XBMC 10.0 Comes with a New Add-on Platform and Better Hardware Acceleration

HTPC enthusiasts have something to look forward to this Christmas, XBMC 10.0 "Dharma" has been released. The latest version of the media center open source software originally created for the Xbox comes with a brand new add-on platform along with plenty of other updates like broader codec support and improved hardware acceleration.

"XBMC 10.0 'Dharma' is ready for consumption. Those who have been following development know that add-ons are the main focus of this release," the official announcement read.

"No need to put down the remote to find new content or change the look of your HTPC. Just head to the 'add-ons' section in the system menu," it added.

"Want to watch your favorite youtube videos? Listen to some web radio or podcasts? Install a web interface to control your living-room experience, or even one to manage your media? It’s all available in the new add-ons system," it explained.

Long-time XBMC users will greatly appreciate the ease with which add-ons can now be installed. While, previously, the affair required quite a lot of elbow grease, it now takes just a few actions.

Even in the testing phase of XBMC 10.0 add-ons were downloaded at a rate of 50,000 per day, so there's clearly a lot of interest in the feature for expanding the capabilities of the software.

But XBMC 10.0 brings plenty of other new features as well. There is now support for the new WebM/VP8 codec and other formats. Hardware acceleration support has been improved on all platforms.

Windows Vista and 7 machines now get hardware acceleration via DXVA2. CrystalHD support is now included for all platforms, VAAPI has been added on Linux and VDPAU on Linux has been improved.

XBMC is available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux as well as a stand-alone live CD. XBMC can also be installed as a dedicated operating system from the live CD.

XBMC 10.0 for Linux is available for download here.
XBMC 10.0 for Windows is available for download here.
XBMC 10.0 for Mac is available for download here.

XBMC 10.0 Live CD is available for download here.