VLC for Windows 8 Released, Proving What Beta Really Means

Microsoft has spent the last couple years trying to shed the "beta" title for many of its public releases. Instead, the company will dub what many of us have historically considered beta code as "Public Previews." It's a mess.

VLC has been popular media player software for a long time, and many have been waiting for a Windows 8 port. The port finally released to the Windows store this week, and while many sighed a "hurrah," the app still needs some work. Those that installed the new app have reported constant crashes. Some have taken it in stride saying, "hey, it's beta" or "great start" but others are less forgiving stating that an app that spent a year in development through a Kickstarter campaign should result in a better release. The Kickstarter campaign has over 3,000 backers equaling over $75,000 US.

So, yeah. $75k and a year later and the app still needs significant work. But, it will get better (fingers crossed).

One of the reasons so many desire for VLC to work is that it promises to bring a very good media solution to Windows RT (Arm-based Surface RT), and particularly to give the ability for Windows RT to play DVDs, VCDs, and Blu-Ray discs. Devices like the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 can already do this if you follow these instructions: Playing DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs on the Surface Pro.

If you'd like to try VLC out, it's available in the Windows app store here: VLC for Windows 8