Skip to main content

VLC releases preview version of its upcoming Android TV app

unnamed-13

VLC this week has released the first preview build of its app for Android TV. VLC is one of the most popular pieces media playback software available and is loved for its support of a variety of media types and formats. The app was supposed to receive Chromecast support back in June of last year, but that never officially materialized. Android TV availability, however, may make VLC even more appealing to media lovers.

VLC for Android TV is available now in a preview fashion, which means there are some bugs and features that are not yet available. For instance, the app currently lacks the ability to load media content from a network attached storage drive. This means that all content must be available on a wired hard drive or the Android TV device itself.

Other features that are available, however, include the ability to load subtitles and adjust playback speed and aspect ratio. Audio playback is also supported, with album artwork and everything. Perhaps most notably, the app supports Android TV’s native voice search functionality. To access this, users, can simply hit the microphone icon in the upper right corner and then say the name of a file they wish to play. Finally, VLC is integrated heavily into the Android TV interface, meaning that even if you leave the VLC app itself, the content will continue to play.

VLC for Android TV is available now in a preview form, so there will be bugs. The APK is available to download here and must be sideloaded to an Android TV device. GigaOm has a first-look video of the client below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXnvlAh41Q

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel