VLC, one of the most flexible media players available, is adding support for a new video format: 360-degree videos.
Currently available on the desktop version of VLC, Windows and Mac users will now be able to try out a technical preview of the VLC 360. This feature is created by the VideoLAN and a 360-degree camera maker called Giroptic. When viewing a 360-degree video, users can control the point of view in the footage via mouse and keyboard.
While 360-degree video support is currently limited to the desktop, VideoLAN has mentioned that the feature will be available on mobile apps with unique features like an accelerometer support. Additionally, 360-degree videos will also be VR-compatible with headsets such as the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, and Google’s Daydream some time ni 2017. 360-degree audio support will also be available, although a timeframe for that feature has yet to be given.
Those who wish to try out the VLC 360 can do so by downloading the desktop app here. As with any early build software, do keep in mind that you”ll be experience bugs and glitches. This feature is expected to arrive with VLC 3.0 by the end of November.
