Boxee is a free multimedia application that currently works with both Linux and OS X, with a Windows version currently in private alpha and expected in June. Apart from allowing playback of your own media files, it seamlessly integrates streaming videos, TV and music from the web along with social networking elements.
You’ll need to sign up for an account on Boxees’ website, where you get the social aspect of the experience. It works like a regular social networking site, allowing you to “friend” other members and showing you a feed of all the content they’re either watching or listening to. You can also attach your Twitter, Friendfeed and Tumblr accounts, automatically updating them with whatever shows you’re currently watching.
Once installed, the Boxee software indexes your local media files and presents it in an interface integrated with online video content from a number of providers, including Hulu, Fox and Comedy Centeral. You can also add a bunch of non-default media services too, including various apps. Basically, it’s one slick central repository for all the online media content that you want – as many as it would take to satiate you.
GUI is great, with all content presented in a clear and intuitive manner, complete with thumbnails and posters to boot. You get lists of recommended shows, recently added items and a couple other categories. Like the browser version, you get to see videos your friends watched and recommended – which can cut down searching time, especially when you’re familiar with their tastes.
Actual media playback is very good, with great quality across different (even custom) aspect ratios. After watching, you get to vote whether you love the video or not, as well as recommend them to friends. Various things that enhance the viewing experience are wisely included whenever you choose a media to enjoy. When you select a movie, for instance, it pulls up the synopsis, trailers and various other information it can find. With songs, it can display artist information, album reviews and song lyrics.
Boxee’s only glitch is in the DRM department. Any DRM-protected file will likely end up unplayable. Most everything else – and we do mean everything else – is fair play.
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