VLC returns to iOS, RunKeeper gets paid trainer options, Uber adds fare splitting

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPhone edited January 2014
Do-it-all video app VLC will return in a new iOS version on Friday, while RunKeeper has gotten a few new options to boost its utility, and cab-calling app Uber has gotten some new features.

VLC returns



VLC will return to the App Store on Friday in the form of a full rewrite but still sporting the same play-anything functionality that has made the app popular. The fully open-source app has new ways to sync media, video filters and playback speed manipulation, support for subtitles, AirPlay compatibility, and more.

VLC for iOS 2.0 also has native Dropbox integration, the ability to download files from a web server, iTunes file sharing, and the ability to stream from a network.

VLC for iOS version 2.0 will be available as a free download in the App Store on Friday. It will require an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or later.

RunKeeper gets real with expert trainer options

Popular fitness tracking app RunKeeper is adding a new feature aimed at giving users even more options to make the app their own personal pocket trainer. The app is now adding a number of paid options from expert trainers in addition to the existing training plans. Those options, previously available only on the web, will now be accessible through the mobile app.

Expert advice will include not only running as a topic, but also nutrition, hydration, stretching, and other fitness-related subjects. Plans range between $20 and $30, and users can buy them either on the web or through the RunKeeper iOS app.

RunKeeper will offer 34 plans at launch, of which 13 will be free. The app is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store for users with iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads running iOS 5.0 or later.

Uber update brings fare splitting

Private taxi service Uber recently updated its iOS app to add the ability to split fares easily between cab sharers. By tapping the arrow icon within the app, users can access the "Fare Split" option, which automatically divides the fare between the contacts a user selects.

For users without the app, the app will send them a text message encouraging them to download Uber.

Version 2.8.6 of the Uber app is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store. The 14.4MB download requires iOS 5.0 or up, and it is compatible with iPhone 3GS and up, third-generation iPod touch and up, and iPads.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 15
    ubiquitousgeekubiquitousgeek Posts: 66member
    It's about time! The original VLC app was fantastic. Luckily, I had downloaded the original before it was yanked from the App Store.
  • Reply 2 of 15
    herbapouherbapou Posts: 2,228member
    This would be a perfect app for an Apple TV app store
  • Reply 3 of 15
    pendergastpendergast Posts: 1,358member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by herbapou View Post



    This would be a perfect app for an Apple TV app store


     


    It's 2013, why don't we have this yet???

  • Reply 4 of 15
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    Did the developer creating all the problems with VLC die? Whatever his name was, he was one of the reasons for me turning sour on the GPL. Talk about a child throwing tantrums.
  • Reply 5 of 15
    mikejonesmikejones Posts: 323member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by wizard69 View Post



    Did the developer creating all the problems with VLC die? Whatever his name was, he was one of the reasons for me turning sour on the GPL. Talk about a child throwing tantrums.


    Nope. Basically what happened is that VLC for iOS is now dual licensed as either GPLv2 or Mozilla Public License v2. The version going up on the store is the MPL-licensed version which is compatible with the App Store rules.

  • Reply 6 of 15
    mesomorphicmanmesomorphicman Posts: 549member


    I have VLC 1.0 or whatever, but never used it. Can someone knowledge me and tell me why would someone use it, how would you use it, and why use in place of the default video player in iOS?


     


    Thanks in advance.

  • Reply 7 of 15
    mikejonesmikejones Posts: 323member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mesomorphicman View Post


    I have VLC 1.0 or whatever, but never used it. Can someone knowledge me and tell me why would someone use it, how would you use it, and why use in place of the default video player in iOS?


     


    Thanks in advance.



    The reason someone would use VLC over the built-in video player is that it supports more video, audio and container formats. To use the current VLC for iOS 1.1 requires you to have a jailbroken device or to be an iOS developer and you have to compile your own binary.

  • Reply 8 of 15
    bedouinbedouin Posts: 331member
    I like AirVideo, but the transcoding it does seems unnecessary. I stream over SMB on my Touchpad and never have to buffer; on my iPhone and iPad though I get constant buffering unless I significantly reduce the bitrate.
  • Reply 9 of 15
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,727member
    mikejones wrote: »
    The reason someone would use VLC over the built-in video player is that it supports more video, audio and container formats. To use the current VLC for iOS 1.1 requires you to have a jailbroken device or to be an iOS developer and you have to compile your own binary.

    How does one tell which VLC to get from the App Store? There seems to be a myriad if them.
  • Reply 10 of 15
    asciiascii Posts: 5,936member


    I wonder if VLC will appear on the Mac App Store now? Currently the best movie player on there (imho) is Movist, which is fast, good-looking, 64-bit and sandboxed (everything I want). But more competition can't hurt...

  • Reply 11 of 15
    lordjohnwhorfinlordjohnwhorfin Posts: 849member


    It's in, and it's a little disappointing... Half the AVI and MKV files I've been throwing at it fail for one reason or another, garbled sound or no sound at all. The same files work fine in the old version and play perfectly in the latest version of Pro Player. It's going to be a while before it can compete with Pro Player, but it's nice to see VLC back on iOS.

  • Reply 12 of 15
    wolfies167wolfies167 Posts: 17member
    I was so excited VLC was going to be back today...I checked this morning and it's not there ... I googled VLC iOS and it took me to VLCs page that describes version 2.0 etc and there was a direct link to the App Store...after I tapped it I got an error message in the App Store that the app is not currently available in the US or something like that? Did it get yanked already? Anyone know what happened??? I love VLC and I want it back!!!
  • Reply 13 of 15
    lordjohnwhorfinlordjohnwhorfin Posts: 849member


    Don't use the link and don't try to download it from your iOS device. Just look for it in iTunes and then copy it to your iPad/iPhone.

  • Reply 14 of 15
    mikejonesmikejones Posts: 323member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by digitalclips View Post





    How does one tell which VLC to get from the App Store? There seems to be a myriad if them.


    You get the one from VideoLan. The other "VLCs" are just remote apps.

  • Reply 15 of 15
    tallest skiltallest skil Posts: 43,388member
    The only valid reason I can see to use VLC is to play files that have .ASS subtitles on them. MP4 can only use SRT, but .ASS lets you position the subtitle anywhere in the frame.

    Other than that, it's called QuickTime/iTunes and HandBrake, people.
    pendergast wrote: »
    It's 2013, why don't we have this yet???

    1. No point to one; no usability if it were there.
    2. Because we already do! AirPlay.
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