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Thursday, July 18, 2013, 11:01 am PT (02:01 pm ET)

# VLC returns to iOS, RunKeeper gets paid trainer options, Uber adds fare splitting

By Kevin Bostic

Do-it-all video app VLC will return in a new iOS version on Friday, while RunKeeper has gotten a few new options to boost its utility, and cab-calling app Uber has gotten some new features.

## VLC returns

VLC will return to the App Store on Friday in the form of a full rewrite but still sporting the same play-anything functionality that has made the app popular. The fully open-source app has new ways to sync media, video filters and playback speed manipulation, support for subtitles, AirPlay compatibility, and more.
VLC for iOS 2.0 also has native Dropbox integration, the ability to download files from a web server, iTunes file sharing, and the ability to stream from a network.
VLC for iOS version 2.0 will be available as a free download in the App Store on Friday. It will require an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or later.

## RunKeeper gets real with expert trainer options

Popular fitness tracking app RunKeeper is adding a new feature aimed at giving users even more options to make the app their own personal pocket trainer. The app is now adding a number of paid options from expert trainers in addition to the existing training plans. Those options, previously available only on the web, will now be accessible through the mobile app.
Expert advice will include not only running as a topic, but also nutrition, hydration, stretching, and other fitness-related subjects. Plans range between $20 and $30, and users can buy them either on the web or through the RunKeeper iOS app.
RunKeeper will offer 34 plans at launch, of which 13 will be free. The app is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store for users with iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads running iOS 5.0 or later.

## Uber update brings fare splitting

Private taxi service Uber recently updated its iOS app to add the ability to split fares easily between cab sharers. By tapping the arrow icon within the app, users can access the "Fare Split" option, which automatically divides the fare between the contacts a user selects.
For users without the app, the app will send them a text message encouraging them to download Uber.
Version 2.8.6 of the Uber app is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store. The 14.4MB download requires iOS 5.0 or up, and it is compatible with iPhone 3GS and up, third-generation iPod touch and up, and iPads.
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# Previous Comments View All

ubiquitousgeek
2013/07/18 02:15pm

It's about time! The original VLC app was fantastic. Luckily, I had downloaded the original before it was yanked from the App Store.

herbapou
2013/07/18 02:26pm

This would be a perfect app for an Apple TV app store

pendergast
2013/07/18 02:28pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by herbapou�
This would be a perfect app for an Apple TV app store

�

It's 2013, why don't we have this yet???

wizard69
2013/07/18 02:33pm

Did the developer creating all the problems with VLC die? Whatever his name was, he was one of the reasons for me turning sour on the GPL. Talk about a child throwing tantrums.

mikejones
2013/07/18 02:36pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69�
Did the developer creating all the problems with VLC die? Whatever his name was, he was one of the reasons for me turning sour on the GPL. Talk about a child throwing tantrums.

Nope. Basically what happened is that VLC for iOS is now dual licensed as either GPLv2 or Mozilla Public License v2. The version going up on the store is the MPL-licensed version which is compatible with the App Store rules.

mesomorphicman
2013/07/18 03:43pm

I have VLC 1.0 or whatever, but never used it. Can someone knowledge me and tell me why would someone use it, how would you use it, and why use in place of the default video player in iOS?

�

Thanks in advance.

mikejones
2013/07/18 03:50pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by mesomorphicman�

I have VLC 1.0 or whatever, but never used it. Can someone knowledge me and tell me why would someone use it, how would you use it, and why use in place of the default video player in iOS?

�

Thanks in advance.

The reason someone would use VLC over the built-in video player is that it supports more video, audio and container formats. To use the current VLC for iOS 1.1 requires you to have a jailbroken device or to be an iOS developer and you have to compile your own binary.

bedouin
2013/07/18 03:51pm

I like AirVideo, but the transcoding it does seems unnecessary. I stream over SMB on my Touchpad and never have to buffer; on my iPhone and iPad though I get constant buffering unless I significantly reduce the bitrate.

digitalclips
2013/07/18 08:18pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeJones�
The reason someone would use VLC over the built-in video player is that it supports more video, audio and container formats. To use the current VLC for iOS 1.1 requires you to have a jailbroken device or to be an iOS developer and you have to compile your own binary.
How does one tell which VLC to get from the App Store? There seems to be a myriad if them.
ascii
2013/07/19 03:14am

I wonder if VLC will appear on the Mac App Store now? Currently the best movie player on there (imho) is Movist, which is fast, good-looking, 64-bit and sandboxed (everything I want). But more competition can't hurt...

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