Digital Home Thoughts: XBMC Gets New Hotness With Version Update

"XBMC is a killer open-source, cross-platform media center, and today they've released XBMC 9.11, introducing a whole new default look and feel, and it's very friendly on the eyes. Called Confluence, the new look blends some of the best features of XBMC's previous default skin (PM3.HD) with several other popular skins for pretty impressive results."

XBMC is one of the best HTPC software packages out there and it just keeps getting better. The most recent update sees some usability changes and fixes and the new skin, Confluence. I have always appreciated custom HTPC packages over that which is offered by my cable and satellite providers. Not only is there more control and flexibility, I find the interface far more engaging and user friendly. With PCs capable of 1080p output under $200 such as ION based nettops, there are fewer and fewer reasons to stick with whatever your TV provider offers.