Videolan to replace the Classic Interface of open-source VLC Player with a new Interface in 2021. The highlight of VLC 4.0 is its modern UI with a slew of other new features and improvements. Here’s what VCL Player’s upcoming major release “Otto Cheek” is bringing to the table.
VLC Player needs no introduction. An open-source media player that can play most multimedia files, streams, discs, and devices. The player can be used to convert video files to other formats also.
For instance, we covered how to convert a Video file to MP 4 by using VLC Player.
What’s changed from VLC 3.0.x to VLC 4.0.0:
Key Highlights:
- New Interface
- Media Library
- Mediatree and MediaSource
- New Playlist
- Support for the selection of Dual subtitles (via Player).
- Supports experimental video AV1 video encoding.
- Drops Windows XP and Vista Platforms support. Works on Windows 7 or later.
More features coming with VLC player 4.0:
The company revealed in a presentation back in 2019 that VLC will support VR, 3D, and AirPlay Output.
VLC already supports streaming Youtube Videos, don’t be surprised if the new release integrates more online services into the player.
Comparison between old and new interface:
VLC Player’s previous version displays a cone in the window at the center of the startup with options to navigate to folders in your device and select files to play.
Whereas, new VLC displays the Media browser UI. It asks to add a video by going to network shares.
The interface comes with Videos, Music, Browser, and Discover tabs.
To a play video file from the local folder in VLC, click on the three-dot icon >Media> select Open file or Open from Folder.
When you install VLC, it associates with supported video and audio files on your devices and makes it easy to open files in VLC Player from File Explorer or local media folders.
Cons: when you use it on top of the browser and other applications on Windows, you notice too much white space in UI.
The menu button at the far end in the interface on right could be hard to discover and reach for first-time users.
Unfortunately, Videolan not yet announced when VLC 4.0 is coming. Wait for it or test the Player’s new UI by downloading a Nightly build from here. These builds are unstable, not recommended for regular use.
More on VLC Player:
How to remove VLC Web Plugin from Firefox and Chrome browsers?
VLC 3.0 Preview: Play 360° videos with VLC Player
VLC for Android 3.3 is out with a modern look, bottom Navigation bar, and more
