been installed, you can hit the Launch button to start the Kodi app on your Xbox One console.

You can also choose to install the Kodi app on your Xbox One remotely from your desktop using the Microsoft Store app.

  1. On the desktop or laptop screen, press the Start icon and search for the Microsoft Store app.
  2. In the Microsoft Store app, use the Search bar to find the Kodi
  3. Press the button that says “Install on Xbox One” to begin.
  4. After a few minutes, the Kodi app should be downloaded and installed on your console, so do make sure that it is turned on.

Now that you have the Kodi media player installed on your Xbox One, you can start using it just the way you would on the desktop or mobile phone. Installing official Kodi add-ons, along with add-ons from community repositories is also possible on the Xbox One.

Use ExpressVPN with Xbox One

If you’ve been using Kodi media player for streaming and watch movies and TV shows using the numerous add-ons available, you already know how crucial it is to get a VPN up and running. But any free or cheap VPN service just won’t cut it, which is why we recommend that using ExpressVPN when using Kodi on Xbox One. Built with features that are streamlined for online viewing, ExpressVPN allows you to choose the fastest servers from more than 60 different regions across the world.

Apart from making your browsing experience anonymous and hiding your user activity from the ISP, ExpressVPN is the only way for you to enjoy some of the most popular Kodi add-ons. Regional restrictions may either affect your streaming experience with Kodi, or make certain add-ons completely redundant, and the only way around it is using a service such as ExpressVPN. But when it comes to using Kodi on Xbox One, the compatibility of ExpressVPN with Xbox One makes it one of the more versatile services to use.

Read our article about the best VPNs for Kodi.

Final Words

There is no question about the fact that cord cutting is taking over the entertainment industry, and at the current rate of growth, cable entertainment will be a thing of the past. For the gamers among us, making a sizeable investment behind a powerful gaming console should entitle to you not just some graphics-packed action, but ease of use when it comes to entertainment streaming too. The Xbox One has taken a step in the right direction, thanks to Microsoft bringing about Windows 10 for it, which opens doors to compatibility for all kinds of apps, which includes Netflix, Hulu, and many other.

But the introduction of Kodi on Xbox One is what is reshaping the use of the gaming console for entertainment purpose. Now you no longer need to spend more money getting your hands on a streaming device to run Kodi media player, since the Xbox One can do it for you. Are you going to among those who will double up their Xbox One console as an entertainment hub with the help of Kodi media player? Be sure to share your thoughts about it in the comments section right down below.

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – Battle of the Budget Streamers

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Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – Battle of the Budget Streamers

Can’t decide who to pick between the competition of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV to select for your entertainment streaming experience? Here’s a close look at both of the budget streaming devices from Google and Amazon, so you can choose the right one to buy.

The television is more than just an entertainment system – it is a piece of technology that is able to bring alive the party and adds to the home space for some family time. For decades, the visual entertainment industry has been tied down to the cable company, which strictly limited the content you could enjoy on the big screen. But the recent pushback possible with the help of the internet, has ushered in an era of streaming entertainment, made possible by smart devices that allow content to be played over the wireless network.

In the fight to cut the cord and reclaim the easiest way to watch our favorite movies and TV shows, the biggest brands in the tech business have come up with some nifty solutions. Streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, and many others are offering millions of customers across the world the ability to enjoy entertaining content on the go as well as from the comfort of their living rooms. What makes it possible for users to stream content on the big screen are devices like the Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – The Fight

Web entertainment services can be expensive as it is, which is why most users are weary of stepping up and spending hundreds of dollars on a premium streaming device. The idea behind the Google Chromecast as well as the Amazon Fire TV Stick is to create an entry-level solution for customers to access online entertainment. By bringing down the price point and making online entertainment accessible, both the budget streaming devices are here to help you explore a world of content, while cutting out the hefty recurring fees, viewership restrictions, and advertisements that the traditional cable company dumps on you.

Are you planning to get onboard with wireless entertainment, but can’t decide on whether you’re all about Amazon, or want to be a member of team Google? We’re here to help you understand the best features of the both these wildly popular budget streaming devices, so you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Design and Build

Starting off with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you get a rectangular structure which resembles an extra-large USB drive by its design. But instead of the USB connector, you have an HDMI port that plugs into your TV, along with a Micro USB port at the rear of it, which takes in the power supply. There isn’t any element to the design of the Amazon Fire TV Stick that would stand out, but since it will mostly be tucked away behind the TV panel, the aesthetics should not be much of a concern. A useful addition in the box is the HDMI extension adapter, which should come in handy if the boxy structure of the Fire Stick TV obstructs the HDMI port.

Speaking of the Google Chromecast, you get a rather unique look in the form of a circular structure with the HDMI cable dangling out from one end. The pebble-shaped Chromecast conveniently tucked into the back side of the TV, while the flexible HDMI cable ensure that it never gets in the way either. Available in Black and White color schemes for you to choose from, the rear side of the HDMI cable and the Chromecast itself is magnetic, allowing you to fold it over for an even more minimalist appearance. Unlike the Fire TV Stick, Chromecast does come with a button right next to the Micro USB port, which acts as a reset button.

Winner: Google Chromecast

Remote Control

The competition of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV starts heating up when it comes to the remote control options, especially since the latter comes with a physical remote control. Amazon offers the Alexa Voice Enabled Smart Remote along with the Fire TV Stick right out of the box, which comes with a physical voice assistance button built right into it. Apart from allowing you to easily access content using your voice, the added ability of having a smart voice assistant on the big screen allows you to perform a quick online search, look up the weather, and even check the latest sports score right away.

With a circular navigation panel at the center which resembles the old Apple TV Remote, you get the Back, Home, Options, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Fast-Forward buttons embedded in it. A physical remote control makes it easier for the less-tech-savvy users to operate the smart streaming device, hence giving the user a more traditional way of enjoying big-screen entertainment. The Amazon Fire TV for both, Android and iOS allow you to ditch the remote, and makes it easier to type in your searches, which is quite a slow experience when done through the Alexa Voice Remote.

On the other hand, Google Chromecast takes a different approach entirely, by ditching a physical remote control and turning your phone or tablet into one. Google has integrated the Chromecast service into thousands of apps, which makes the transition from the mobile phone’s display to the TV screen almost instantaneous. The user interface that the app provides you to control the Chromecast from a phone or tablet is fairly easy to understand, and the entire ecosystem of Google apps such as YouTube, Google Play Music, and many others, makes the experience fairly gentle and intuitive.

While Google Chromecast may beat the Amazon Fire TV Stick app, it does beat the actual interface that comes with the convenience of a physical remote control. For instance, when you choose to cast a movie or TV show from your Netflix app on the phone to the Chromecast, you can’t choose to watch anything else on Netflix from your phone without interrupting the playback on the big screen. Additionally, your phone or tablet must always be well within the range of the Wi-Fi network to which the Chromecast is connected to, if you want to enjoy uninterrupted streaming.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV Stick

Apps and Content

Amazon follows the same process of app deployment for the Fire TV Stick that it does for the Fire tablets, choosing to run its own version of Android. The company chooses to filter out Google Apps suite such as the Google Play Store, Google Movies, Google Play Music and several other, in an effort to minimize the monetization for its closest rival in the online media streaming business. The Amazon App Store still gives you a healthy choice of apps to choose from, including everything from news, games, productivity, and more, and there’s the option to sideload apps such as Kodi media player by enabling “Unknown Sources” from the Developer Options, just like you would on an Android phone or tablet, and the built-in 8GB storage should give you enough room to do so.

Google offers the ability to include the Chromecast option in almost every major media streaming app available on the Google Play Store, which is in the thousands. You get seamless integration in all of the popular names such as YouTube, Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, Plex, Kodi, and there’s even the ability to cast non-supported ones through third-party apps such as AllCast. Amazon once again goes head to head with Google, by not offering the casting feature in the Amazon Prime Video app, thus putting your hopes of cross compatibility between Amazon and Google to rest. Additionally, Chromecast does not come with any built-in storage like the Fire TV Stick does, so all of the apps that you use with it need to be installed on your phone or tablet.

Winner: Tied

Display Mirroring

The Chromecast Vs FireStick TV showdown gets even closer when you are comparing two devices’ ability to perform screen mirroring. The feature allows users to use their TV screen as a duplicate display for their phone or tablet, allowing them to essentially view all sorts of media on the big screen effortlessly. Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with Miracast support right out of the box, which makes it possible for Android users to easily select the streaming device as a casting display and get going. Albeit there is lag when it comes to casting motion content such as videos, but the Mirroring feature on the Fire TV Stick is self-sufficient in handling photos, documents, and even music content.

Google Chromecast is a power-house when it comes to the ability of casting and mirroring content, allowing you to not only use the Cast button that is supported by thousands of apps, but also to cast directly using Google Chrome web browser. Just like its rival, the streamer does lose a few points when playing high-definition video content using screen mirroring, especially when the wireless router is not built to handle it. But the seamless integration of Google Photos makes the experience viewing images on the big screen a lot more fluidic and comfortable to navigate through.

Winner: Tied

Value for Money

Amazon is creating an ecosystem of products and services that are intertwined, and it has been successful in the form of Prime service. The chances are that as someone who is purchasing an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you are also an Amazon Prime member, which grants the Amazon Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Photos service bundled in. Considering that you can get the Fire TV Stick for cheaper as a Prime subscriber during the Amazon Prime Day sale, it makes the device even cheaper to get. The base price of the Fire TV Stick is set at $39.99 as of now, which includes the Alexa Remote along with it, making it a standalone media streaming solution.

Google Chromecast on the other hand is just a few dollars cheaper than its competitor at $35.00, but it does come with a lot less than the Fire TV Stick. You don’t get any form of physical remote control with the device, or is there an HDMI extension adapter included in the box. Google does have its very own streaming services such as Play Movies & TV, and Play Music as well, but these services are offered separately and not bundled along in the sense that Amazon has been able to achieve, which makes them an added entertainment expense for you to bear.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV Stick

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – ExpressVPN is Essential

Regardless of the streaming device that you have your mind set on, it all comes down to the quality of your viewing experience with the numerous streaming services that are available. Services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many others tend to offer varying catalogs of content based on the region you access the website from. Additionally, you may not be able to enjoy premium streaming services in certain regions due to regional copyright conflicts, but your way around it all is ExpressVPN. 

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions where there the federal authorities have blockaded access to streaming services, you won’t be able to access the service through Kodi either. Whether the functionality of the add-on is censored in your region or the service is entirely unusable, ExpressVPN allows you push forward with hundreds of remote servers across the world for you to connect to.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if the service is not explicitly banned in your region of residence, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep tabs on your usage. The online activity that you perform  can be logged, which poses not only a privacy threat, but the problem of the ISP fining you for unauthorized usage as well. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your online activity, rest assured that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.

High-speed Streaming – Although you can find plenty of free and barely-secure VPN services out there that can help you connect with Kodi and make the most out the services, most of them offer sub-par streaming quality. When using ExpressVPN, you are automatically recommended servers which offer top upload and download streaming speeds, so you don’t ever have to sit in front of the screen, waiting for the buffering circle to load up.

Final Verdict

Amazon may essentially be an e-commerce company, but it is attempting to conquer the streaming entertainment world as well. Although there is plenty of competition in the space, thanks to Apple TV, Roku Player, Android TV, and others, Amazon is reaching out to the consumer base by offering a unique entry-level streaming device in the form of the Fire TV Stick. The only real competitor to the service at the same price point and similar features is the Roku Streaming Stick, but it also pales in comparison when you consider how well Amazon Prime Video and its supporting streaming services are cross-integrated.

BUY AMAZON FIRE TV STICK

BUY GOOGLE CHROMECAST

Google may have been first to market with the Chromecast, but the streaming device has always been more of an accessory, rather than a standalone streamer. In the battle of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV, the fact that the latter has its own user interface that is free from the requirement of a mobile phone or tablet, makes it a better choice. Google still has a huge stake in the industry, thanks to Android TV, which gives the Fire TV platform a run for its money. But when comparing the budget offerings from two of the biggest names in the tech industry today, Amazon Fire TV Stick is our preferred choice.

Is your home entertainment system powered by the enclosed, self-sustaining ecosystem of Amazon Fire TV Stick, or is Google Chromecast your choice of weapon against the cable company? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section on which side you’re on in the battle of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV and specify why so.

How to Install Real-Debrid on Kodi – Real Debrid Kodi Guide

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Are you looking to streamline your streaming experience by putting Real-Debrid on Kodi media player? Here’s a complete guide that explains what the Real Debrid Kodi actually does, and a step-by-step guide on how you can install it right away.

The XBMC Foundation has developed the Kodi media player platform to be omnipotent, offering anything the everything that you may need to quench your desire in regard to entertainment. For any of the features that you may think are missing, there is a nifty Kodi add-on the fill in the void, whether you have music streaming in mind, or just good old live sports entertainment. However, the official Kodi repository is quite limited, and despite including hundreds of outstanding officially supported add-ons there are certain unofficial ones that have outshined the rest in terms of popularity.

These unofficial Kodi add-ons need to be installed manually, which is not as easy as simply hooking one up from the official Kodi repository. However, when you get premium movies, TV shows, music services, and a lot more in return, taking out a few minutes to get these add-ons running is well worth it. However, Using Kodi as a video entertainment service isn’t always optimal, since the content is hosted on third-party servers, and the streaming quality can be severely affected, with irregular buffering and drops in connectivity. A way to resolve this issue has been the ability to learn how to install Real-Debrid on Kodi media player.

What is Real-Debrid?

Promoting itself as an “unrestricted downloader”, Real-Debrid is a multi-hosting service provider that offers a premium service to its users for gaining access to streaming sources that are not publicly available to other users. By allowing you to easily download files that are hosted on the internet or simply stream them directly using the web player, Real-Debrid allows you to revamp your Kodi media player viewing experience by cutting down on the buffering time significantly. Allowing Kodi media player to add more sources for each viewing link, you can get your hands on high-definition content the easy way.

  • Real Debrid Kodi multi-hoster is available at different price plans, so you can try out the service for as low as 3 Euros before you choose to select it for good.
  • You can fetch a Real-Debrid Premium account that support streaming speeds of up to 1000MB/s with HTML5 streaming support, no advertisements, multi-browser support, and AES security.
  • Real Debrid also works seamlessly with a VPN, so you can make the most out of premium services such as ExpressVPN without any hiccups.

Use ExpressVPN with Real-Debrid

There is no dispute over the fact that you need a decent VPN service to not only get most of the popular Kodi add-ons installed, but also to have them work optimally. However, simply having any VPN will not do the trick, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a buffering-free and high-definition viewing experience with the Kodi media player. The entire reason for setting up Real Debrid Kodi is to enjoy a decent streaming experience, which is why you need a service such as ExpressVPN to support it. Built with features that specifically complement the Kodi media player and its add-ons, we recommend ExpressVPN to be used with Real-Debrid and every other Kodi add-on out there.

  • Bypassing Geo-restrictions – If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions where there the federal authorities have blockaded access to PrimeWire, you won’t be able to access the service through Kodi either. Whether the functionality of the add-on is censored in your region or the service is entirely unusable, ExpressVPN allows you push forward with hundreds of remote servers across the world for you to connect to.
  • Avoid ISP Logging – Even if the service is not explicitly banned in your region of residence, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep tabs on your usage. The online activity that you perform when using Kodi media player can be logged, which poses not only a privacy threat, but the problem of the ISP fining you for unauthorized usage as well. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your online activity, rest assured that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.
  • High-speed Streaming – Although you can find plenty of free and barely-secure VPN services out there that can help you connect with Kodi and make the most out of Kodi add-ons, most of them offer sub-par streaming quality. When using ExpressVPN for Kodi media player, you are automatically recommended servers which offer top upload and download streaming speeds, so you don’t ever have to sit in front of the screen, waiting for the buffering circle to load up.

TO SAVE 30% on an annual ExpressVPN plan, click this exclusive link. 

Reminder:  You need to install Kodi on your Firestick, Fire TV or other device.  We have some installation articles for you to follow to install Kodi.

 

How to Install Real-Debrid on Kodi

The Real Debrid Kodi installation process is different than most, since Real-Debrid isn’t actually a Kodi add-on, but a third-party service. Before we dive into the process, here’s a list of a few things that you should set up already:

Prerequisites:

  • Turn off the VPN service before you start the process, and turn it on only after the entire set up is complete.
  • Make sure that you have the latest Kodi build installed along with a Kodi add-on repository such as Yoda or Redux.
  • These repositories must include a Kodi add-on such as ResolveURL or URLResolver, which is essential to set up Real Debrid on Kodi.

Step 1: Create a Real-Debrid Account

Before you can get to installing Real Debrid on your Kodi media player, you need to create an account with the website and subscribe to the premium service. Here’s what you need to do to get started:

  1. From the web browser on your computer, head over to www.real-debrid.com.
  2. On the main screen of the website, you should be able to see the Sign Up button in the top-right corner.
  3. The sign up form should now appear on the screen, requiring you to enter details such as Region, Username, Password, and Email.
  4. Once you have created a new Real Debrid account, enter the Username and Password, and then hit the Login
  5. You can then access the Premium section to choose the plan of your liking, make the payment and continue to the next step.

Step 2: Set up Real-Debrid on Kodi

Once you have your premium Real-Debrid multi-hosting account up and running, you can now go to the Kodi media player app and get started with the setup.

  1. Launch the Kodi media player app on your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
  2. From the main screen, press the Gear icon on the top-right side of the screen.
  3. Now go ahead and select the System tab.
  4. Move the mouse cursor or your finger over to the Standard option on the bottom-left corner of the screen and click/tap on it until it turns to Advanced or Expert.
  5. Select the Add-ons tab from the side menu and then navigate to the Manage dependencies option. 
  6. From the list of available Kodi add-ons, scroll all the way down to find the URLResolver add-on.
  7. In the URLResolver add-on window, select the Configure button.
  8. From the side-menu, select the Universal Resolvers tab and then select Priority under the Real-Debrid section of the window.
  9. Change the Priority number select from 100 to 90 and press the Done button.
  10. Now press the OK button to confirm your action and press the Configure button once again on the URLResolver window.
  11. Select the Universal Resolvers tab again and make sure that the Enabled toggle under the Real-Debrid section is turned on.
  12. Finally, press the button that reads (Re)Authorize My Account and write down the code that appears on the screen.
  13. Open a tab in the web browser and navigate to the following webpage – https://real-debrid.com/device.
  14. In the empty box, type in the code that you retrieved from the Kodi media player and hit the Continue button.
  15. You should be able to see the message “Real-Debrid Resolver Authorized” appear on the Kodi screen.

Once you get the confirmation message, you will be able to make the most of out the multi-hosting service provided by Real-Debrid and hopefully enjoy a seamless video streaming experience with the Kodi media player.

Final Words

Going through the process above to set up a Real-Debrid account, and then installing it on the Kodi media player can seem like quite the ordeal. But if you have been streaming online content with Kodi long enough, you will be able to recognize that the problems with drops in connectivity and constant buffering can ruin an enjoyable experience. This is why we do recommend that if you plan to use Kodi and its numerous video streaming add-ons regularly, the hassle of setting Real Debrid is well worth it, and so is the premium subscription fees that it requires.

We’ve tried our best to provide a detailed and simplified guide on how you can set up Real-Debrid with Kodi and streamline your online entertainment. However, if you’re facing an issue with the installation process and do need assistance in getting things up and running, we’re here to help. Just reach out to us in the comments section with your query down below, and we’ll respond back swiftly.