Kodi 22 “Piers” is the next major Kodi generation. As of July 26, 2026, Kodi’s official release channel identifies Piers Beta 1 as pre-release software, while Kodi 21.3 “Omega” remains the stable release. The Kodinerds repository lists Piers Maven builds for several Android architectures.
Confirm that you actually need Piers
Choose Piers when you specifically need to test Kodi 22 changes, verify future add-on compatibility, or reproduce a Piers-only issue. For a primary media center where stability matters most, use the current stable Omega release unless you have a clear testing reason.
Select the correct Kodinerds package
The official Kodinerds Piers listing separates Android builds by architecture, including arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a, and x86_64. Match the APK to the Android userspace, not only the processor marketing name. A 64-bit processor can still run a 32-bit Android environment.
| Label | Typical environment | Check before install |
|---|---|---|
| arm64-v8a | 64-bit ARM Android | Device OS accepts 64-bit APKs |
| armeabi-v7a | 32-bit ARM Android | Use when Android userspace is 32-bit |
| x86_64 | 64-bit Intel/AMD Android | Do not use on ARM devices |
Protect the existing setup
Back up the Kodi userdata folder and record the installed package name, architecture, add-ons, and important playback settings. Do not assume a major-version profile can be moved backward safely. A separate package identity or test device is preferable when available.
Test in a controlled order
- Launch the build and verify storage permissions.
- Check the interface, database migration, and core add-ons.
- Test one known video file, one HDR or Dolby Vision sample where supported, subtitles, and audio passthrough.
- Review the Kodi log after crashes or dependency errors.
- Keep the stable build until the full test passes.
Know when to roll back
Return to the stable branch if a required add-on is unavailable, databases fail to migrate, playback regresses, or the build becomes unreliable. Restore from a known backup rather than repeatedly installing different APKs over the same profile.
Browse Official Piers Builds
Reference checklist
Before installing anything, manually verify the current package name, Kodi generation, device architecture, and release notes through the project channels you already trust.
- Official Kodinerds Piers branch
- Kodi 22 “Piers” Beta 1 announcement
- Kodi 21.3 “Omega” stable release
- Android Developers: ABI guidance
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