VLC Makes Triumphant Return To iOS July 19th

VLC, the widely popular desktop media player app, is finally making its way back to iOS. The app, which was originally pulled from the App Store in January 2011, has been completely rebuilt and improved for this release. It is now set to hit the App Store sometime tomorrow, July 19th.

The original VLC app was pulled by developer VideoLAN from the App Store after it became apparent that the app was in violation of a number of the rules Apple set out in its GPL license. VideoLAN says that it has worked hard to ensure that its app works with copyright holders, including seeking licensing help from Mozilla.

Not only have the app’s legal issues been addressed, but the app itself has been completely rebuilt and improved from the ground up.

From TNW:

The app is “way faster” thanks to modern output modules for audio and video as well as multi-core decoding. More impressively, it supports all video files that VLC media player for desktop does.

Furthermore, in addition to the original feature set, VideoLAN has added more ways to synchronize media (upload over Wi-Fi, native Dropbox integration, support for third-party apps through the Share dialog, and via Web download), support for network streams, video filters, passcode lock, background audio playback, and playback speed manipulation. There is also support for subtitles (including Closed Captions and complex SSA), native support for multiple audio tracks, and playback on external screens or AirPlay.

Keep your eye on the App Store for VLC for iOS popping up sometime in the next day.

Toby is a writer of word and a lover of Apple, hip-hop, life, and technology.