Boxee, the online aggregator of TV and video content, has announced the release of its beta software. Boxee Beta will stage an unveiling event at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York on December 7.
In addition to demoing the beta, launch applications from partners will be featured, ahead of a public release at CES on January 7. The beta version includes a new user interface, improved navigation and a search facility for TV shows and movies.
Boxee is based on the open-source project XBMC, and incorporates the XUL framework, the basis for the Mozilla browser. Versions are available for use on a desktop or laptop PC and Apple TV. Its applications include the ability to access Hulu and the BBC iPlayer as well as a variety of smaller video providers.
In August Boxee raised $6 million (€4.24 million) through a funding round that added Boston-based General Catalyst as a shareholder.