VLC needs no introduction. For years it has been one of the most flexible and powerful media players on the market, supporting a huge number of systems and formats without requiring major surgery from the user. The only thing it was missing was support for 360-degree content, but there's no need to wait any longer, because the first preview has been released to the public. Enthusiasts will likely find some rough edges, but time is on their side.
Personally, I'm unlikely to give up Media Player Classic Home Cinema. After all, it does exactly what I need it to do and nothing more, a philosophy that many other programs should follow. But I'd be a fool to deny VLC's virtues. It's available on a dozen operating systems at least, its streaming structure is far superior to what the rest offer, its advanced options are appreciated by some users, and in short, it has opened every single thing I've thrown at it without issue. What's left? Support for 360-degree videos and images. Virtual reality is advancing, and VLC must adapt to receive it properly.
The first VLC 360 preview only offers builds compatible with Windows and macOS, so Linux, Android, iOS and Xbox One users will have to wait a bit. Video playback follows Google's Spatial Video specification, while images obey the Spherical standard. Screen modes include zoom, "small planet" and "small planet inverted", navigation is easy with mouse and keyboard, and content is accelerated via OpenGL and Direct3D11. If you want to try it out right away, the official site offers links with 360-degree videos and images.
Finally, VLC will offer official support for VR headsets during 2017, with OSVR, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Google Daydream at the forefront. It will also add 3D audio playback, and as for mobile versions, VLC will be able to use built-in sensors to navigate within videos. All I have left to say is "patience". I downloaded the available build, but it crashes when opening a video. I imagine it's a problem with my graphics card and its driver. My case is an isolated one, and each reader will have to make their own evaluation.
