The recent release of VLC version 3.0.22 RC1 marks a significant development in the media player's evolution, offering official support for Windows 11 on ARM and enhancing compatibility with older systems such as Windows XP Service Pack 3. As a release candidate, this iteration is a precursor to a stable version, signaling VLC's adaptability and commitment to inclusivity for diverse operating systems.
Arm Support and User Experience Enhancements
With this update, VLC has joined the ranks of applications catering to the growing demand for ARM-based Windows devices. This is especially crucial as the popularity of such devices rises, along with the user base necessitating optimized native apps. The release caters to this need by providing compilation support for ARM64 builds, boosting performance and efficiency on compatible devices.
- Dark Mode Option: Users can now switch to a dark palette in the Qt interface, enhancing the viewing experience especially in low-light environments.
- Native ARM64 Builds: Optimized performance for Windows ARM64, ensuring robust media playback and decoding efficiency.
Focusing on Legacy and Current Systems
In addition to appealing to ARM users, VLC continues to maintain its versatility by addressing functionality on older platforms. Key fixes for Windows XP's Service Pack 3 ensure that those utilizing legacy systems are not left behind. This approach not only reflects VLC's broad user-oriented focus but also underscores their commitment to backward compatibility.
- Support for Windows XP SP3 has been restored and fixed, reconnecting users with an affinity for this older yet still-utilized OS.
- SystemParametersInfo calls are now restricted to Windows XP, tailoring processes to suit this older version.
Comprehensive Codec and Demuxer Improvements
The update further refines VLC's media handling with numerous codec upgrades and demuxer fixes. These adjustments manifest in smoother playback and better media compatibility across different file types, enhancing VLC's position as a preferred media player.
- ProRes and Opus channel mapping improvements refine the playback quality.
- Hardware decoding with VideoToolbox for XVID MPEG-4 is fixed, supporting clearer video outputs.
- FLAC seeking logic is improved, preventing playback interruptions.
Additional enhancements include fixing DVD CEA-608 captions parsing, improving ProRes handling, and adding the AMD GPU Frame Rate Doubler for Direct3D11, all of which elevate the reliability and user experience of the VLC media player.
This strategic focus on expanding support for Windows on ARM and refining overall playback capabilities places VLC at the forefront of media player innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. With 3.0.22 RC1 paving the way, users can expect continued improvements that cater to both cutting-edge and legacy systems.
