VLC beta for Android gets loads of new features, including voice search and Android Auto support

The folks over at VideoLabs are about to unleash a major update for their VLC app for Android devices. Several new features have been added to the beta version of VLC, and if trialed successfully, they should be available to everyone very soon.

First of all, the developers have added support for LG devices with 18:9 aspect ratio, like the G6 smartphone, recently announced. Also, there’s a new option that allows VLC users to save subtitles delay and optionally audio delay for each file.

The update will also integrate a DayNight mode and remove the sound lowering notification. VideoLabs confirmed that they had restored a particular feature that would allow VLC users to double or long tap on the remote play to skip songs. More importantly, VLC will support 360-degree videos. As a bonus, the developers throw in voice search compatibility via Google Now.

A fix for audio player layout for the black theme and RTL has been implemented too, along with the option to force the previous song on audio player swipe. And for those interested, this beta release will bring Android Auto compatibility.

These are just some of the new features that you can expect to arrive on your VLC for Android app. However, much more, probably not so noticeable, will be added such as improved adaptive and TS playback, support for OpenGL ES 2.0 (software rendering), as well as support for a couple of video codecs (VP8, 9, and 10) in MP4 videos.

Those of you who want to test the new feature before they are released for the public can become a tested on the Play Store.