Key points
- Android apps can now launch Kodi directly to specific streams using deep links.
- webOS devices gain PulseAudio integration for improved audio handling.
- Linux users may experience washed-out menu colors due to HDR compatibility issues.
Media center software Kodi released the first release candidate for version 22, introducing significant platform-specific changes. According to Neowin, this update adds Android deep linking capabilities and webOS PulseAudio support. However, Linux users face visual interface problems that require attention before deploying this software version in any environment.
In plain English
This update changes how external applications interact with Kodi on different operating systems. On Android devices, other apps can now open Kodi and immediately start playing specific content streams. This deep linking feature improves user navigation between apps. On LG webOS smart TVs, the software now uses PulseAudio for better sound integration. These changes aim to streamline media playback across different hardware platforms.
The background
The Kodi 22 RC1 release candidate represents a pre-final stage of software development. Developers use release candidates to test features before the official launch. Neowin reports that while new features are functional, stability issues persist on certain platforms. Specifically, Linux systems with High Dynamic Range displays are showing washed-out menu colors. This visual glitch affects the user interface readability and overall experience for Linux-based media centers.
What changes now
Organizations and individuals using Kodi must exercise caution before updating. The presence of interface glitches on Linux systems indicates that the software is not yet fully stable across all environments. Neowin advises users to create a full system backup before installing this release candidate. This precaution ensures that users can revert to a previous version if the update causes system instability or persistent visual errors on their specific hardware configuration.
What to do and how to stay safe: Kodi
- Create a complete backup of your current Kodi installation and media library before applying any updates.
- Verify that your Linux system's HDR settings do not cause interface readability issues after the update.
- Test Android deep linking functionality in a controlled environment before relying on it for critical workflows.
- Monitor official Kodi channels for the final stable release before updating production media center systems.
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General security guidance from the Patch Review newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kodi 22 RC1 fix all known bugs?
No, Neowin reports that Linux HDR menu color issues persist in this release candidate version.
Can Android apps open specific content in Kodi now?
Yes, the update adds deep link support allowing Android apps to launch Kodi directly to specific streams.
Is it safe to update immediately?
Neowin advises creating a full backup before updating due to potential interface issues on Linux systems.
