Kodi software update will make it MUCH easier to find films to watch

Kodi powers so-called 'Kodi boxes' which allow people to illegally stream free films to their telly

THE NOTORIOUS Kodi software has been given a revamp that makes it a lot easier to find films to stream to your telly.

Kodi's software has been given a bad name because pirates can install add-ons that let people stream copyright material like brand new films, shows and live sports.

So-called "Kodi boxes" can be found for sale online, which consists of a set-top box that connects to a television set or projector, and Kodi software with the infringing add-ons that appear like a film library which lets you pick from hundreds of films or channels.

The developers behind the software have vehemently denied any accusations that they are complicit in infringing copyright and have slammed users that run it simply to watch free films.

Despite the bad publicity, it has rolled out a new software update that will make it easier to browse media and add channels.

A British shop owner who made £40,000 selling Kodi boxes giving viewers free access to Sky Sports and movie channels narrowly avoided jail last week.

Brian Thompson advertised the boxes on the front of his Middlesbrough outlet with a sign saying: "Sick of paying monthly subscriptions? Free Sky, Virgin, Box Nation, Racing UK".

Teesside Crown Court heard that the losses to Sky were an estimated £200,000 in subscriptions they did not receive over the period Thompson was trading.

Judge Peter Armstrong handed the 55-year-old an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

More add-ons that allow sport and film streams are being shut down following court orders to seize domains, including that of main player TVAddons and larger powers have been handed to broadcasters to find and block access to streaming sites.

Kodi is very keen to wipe its hands off the streaming add-ons that made it so popular.

Several have received a harsh reception when asking for technical support on Twitter after their free sports streams stop working.

People who have sent tweets to the software developer's official social media account have been met with the responses "we don't care" and "we have no interest in helping you".