VLC hitting Android devices soon

It appears that the much-anticipated open-source media player VLC is just about ready to hit Android devices, with a January launch date expected.

Lead VLC developer Jean-Baptiste Kempf tells GigaOM the app should be available within "a matter of weeks," and available in the Android Market for free.

VLC just made its way to iOS devices in September, and Kempf says an Android version has been in the works for "months."

Because Android�s multimedia output libraries are in Java, the project was stalled but since Google's latest Android NDK made it simpler to use native code, the project has really picked up steam.

While most of the "VLC libraries have already been ported to Android," Kempf warns that some specific devices may prove troublesome.

Streaming and rental giant Netflix has said the same thing about their lack of Android apps, as fragmentation of the operating system makes it hard to release an application that will work across all devices.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 27 Dec 2010 22:17

mike.m

I wonder if it will play mkv, vob, and ISO files. That would be awesome. Also to select a DVD folder with chapters would be nice. If it does, I'll skip my laptop upgrade till Ivy Bridge comes out, and I'll just buy a dual core Android phone with an HDMI port, and I'm all set (for a year).

27.12.2010 22:44 #1

KillerBug

"Streaming and rental giant Netflix has said the same thing about their lack of Android apps, as fragmentation of the operating system makes it hard to release an application that will work across all devices."

...Then don't release a version for the older devices; they can't handle a netflix app anyway!

28.12.2010 00:17 #2

A5J4DX

finally! i cant wait i got my android phone bang on 1 week ago :D

28.12.2010 00:42 #3

biglo30

Originally posted by KillerBug: "Streaming and rental giant Netflix has said the same thing about their lack of Android apps, as fragmentation of the operating system makes it hard to release an application that will work across all devices."

...Then don't release a version for the older devices; they can't handle a netflix app anyway! Exactly, devices running below 2.1 shouldn't have to worry about getting that sort of app.

28.12.2010 22:44 #4

DVDBack23

Originally posted by biglo30: Originally posted by KillerBug: "Streaming and rental giant Netflix has said the same thing about their lack of Android apps, as fragmentation of the operating system makes it hard to release an application that will work across all devices."

...Then don't release a version for the older devices; they can't handle a netflix app anyway! Exactly, devices running below 2.1 shouldn't have to worry about getting that sort of app. I think it's more that some devices run on special UI like Sense, MotoBlur, etc

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28.12.2010 23:51 #5

KillerBug

Originally posted by DVDBack23: Originally posted by biglo30: Originally posted by KillerBug: "Streaming and rental giant Netflix has said the same thing about their lack of Android apps, as fragmentation of the operating system makes it hard to release an application that will work across all devices."

...Then don't release a version for the older devices; they can't handle a netflix app anyway! Exactly, devices running below 2.1 shouldn't have to worry about getting that sort of app. I think it's more that some devices run on special UI like Sense, MotoBlur, etc Screw 'em...if the UI is so bad that it prevents apps from running, then people should make the apps anyway...it will force manufacturers to stop using these terrible gui-hacks, and it might introduce a lot of people to the wonderful world of root.

29.12.2010 00:03 #6

bankai987

VLC is the best media play that I have used. This is great news and I hope I can watch all video formats on my droid.

29.12.2010 01:10 #7

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