Family Encyclopedia >> Entertainment

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

Send video links via Pushbullet for seamless playback on Kodi—the perfect Chromecast alternative. As a seasoned Kodi enthusiast (formerly XBMC), I've relied on this powerhouse media center software for years. Pair it with Pushbullet, the ultimate cross-platform sharing tool that syncs your Android, PC, and more, and unlock true device harmony.

Imagine these capabilities at your fingertips:

  • Push videos, images, or audio files to Kodi for instant playback.
  • Display phone notifications directly on your TV.
  • View Kodi alerts on your computer or mobile.
  • Automatically pause playback during incoming calls.
  • Remote control your media center via keystrokes.

This integration elevates any media setup, connecting mobile, desktop, and TV effortlessly. Here's how it shines in practice.

Stream Videos, Images, and Audio to Kodi

Pushbullet excels at transferring content across devices. Spot a video online? Right-click the URL and select “Send to Kodi”—it plays instantly if compatible.

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

From hands-on testing:

  • YouTube and Vimeo URLs stream flawlessly with the right Kodi add-ons.
  • Most Kodi-compatible sites work directly; for example, The Daily Show via USTV's vTV plugin.
  • Direct video URLs bypass unsupported sites.
  • Embedded videos require the source page URL.

Pushbullet respects ongoing playback by default (customizable). Access your queue anytime under Programs in Pushbullet.

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

Like read-later apps (9 Tools to Save What You Read on the Web for Later), Pushbullet queues media for home viewing—just ensure Kodi isn't running remotely to avoid surprises.

Sync Notifications: Phone to Kodi and Beyond

No more pausing TV for phone buzzes—Pushbullet mirrors notifications on your screen. Kodi alerts appear on other devices too, like recording confirmations from NextPVR (How to Watch Live TV with Kodi and NextPVR).

Auto-Pause Kodi on Incoming Calls

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

After years of tinkering, this feature delivers: Pushbullet pauses Kodi automatically during calls when enabled on your phone.

Setting Up Pushbullet for Kodi

Ready to dive in? In Kodi, navigate to System > Add-ons > Install from repository > Services > Pushbullet.

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

Configure via settings: Hit Authorize, log in via browser, then grab your Access Token from Pushbullet account settings. Paste it in Kodi, add the device, and verify.

Supercharge Kodi with Pushbullet: Effortless Video Streaming and Notifications

Test by sending a YouTube link—playback confirms success. Kodi now lists as a device in Pushbullet.

Your Favorite Kodi Tips?

While Rokus and Apple TVs have fans, PCs with Kodi offer unmatched flexibility and power (Cord Cutters: Ignore Set-Top Boxes and Use a PC). Pushbullet is one gem among many.

What do you love about Kodi? Favorite content, plugins, or tips? Share in the comments!