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Boxee has long been the up and coming media center for Linux computers and Macs, with its support of almost any major file type and Internet apps.  It’s been stuck in alpha for a while and was limited to invite-only status.  In one meeting last night not only did Boxee announce some new apps, it also solved those major issues that some people had, namely its Windows availability.

While Boxee has been available to Windows users previously, it was an invite-only alpha.  The alpha is still hanging around for now, but now anyone can sign up and download Boxee.  In downloading the media center software everyone gets to benefit from the four major new app partnerships Boxee announced. 

Among the approximately 120 apps in the Boxee App Box are apps from MLB.tv, Current, Digg, and Tumblr.  Digg will allow users to view all the videos that pass through the site.  Tumblr can stream music and show photos shared on the service.  Current is offering streaming of some of it’s programming like “SuperNews” and “Vanguard Journalism.” 

MLB.tv is one of the more interesting apps, in that it has the full features of MLB.tv.  Members of the service will be able to watch live streaming baseball games through Boxee either on their computer or on their TV (provided the set up is there), which for premium members could be full HD games from anywhere in the country on their TV, which is quite nice.

That nasty “alpha” modifier is also due for an update.  In September “alpha” will change to much more accepted and familiar “beta.”  While Boxee currently looks to work great either way, the upgrade to beta will mean it is a bit more stable, so maybe it won’t freeze for a moment when quitting.  Either way, Boxee is a very good media center that should be considered for the apps and sheer format compatibility alone.

Read [Gizmodo]
Read [TechCrunch]