Team Kodi Released Kodi 22 Piers RC 1
The latest test version introduces new subtitle, gaming, and platform-specific playback improvements.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Home Entertainment
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Team Kodi has published the first release candidate for the upcoming Kodi 22 Piers software. This version includes updated rendering engines and expanded support for gaming features, as developers work to finalize the build.
Why it matters
These updates address long-standing media rendering and compatibility needs across various home streaming platforms. Testing this version now helps the development team resolve remaining bugs before the final release.
The RC 1 build introduces FFmpeg 9.0.2 and updates the libass subtitle renderer to v0.17.5. Two known issues currently persist regarding TagLib and Linux OSD elements.
The players
Team Kodi
An open-source developer group responsible for the long-running Kodi home theater software platform.
The details
The update improves home media playback by integrating HDR-to-SDR tone mapping for Windows users and adding JIT execution support for macOS. The RetroPlayer feature has been upgraded with new shader support and RetroAchievements integration, while Android now supports deep linking. Users on webOS will see a transition to PulseAudio for audio management.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: Team Kodi published Kodi 22 Piers RC 1.
The Home Front
This release candidate marks the final stabilization phase for the upcoming Kodi 22 version cycle. The update continues the trend of integrating advanced rendering and gaming APIs directly into standard home theater interfaces.
If you are a tester, you can download the latest version from the official portal to begin evaluating playback performance. Users should specifically report bugs related to TagLib or Linux OSD elements to help the team resolve these final outstanding issues.
The takeaway
This candidate version offers a stable look at the upcoming software features before the final rollout. Users should prepare for potential bugs and verify their current library configuration before installing the new build.
Further reading
For more on optimizing your media library, visit the Home Entertainment section.
More information
To download the latest build, visit the Kodi software download page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BetaNews.
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