If you’re looking to keep Kodi as your all-in-one streaming software, here’s some good news: its developers have a new version for every type of device. Kodi 21 is Omega’s first update, and it focuses on fixing previously found bugs. Although yes, it does bring some major new features.

Operating systems like Android TV are perfectly prepared to be a central playback hub; it’s not for nothing that they offer access to most streaming platforms. They even open the door to playback from local devices or the very popular IPTV: all you need is Kodi to enjoy television listings like this. It’s advisable to keep the software up to date; it’s the best way to avoid problems.

Kodi Omega 21.1 is not yet on Google Play

The developers have released the new version of Kodi, along with the changelog: it can be read in full on the project’s GitHub (where you can also find access to the source code, as Kodi is Open Source). The number of improvements and fixes is huge: nothing more, nothing less. 82 changes were introduced to the platformSome of them concern Android directly, both on mobile devices and on Android TV.

Here are the most important changes listed by Kodi on GitHub:

• Faster loading when selecting different video versions of the file.
• Smoother playback of uPnP content.
• Improvements to text display and interface alignment.
• More intuitive navigation and improved item selection.
• Improvements to the icons displayed for sections.
• Optimization of video information and subtitles.
• Improved group and channel management in PVR.
• Correct detection of subtitle formats.
• Updated on-screen gamepad controller.
• Improved compatibility with Bluetooth devices.
• Update to Android 14 SDK.
• Ability to change video interface to transparent on Android.

This new version of Kodi Omega Not yet available on Google Play StoreBut no problem: The developers have changed the version number so that you can update the version downloaded from the store. Safely, of course.

How to update your Android TV mobile phone, tablet or multimedia player to Kodi Omega 21.1? Follow these steps:

• Access this link from your Android mobile phone.
• Press the icon that corresponds to your system: Android.
• Select “ARMV8A (64BIT)” and accept the download. If you have an Android TV and it is very old (very old), you may need to download the 32-bit version. It would not work as usual.
• If your Android is a mobile phone or tablet, click on the downloaded file and accept the installation/update. In case of Android TV, continue reading.

Send files to TV on Android TV

• Install the Send Files to TV app On your TV (or player) and mobile phone with Android TV.Available on Play Store.
• Install a file manager on your Android TV. One that works best is File Commander, but others will work (most do) as long as you have access to the package installer.
• Turn on the Send files to TV option on your TV and also on your mobile phone. Follow the steps to access the home screen that says “Send” and “Receive” in capital letters. Both must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the transfer to work.

• Press “Send” on your phone and search for the Kodi APK file. Then select your Android TV.
• The file will be sent to your TV or player: by default it will be stored in the “Downloads” folder.
• Since Send Files to TV can’t install APKs (at least not yet), you’ll need to open a file manager.
• Search for the downloads folder, click on the Kodi apk, agree to install from unknown sources and install the app.

After the previous operation, you will have Kodi updated to version 21.1 Omega, without any changes to your channels, lists or add-ons: everything will continue as you configured it.

Cover image | Ivan Linares

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