XBMC for Android

A favorite among overclockers and other computer gearheads, XBMC for Android quickly and effectively plays just about all of your media, but you need to know what you're doing to set it up. Still, if you don't mind the effort, you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous, powerful player with a ton of options and large media format support.

The app takes a little time to load when you first download it. Despite that, it won't find any of your media for you -- you have to point it to the right folders. This can be a pretty major undertaking if your files are spread out or you don't know what you're looking for. Once you do, XBMC for Android will monitor those folders for any new uploads so you can play them. Format support isn't even a question with this program since it will play just about anything you throw at it. It does it all from its beautiful menu, which responds quickly and fluently to your touches. Sadly, the app's built-in keypad is incredibly small, and it seems meant to be used with a standalone remote. The app can connect to external hard drives and even to a dedicated home media computer if you need it to. It's not available in the Play store, so you'll need to sideload it to get it. You'll also find a large selection of add-ons and upgrades to customize the player for your needs.

Even though XBMC for Android isn't the easiest thing in the world to set up, it is amazingly powerful. This all-in-one mobile media center is worth checking out for the format support alone.