XBMC is probably the most popular and versatile media managing hub out there, thanks to its supports for a variety of content, provision for third party addons and compatibility with almost all operating systems.

However, Apple doesn’t seem to think so, as there are no XBMC apps for iPhone or iPad nor any XBMC support on Apple TV, may be due to the misuse for piracy. But it seems unfair that the rest non-pirate good fellas have to suffer too.

And although there is a way to get XBMC working on the original Apple TV, as well as on jailbroken Apple TV 2 (see more details at the end of this post), there are still millions of Apple TV 3 (and non-jailbreakable Apple TV 2*) owners left without the ability to get XBMC on their little, black boxes.

But while we can in no way add XBMC directly to the Apple TV 3, there sure is a way to enjoy XBMC content on the HDTV using a 3rd gen. Apple TV. Here’s how.

XBMC on Apple TV 3

If you do have an Apple TV 3 and want to watch XBMC on your big screen, the best shot would be to make use of the AirPlay Mirroring feature of iOS devices and Macs and even Android and PCs with just the right apps and software. These methods can be used for older generation Apple TVs too. So read on.

1. Using iPhone or iPad

This method works only if you have a jailbroken iOS device. Find out more about jailbreaking your iDevice.

• Installing XBMC on jailbroken iDevice:

Step 1 – Open Cydia > Sources > Edit > Tap the plus button on left top > add this source and confirm
https://mirrors.xbmc.org/apt/ios/

Step 2 – Once the source is added, you can either search for XBMC or find it within the source. Tap on Install and Confirm.

Now your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch is running the complete XBMC suite. Just enable AirPlay Mirroring from the pull up menu and your HDTV will start the show.

You’ll notice that the app screen and media are showing boxed-in or with black pillars on its sides. Fear not! Within the app, just go into Settings > System > Video > Display mode and change it to FullScreen #2

XBMC will automatically detect that you’re on an Apple TV and turn the device’s screen into a gesture based remote and you can enjoy your movies in full screen on the HDTV.

2. Using a Mac

Download and install XBMC on your Mac from the official site.

Just enable OS X native AirPlay Mirroring to the Apple TV 3 and it’s done.

However, if you want to multitask simultaneously, like edit a document or surf the internet or watch another movie while your wife watches the XBMC media, you can get other mirroring apps like AirParrot, which helps to broadcast specific single apps. You can just hide the XBMC windows on the Mac and start using Safari or Keynote, without them showing up on the television.

3. Using a Windows computer

In this case we will use AirParrot, the only software out there that enables screen mirroring on Windows.

Step 1 – Get AirParrot for Windows
Step 2 – Download and install XBMC for Windows from here

Step 3 – Right click on the AirParrot icon in the bottom right toolbar and select your Apple TV.

Done! Your Windows computer’s screen is is now being streamed to your Apple TV. Open XBMC on the PC and start watching movies on the big screen.

4. Using Android phones or tablets

Koushik Dutta‘s Mirror app (currently in beta) can now mirror your Android screen to an Apple TV.

To try Mirror beta, you need to do the following:

1) Root your Android 4.4.2 phone (“not necessary in the future”)
2) Join the ClockworkMod community
3) Join the beta
4) Download the app from Google Play

Now, install XBMC on your Android device from XBMC downloads page. Fire it up and AirPlay to your Apple TV.

Sounds simple enough, but, since we haven’t tried this method ourselves yet (as this wasn’t possible until recently), we’d love to hear back from you guys on the results.

So these are the methods by which you can get XBMC to show up on your HDTV using the Apple TV 3 or non-jailbreakable Apple TV 2. Please try them out and let us know which one works the best for you.

XBMC on Apple TV 1st Generation

The process is a bit complicated for Apple TV 1 users. In this case, you’ll be using a software called OpenElec and you won’t be able to install XBMC as a separate channel on your set-top box but instead you’ll need to install XBMC as a stand-alone operating system on it. In short, your old Apple TV will boot directly into the XBMC home screen.

Find our detailed tutorial here.

The latest beta of OpenElec supports XBMC 13.0 Gotham.

XBMC on Apple TV 2nd Generation (jailbreakable)

Apple TV 2 has a stable and popular jailbreak solution, which will easily enable you to install XBMC directly on the Apple TV. Seas0nPass JB for Apple TV 2 is very well accepted by users and it is evident with the too high asking price for used Apple TV 2 on eBay. So if you’re not already jailbroken, it is highly recommended that you do it by following our tutorial.

Once you’re jailbroken, you can follow this guide to install XBMC.

* Latest jailbreakable Apple TV software version is 5.3.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Best Accessories for Apple TV

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post How to get XBMC on Apple TV 3 (or non-jailbreakable Apple TV 2) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Seas0nPass, the popular Apple TV jailbreak tool, has been recently updated by FireCore and now allows for an untethered jailbreak of Apple TV 5.3 (Apple TV 2 only). Released in June last year, Apple TV software version 5.3 added HBO GO, WatchESPN, Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello to our little black boxes.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to untether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.3 using Seas0nPass:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4:When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: Seas0nPass will complete the restore automatically, and confirm when complete.

Step 6: iTunes will confirm the restore when complete – your Apple TV is now jailbroken.

Note: To confirm the jailbreak was successful a (temporary) red FC logo will appear in the lower right corner of the screen – as shown below.

Enjoy!

aTV Flash (black) users that are already running 5.3 can jailbreak by following these two easy steps:

1. Navigate to Maintenance > Manage Extras
2. Install the Maintenance (2.4) update and the Click to Untether (1.2) items – restart the Apple TV when prompted.

Note: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.3 (iOS 6.1.4) using Seas0nPass (untethered; Mac & Windows) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

So you didn’t update your Apple TV 2 firmware to version 6.0 (iOS 7) when it came in September, hoping for a jailbreak for 5.3 software (iOS 6.1.4 – 10B809) to come sooner or later? The wait is finally over as an updated version of FireCore‘s Seas0nPass now allows for an untethered jailbreak of Apple TV 5.3 (Apple TV 2 only).

The update was possible thanks to the help from @iH8sn0w, @winocm, and @SquiffyPwn.

FireCore also revealed that “there has been some encouraging progress made on Apple TV 6.0+” (thanks to the work of @evad3rs and @nitoTV) and they hope to have more news available “soon”.

If you’re on 6.0.x but have the SHSH blobs saved for 5.3, you can use Seas0nPass to first downgrade and then jailbreak your atv2.

Here is how to jailbreak (instructions provided by FireCore):

Option 1 – if you’re already running 5.3

1. On the ATV2, navigate to Maintenance > Manage Extras
2. Install the Maintenance (2.4) update and the Click to Untether (1.2) items – restart the Apple TV when prompted.

Option 2 – to update or reinstall 5.3

1. (Optional) Navigate to Maintenance > Settings > Manage Backups and create a new backup. Double-check to ensure the backup is listed in the Restore From Backups menu.
2. Download the latest version of Seas0nPass.
3. Open and run Seas0nPass normally, to update the Apple TV to 5.3 untethered.
4. Download and run the new 2.4 version of aTV Flash (black) to reinstall.

If you’re new to aTV Flash (black) you can read our full review here.

Note: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 5.3 released appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to tether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2.1 using Seas0nPass:

NOTE: This is a TETHERED jailbreak. This means every time there is a need to reboot your Apple TV, you have to connect it to a computer. Functionally, both tethered and untethered jailbreak are identical.

NOTE 2: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4: When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: iTunes will open automatically and start the restore process.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2.1 (iOS 6.1.3) using Seas0nPass (tethered; Mac & Windows) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Back in January XBMC released the long awaited Frodo 12.0 for all of your Apple products. Now you can install XBMC on your iPads, iPhones, iPods, and your, glorious, little Apple TV 2. The installation is almost the exact same as installing previous builds of XBMC with 4 subtle differences. Here we have put together a guide that incorporates these changes. So, sit back, relax and grab a cup of coffee.

Note: XBMC is not yet compatible with the 5.1+ Apple TV software. XBMC Developer Memphiz said on XBMC forum that the team is “trying their best” to make XBMC running on Apple TV 5.2. XBMC now available on iOS 6.1 for Apple TV

Upgrading An Existing Installatin Of XBMC EDEN 11.0

So you may be asking the question, “what do I do if I already have XBMC Eden installed on my Apple TV?” If this is the case, we have a few tips for you specifically. After extensive testing throughout the BETA phase, the team at XBMCHUB.COM has discovered that you will find the best results by simply doing a fresh install of XBMC Frodo. Yes, it is possible to back up your settings and reinstall your preferences but this often leads to many of the same issues.

It is not the happy news you may have wanted, but it ends up that XBMC Frodo plays nicest with your Apple TV when you uninstall XBMC, and all of your presets, from your device. Though I am unsure where the problem is located when upgrading directly… The problem is there all the same.

Installing A Fresh Version Of XBMC FRODO 12.0

Requirements

• Jailbroken ATV2 running firmware 5.0.2 or older
• Mac computer (use Terminal App)  or Windows PC (use PuTTY App)

Step 1: Launch the “Terminal” or “PuTTY” application.

Step 2: Ensure that your computer and your Apple TV are on the same network.

Step 3: Connect to your Apple TV via SSH using the following commands.

• ssh root@[Your Apple TV’s I.P. Address]

Example: ssh root@192.168.2.18
This can be found under General/Network on your ATV’s main menu

Note: Should you receive an “Authentication Error,” copy and paste the following command into the Terminal window and press Enter, then continue.

• rm ~/.ssh/known_hosts

Step 4: Agree to any Security Prompts by typing “yes” (without quotations), then press Enter.

Step 5: When prompted for a Password, type the word “alpine” (without quotations) then press Enter.

Step 6: Copy and Paste the Following Commands into your Terminal App, pressing the Enter key after each. It’s important that you wait for each one to finish before moving onto the next. Don’t worry… you will know when each line is finished.

1)      apt-get install wget
2)      wget -O- https://apt.awkwardtv.org/awkwardtv.pub | apt-key add –
3)      echo “deb https://apt.awkwardtv.org/ stable main” > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/awkwardtv.list
4)      echo “deb https://mirrors.xbmc.org/apt/atv2 ./” > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xbmc.list
5)      apt-get update
6)      mkdir -p /Applications/AppleTV.app/Appliances
7)      apt-get install org.xbmc.xbmc-atv2
8)      mkdir -p /Applications/XBMC.frappliance
9)      reboot

Step 7: Once the Apple TV menu reloads, Launch XBMC into XBMC Frodo.

Step 8: To ensure the new build fits your screen, let’s enter the “Settings” sub menu under the “SYSTEM” heading.

Step 9: Select the “Appearance” tab from the left menu bar.

Step 10: Under the “Skin” menu, you’ll now want to choose “-4%” for the “Zoom” field so that your XBMC configuration will properly fit your television display. Depending on the television, you might have to play around with this, but it should work flawlessly at the “-4%” setting. Press “MENU” on your Remote Control to return back one level once this is done.

Step 11. Also worth noting: in XBMC 12.0 you will need to set up your sound. For this simply navigate to Settings/System/Audio Output go to the second option from the bottom and sleet the audio option that is right for you. Afterwards, go to the very first option and select between HDMI and Analog. If you are unsure… you are on HDMI.

Congratulations! Your Apple TV now has XBMC Frodo installed on it, and fitting on your screen. Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?

The post How to install XBMC Frodo on your Apple TV 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The FireCore team’s aTV Flash software, known as “black”, has recently been updated to version 2.2. This update incorporates support for Apple’s latest 5.2 software update (iOS 6.1), which officialy opened up support for Bluetooth devices to pair with your Apple TV. This is very exciting for those of you who had accidentally, or perhaps purposely, updated your black boxes in the past weeks. For those of you who have not yet updated your device, you need to consider one important question prior to clicking that software update option. The question before you is simply: “do I use Plex, Remote HD, Rowmote, or XBMC on my Apple TV?” If your answer is yes you may want to hold off on the Apple update as Apple’s latest software update also breaks these tools. We are sure this will be fixed, but as of now any Apple TV running 5.1 or higher will not have access to the items listed above.

That aside, aTV Flash (black) 2.2 has some exciting features for those of us already on the latest update. They have managed to integrate the Bluetooth keyboard functionality into all of their special features and additions to iOS. This means you get a fell keyboard experience while surfing the web, navigating their menus, and searching for content.

Other things we will see in aTV Flash (black) 2.2 update:

• Minor improvements to backups
• Minor improvements to DVD playback
• A handful of other bug fixes and improvements

WHAT DOESN’T WORK

3rd party plugins such as:

• XBMC
• Plex
• Remote HD
• Rowmote

are not yet compatible with the 5.1+ Apple TV software.

@thomashw, the developer of Plex client for Apple TV, has already confirmed on Plex forum that he will work on getting Plex working on the latest Apple TV software.

XBMC Developer Memphiz said on XBMC forum that the team is “trying their best” to make XBMC running on Apple TV 5.2. XBMC now available on iOS 6.1 for Apple TV

WHAT WORKS

Taking a look at the features/tools that typically comes with aTV Falsh (black), and subtracting the third-party software options/tools which are broken by Apple’s 5.1+ update, we are left with the follow list:

• AirControl
• Couch Surfer Pro
• Last.fm
• Maintenance
• Media Player
• RSS Player
• RSS Feeds
• Weather

HOW TO UPDATE

aTV Flash (black) 2.2 is compatible with any and all ATV2s running a minimum of 4.4 and up, so updating to 5.2 is not required. However, if you are wondering what the best way is to update, who better to listen to then the FireCore team themselves:

1. Backup your settings through the Maintenance > Manage Backups menu.
2. Run the latest version of Seas0nPass to update the Apple TV to 5.2.
3. Download and install the new 2.2 version of aTV Flash (black).
4. Install any desired items through the Maintenance > Manage Extras menu.
5. Restore the previously saved settings through the Maintenance > Manage Backups menu.
   
6. That’s it!

If you’re not yet using aTV Flash (black) you can get started here.

The post aTV Flash (black) update v2.2 includes support for Apple TVs on 5.2: what features/plugins work and what doesn’t? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Following the last week’s release of evasi0n iOS 6.0-6.1 jailbreak, FireCore has updated its Seas0nPass to provide an untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 running the latest 5.2 (iOS 6.1) firmware. Released in January, Apple TV software update 5.2  for the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV added Bluetooth keyboard support, iTunes in the Cloud and AirPlay audio for videos.

Some 3rd party plugins such as Plex, Remote HD and Rowmote are not yet compatible with the 5.1+ Apple TV software. The developer of Plex client is already working on getting its plugin working on the latest Apple TV firmware.

Update: XBMC now available on iOS 6.1 for Apple TV

aTV Flash (black) has also been updated and now supports Apple TV 5.2.

NOTE: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to untether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2 using Seas0nPass:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4:When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: iTunes will open automatically and start the restore process.

Step 6: iTunes will confirm the restore when complete – your Apple TV is now jailbroken.

Note: To confirm the jailbreak was successful a (temporary) red FC logo will appear in the lower right corner of the screen – as shown below.

Enjoy!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on Apple TV 3 jailbreak status.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2 (iOS 6.1) using Seas0nPass (untethered; Mac & Windows) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

aTV Flash (black) seems to be almost ready for 5.2 but there is still a lot of work ahead for the developers of other Apple TV software/plugins:

Please keep in mind that while the FireCore plugins will work on Apple TV 5.1, a few minor adjustments (which are currently in progress) are needed to ensure things continue to run smoothly on Apple TV 5.2. Things like Plex and XBMC do not yet work on Apple TV 5.1 and later, and will likely require A LOT of work by their respective developers in order to be compatible.

@thomashw, the developer of Plex client for Apple TV, has already confirmed on Plex forum that he will work on getting Plex working on the latest Apple TV software.

You can jailbreak your Apple TV 2 running software version 5.2 using recently updated Sn0wbreeze 2.9.8 but jailbreaking is a bit pointless at this moment as most of the plugins are still not combatible with the latest Apple TV firmware.

We will let you know once any of ATV tweaks/plugins is updated for iOS 6 and available.

The post FireCore working on updating Seas0nPass to support Apple TV 2 5.2 (iOS 6.1) jailbreak appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The Apple TV 3 jailbreak isn’t out yet, but FireCore, the maker of Seas0nPass jailbreaking tool for Apple TV, has just shared some info on the status of this jailbreak:

As you may recall we were very optimistic about the ATV3 when it originally launched back in March, and while this optimism remains unchanged it’s clear things have not progressed as quickly as anyone would have liked. The biggest hurdle that has yet to be overcome is also the most essential – the jailbreak. While we tend to think of ourselves as pretty resourceful, the security related expertise that is required in order to release a jailbreak for iOS based devices like the ATV is just not in our wheelhouse, and we’re simply left to encourage the capable few as best we can. No one is more anxious than us to get the ATV3 opened up to 3rd party apps, but due to the reasons mentioned above we’re not able to provide any kind of release timeline right now.

Back in August we reported that there was a group of “very bright and talented individuals” working on “a lead that could result in a usable jailbreak for the 3rd gen Apple TV”.

At JailbreakCon 2012, nitoTV announced that there has been some progress made with the injection vector, but no further specifics were offered an no further details have been shared since then.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to be first to know when the Apple TV 3 jailbreak comes out.

The post State of the Apple TV 3 Jailbreak appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AppleInsider discoverd a growing thread at the Apple Support Communities website where users report issues after updating their Apple TVs (2nd and 3rd generation) to the latest Apple TV 5.1 software. It looks like many Apple TVs are getting bricked after running the update:

After running the software update option on the Apple TV, a number of users indicated that the hardware simply displayed a blinking light, while nothing but a black screen is shown on their HDTV. Others found that their Apple TV could no longer connect to their network after updating, rendering the streaming-centric device useless.

According to AppleInsider, manually downgrading the Apple TV software to version 5.0.2 has been discovered to work as a possible fix:

The process requires installing an IPSW restore file from Apple, plugging the Apple TV into a Mac or PC with a micro USB cable, and force restoring the software through iTunes.

Remember that if you’ve previously saved your Apple TV’s firmware signatures (SHSH blobs) using TinyUmbrella or aTV Flash (black), you can downgrade Apple TV 2 software using Seas0nPass.

Here are the IPSW restore files:

Apple TV 2:
https://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV 3:
https://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV software update 5.1 has been released on September 24, 2012. The biggest changes included support for Shared Photo Streams, the ability to switch between iTunes accounts and to send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices

The post Users report bricked Apple TVs after updating to 5.1 firmware appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.