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VLC Finally Launches App For Windows 8

Posted by timothy on from the happy-ending-forever dept.

SmartAboutThings writes "After a long journey of more than one year, which included even a successfully ended Kickstarter campaign, the VLC app for Windows 8 is officially here. VLC for Windows 8 is currently in beta, and it lacks some important features, such as the ability to open music files or support for Windows RT devices. On the good side, VLC for Windows 8 supports the same codecs as the VLC application for desktop, from MPEG-1 to H.265, through WMV3 and VC-1; it also supports multiple-audio tracks selection, embedded subtitles, background audio playback, Live Tiles, removable storage and DLNA servers."

4 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. Apps by Tmackiller · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Does anyone NOT using a touchscreen device use apps on windows 8? I've been running VLC for Windows since I got Win8, just after it came out and had no problems with it as a traditional program, in fact it's the only media player I use for video. Isn't this a waste of developer's time? Why won't microsoft give up on apps and tiles? 8 isn't THAT bad without them...

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    1. Re:Apps by SuricouRaven · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Because apps and tiles are a vital part of their strategy. They are putting out these features everyone hates right now,because doing so establishes them as something in Microsoft's long-term interest. They've seen how profitable an app store can be, and how it can be used to promote other services like media sales. They want in on that game, and a consistant cross-platform interface may be a vital advantage in their desperate but unsuccessful struggle to become a serious player in the mobile space.

    2. Re:Apps by MightyMartian · · Score: 5, Insightful

      No one said Microsoft actually knew how to gain market share. The old tools of threatening OEMs with a fate worse than death don't work any more, so Redmond is a bit of a fish out of water.

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      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  2. Costs money by Neo-Rio-101 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So let me get this straight.

    On my Windows 8.1 desktop, I can get VLC for free
    In the world of Metro, I can get the same app for $3.99
    Same device and everything.

    I understand the need to recoup some funds for developing this, but..... why bother when the desktop version is free?
    What does the metro version really get you?
    Do RT users really matter?

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    READY.
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