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Kodi 18 will have Google Assistant integration
- Personal media streaming app Kodi saw its latest alpha release, codenamed “Leia.”
- Kodi apps connected to Android TV systems will have Google Assistant baked in.
- Using Assistant, you can make voice commands to Kodi as well as receive suggested content based on your library.
If you use the media organizer app Kodi on your Android TV-enabled television or streamer, you’ll be excited to know that the latest alpha version of Kodi, codenamed “Leia,” features Google Assistant abilities baked in. That means Kodi 18, the next official stable release, will likely have suggested recommendations and voice search capabilities.
The Kodi app makes organizing and streaming your saved media library a cinch. Like its rival Plex, you can set up a media server in your home and then stream your content to your other devices anywhere. It’s a bit tricky to set up, which is why Plex has become more popular, but its open source platform gives you a lot more options and control over the app experience.
With Google Assistant baked in, watching media on your Android TV will be a snap. Using the familiar “OK Google” or “Hey Google” commands, you can tell Kodi what you want to watch and it will play it for you. You will also be able to get suggestions from Google Assistant. It will examine your current library and make recommendations for shows and movies you might like by cross-referencing with Google Play Movies, Netflix, and YouTube.
Anyone can download the latest alpha version of Kodi from its website. However, as it is an alpha release, it will likely feature numerous bugs and issues. If you would like a stable version, you will have to wait until Kodi 18 sees its wide release later this year.