I've made a few logo comps for some name suggestions. Not a complete renaming, as I do like the origination of "Kodi" but it lacks the power and brand recognition that "XBMC" had. I know it may technically be against the rules, but hear me out. I'm trying to be constructive and I have reasoning.
Anyway, here is the first one:
As a longtime user of XBMC it is difficult to give up the name, particularly the "X." To me, an 'X" in a name represents versatility and a bit of rebelliousness and independence. These things describe the open-source environment of the program and the people who put the work into creating something that steps them aways from mainstream media playback options. I'm sure this is partly why both Plex and Boxee, two of the most similar programs to XBMC (at least Boxee was at one point), chose their names. Anyway, KODEX has several meanings, the most obvious of which is the reference to a codex, where several pages together form one comprehensive book. An archaic representation of XBMC's PHP coding. I also feel that have a hard "Code" sound followed by the letter "x" also makes a representation similar to those I've mentioned and has a bit more pronunciation similarities to the clunky multi-syllabic "XBMC" than the soft "kodi." "KODEX" also maintains the remote command stylistic origin for "kodi", though I've decided to forego that for a standard "menu" icon filling in for the "e". I think your menu options are just as, if not more integral to the XBMC experience than the remote functions. Other than that, I've kept the logo simple, as it should be. One gimmick per logo.
On to the next one:
This idea is clearly more along the style choice of the origin of "kodi". I know there's some similar ideas on here, too. The only thing I have to say about this is that if you're going to make a serious design decision to stylize something, it needs to go all of the way. Simple adding an additional "i" to the end of "kodi" allows for a stylistic representation of both the play and pause buttons of the standard remote functions instead of just "step back", "stop", and "step forward". I thought to make it the full remote with "step forward" being another "x", but I didn't want to push for the same thing as I did last time. Sure, these sacrifice readability for style, but they aren't just pictures of remote functions either. Maybe the slight reading difficulty can make up for that lost feeling of exclusivity that the XBMC acronym had. I honestly can't decide which variation I like more. The square falls into the stylism more, but breaks the consistent stroke weight.
Yeah, I put way too much thought into this, but XBMC is something I've used and worked on as a hobby ever since version 2 on the OG XBOX. This is all just, like, my opinion, man, but I thought I'd just throw it out for what it's worth.
I've checked the TM registries and I'm not sure it would be much of an issue for these or many other semi-unique names if the suffix "Media Center" or something was included, but what do I know?!
