VLC: soon an Apple Vision Pro version and the possibility of watching certain TV channels in streaming for free

After several months of silence, VLC clearly intends to begin his revolution. The most famous media player should soon allow users to watch streaming TV channels. Additionally, a version of the app forApple Vision Pro would currently be in preparation.

The longevity of VLC no longer needs to be demonstrated. More than 23 years after its launch, what was originally just a university project remains today among the most popular open source applications in the world, despite the democratization of streaming services in recent years . Building on its success, the number of VLC downloads now peaks at more than five billion, giving the VideoLAN association a certain confidence to embark on the future. Indeed, Jean-Baptiste Kempf, initiator of the project, claims to have some ideas to attract the new generation.

Streaming TV channels come to VLC

In gestation for many years, version 4.0 of VLC should indeed see the light of day. Jean-Baptiste Kempf confirms that its development has proven to be more complex than expected, but that the wait will certainly be worth it. Indeed, the media player will benefit from a complete overhaul. This new version has long promised an overhaul of the interface, more focused on content.

One of the most important changes could concern the arrival of FAST (Free Advertising Supported Streaming Television) channels, which will allow “ the younger generation » to watch live TV from VLC. The idea couldn’t be clearer: offer free streaming television channels (Molotov TV, Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, etc.) financed by advertising.

Rest assured, Kempf does not intend to distort VLC however. The objective is only to allow those who wish to be able to benefit from the application in various ways. This is why the integration of TV channels will remain entirely optional, if VideoLAN manages to finalize its plans.

VLC soon on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, but on one condition

At the same time, Kempf also specified that a VLC application entirely designed for the Apple Vision Pro was currently under study. This would even already be functional, but its deployment would essentially depend on the commercial success of Apple’s mixed reality headset.

Available since January in the United States, the Apple Vision Pro has managed to arouse the curiosity of a considerable number of users. According to estimates, and despite an exorbitant price of $3,500, no fewer than 350,000 copies are expected to be sold in 2024.

Finally, the VideoLAN team assures that it is still working on a WebAssembly version of VLC, which aims to allow users to enjoy the media player directly from the Web, without necessarily going through the download box.

Source : Lowpass Newsletter