VLC media player is a portable, free and open-source, cross-platform media player and streaming media server written by the VideoLAN project. It plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and various streaming protocols. You can download it directly to your computer or smartphone. And today, the company just unveiled a technical preview that enables its desktop app to play 360-degree videos.
VLC Media Player 3.0 Version Now Supports 360-degree Videos
According to International Business Times, the technical preview for the upcoming version 3.0 of VLC was released Saturday. It incorporates technology from 360-degree camera maker Giroptic that allows the media player to achieve its newest functionalities, which include playback of 360-degree video and photos, as well as panoramic photos. It also supports the spherical display mode, which is another step toward full VR capability.
The new features of VLC can be controlled using the mouse and keyboard of your desktop, the software is open source. It also said it will support VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift, Google's Daydream and the HTC Vive in 2017. The app is also getting 360-degree audio support "including head tracking headphones," says the company, although it's not clear when that will happen, as reported by Engadget.
It Will Also Support VR Headsets
If you are an owner of the Oculus Rift, Google's Daydream and the HTC Vive in 2017, then you will certainly enjoy the upgrade of VLC. The app is also getting 360-degree audio support "including head tracking headphones," says the company, although it's not clear when that will happen. As per 9to5Mac, VideoLAN says all versions of VLC will gain support in the future potentially including VR headsets.
The TeCake recommends its readers that do NOT install this preview version of VLC as a primary media player as it might be buggy. Those who are itching to try VLC 360 out should temper their expectations. However, soon VLC fans will be getting a big push from the developers enabling VR experiences around all of the available platforms.
