CoreElec and web browsers

#1

Hello folks,
I know the question is quite borderline and in many other forums, mainly KODI-related, the discussion has been already developed… But all I found is quite old (+2 years ago), then: do you think it will be possible, in future, to get a functional (non text-based) web browser in CE?

As far as I understood, trying to recap a bit:

  • It seems something is available on x86 platforms but nothing on ARMs;

  • The browser should rely, most probably, on a KODI add-on but requires also something from the OS which current JEOS cannot provide.

From JEOS perspective, just to talk a bit about it, is there something can be done in CE as prerequisite to allow a proper browser addon?

Thanks,
K.

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#2

Did you try Docker? It should work. But to use the Docker you will have to kill KODI. There is also an addon to view websites

Mouseless Web Browser

The only problem is that inputs don’t work

#3

Greetings,

There is a lot of urgency in Web-Browser for arm devices.
If this happens, the devices will use ELEC more and the transition to ELEC will be accelerated.

Best regards…

#4

x86 uses xorg, I believe, which allows you to run windowed applications in Linux.
ARM devices don’t implement any window management systems, which means you can’t run a graphical web browser from Kodi.
As @ilovele already mentioned, your only solution at this time is by using Docker.

#5

Thanks everybody. @TheCoolest, it would theorically possible to integrate xorg/X server in the jeOS ?
In case, the chromium launcher could eventually work?

#6

I can’t answer this with 100% certainty, but from what I understand, ARM Kodi won’t work with a window system.
I assume this is part of the reason why not one has integrated any window systems into ARM OE/LE/CE yet.

#7

Got it, thanks. I wonder if it could be possible to use a framebuffer-based web browser such as netsurf (http://www.netsurf-browser.org) in form of add-on.
I might ask to the authors if it might be technically feasible.

#8

According to this thread https://forum.libreelec.tv/thread/234-running-xorg-on-raspberry-pi-through-docker/?pageNo=1 its working. But without mouse input and hardware acceleration. There is also an addon by awiouy maybe someone is willing to continue the project.

#9

This is possible with CEF. But its not done yet.
http://esmasol.de/open-source/kodi-add-on-s/chromium-web-browser/

#10

Hi folks,
tried to contact Alwin Esch in order to understand whether the KODI web browser project is still active or not, but so far got no response… I guess the project might have been discontinued. :frowning:

#11

I, know, this is older thread, but I’v seen one video, that possible in LE : run chrome browser with addon. Maybe the CE devs can build this addon to CE ? Run Chrome in kodi LE

#12

That’s only possible on x86 devices.

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