On Monday, at a Brooklyn event, Boxee showcased the upcoming beta version of its popular media center application, compatible with OS X, Microsoft's Windows OS, Linux and Apple TV. Based on the open-source XBMC, the new software will let users watch and listen to local content stored on their hard drives, as well as stream content from services like Hulu, websites, Netflix, and various other platforms.

The beta version will see its official release in January, and it will coincide with the CES Tradeshow. Eager users, however, can apply to download and start testing the software starting now. The interface has been vastly redesigned and various new applications have also been added.

Boxee has always faced criticism over its "ungainly interface", with Plex, which is also based on the XMBC source, providing far better and smoother experience. But the beta version promises to be completely different, with developers pledging that they have made a number of changes to the center which would make it easier for users to locate their content on "both local media as well as Web-based streaming content".

The Boxee beta also includes content from 3 new partners, Clicker, The Escapist, and Suicide Girls, and boasts parental control for people who want to supervise what their kids’ stream, watch and access.