CUSTOMISING KODI WITH BUILDS
Add a tailored build
Kodi’s default menu and look is rather lean on features – so you have to install the add-ons you want. However, you can transform it using what’s known as a ‘build’, which is a pre-made pack of addons. Here we’ll show you how to install a popular build called Apollo.
Before you can install new Kodi builds you will need to enable installations from unknown sources. Click Settings, ‘System settings’ and select Add-ons. Look for the ‘Unknown sources’ entry and move its slider to the right (see screenshot below). Click Yes when prompted.
Once you’ve done that, click Settings (the gear icon on the main menu), then File Manager. Click ‘Add source’ (on the left), then double-click None and type http://repo.ares-project.com/magic, then press Enter. Give the media source a name (we chose Apollo) and click OK (see screenshot above right).
Now you have downloaded the Apollo build you need to install it. Go back to the main menu screen and click Add-ons (in the column on the left). Click the box icon at the top left (see screenshot right), then click ‘Install from zip file’. Doubleclick on the Source that you just named (Apollo in our case), then click repository. a resproject, then ‘repository. aresproject’ zip and finally OK. Next, click Add-ons, the box icon (top-left), ‘Install from repository’, Ares Project, ‘Program addons’, Ares Wizard and then Install.
Now press the Escape key a few times to return to the main menu screen and click Add-ons, ‘Program add-ons’, then double-click Ares Wizard. Click OK when prompted. The Ares Wizard (see screenshot above right) will open after a few seconds. If it doesn’t, press escape again to go back to the main menu, but this time hover the cursor over Add-ons and then click the Ares Wizard button. Again, wait a few seconds.
Then, within the Ares Wizard, click Browse Builds (top left) and then Apollo. Click Get PIN (which will prompt your browser to open) and write it down, then click Enter PIN and type it. Then click Install. Once the installation has finished you’ll be prompted to close Kodi. Once closed, open Kodi again using its icon in your Start menu and you’ll see that it looks completely different – this is the Apollo build (see screenshot below).
Using Apollo
When Apollo loads, ignore any requests to sign in and click Cancel to dismiss the messages. You can also ignore any error messages. You’re best off controlling Apollo using the arrow keys on your keyboard. For example, hit the left arrow until TV Shows is in the centre of your screen, then press Enter. You’ll see all kinds of add-ons listed (and more if you browse down using the down arrow on your keyboard). Some, such as BBC iplayer, ITV and Youtube, are perfectly