VLC has been downloaded over 3.5 billion times since it first came out almost 20 years ago. It is one of the world’s most popular open-source apps.
The gears at VideoLAN are spinning as they prepare for the launch of the next generation of one of the most popular media players available for just about every operating system out there. VLC 4.0 is right around the corner, launching in the coming months.
The developing company of VLC, which is called โVideoLANโ, its foundation president Jean-Baptiste Kempf said that the big new feature is a new redesigned interface which will make the new version look a bit more modern than its previous version.
This includes transparency, flatter icons, blur effects, and a media library, according to an earlier presentation.
The team at VideoLan is trying to bring some other big new changes to the newer version as well. They are planning on adding more online content into the software, hopefully will also make VLC run on a webpage and is also working on an IMDb competitor in the working for it. All in all, the company has big plans for this coming version.
The decision to integrate online content into the application will be something interesting, especially considering that it should help them have more monetizing opportunities without hurting the user experience.
This version of VLC introduces a new Media Library which was used in Android to Desktop and iOS platforms. It is simple and light which should make browsing media files a lot easier through the VLC media player.
The team has also been working on a browser version of VLC and the official presentation of VLC 4.0 outlined plans to support 3D, VR, and AirPlay output, although it is not clear if all features will end up in the final release.
The new version will use WebAssembly and JavaScript instead of a web plug-in to make the video player run smoother inside web pages. It should be able to play any type of movie right inside your web browser.
The new updates and the modern version of VLC looks super advanced and up to date with the modern world and evolving technology. However, no finalized date as to when will it release has been announced yet.
