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Last week, the beloved media player VLC returned to iOS after a two-year hiatus. The new version is fully open source, and as always, totally free. Here's how you use it to pack your iPad or iPhone full of content to take anywhere -- even beyond an internet connection.
Find Some Files
VLC's main claim to fame is that it plays basically any media file in any container with (almost) any file extension. So it will eat up those MKVs and AVIs that iTunes won't play, but it will also play rarer filetypes: FLVs directly ripped from YouTube, or now-antiquated WMVs. The other advantage is that the media is stored locally, so if you want to catch up on TV on the subway or a plane, you won't need service.
However, audiophiles looking for a free app to play lossless FLACs on their iPhones will be disappointed. The iOS version of VLC doesn't support FLAC at the moment, despite the fact that the desktop version of VLC is the de facto standard FLAC player. In fact, the VLC iOS app doesn't play any audio files, but that's a feature that is scheduled for a future update.
Upload Them
You've got three options to transfer your movies and music to the VLC app. First, you can upload files the traditional way by plugging your device into your computer and firing up iTunes. If you sync daily, this might be the best option.
If you're a Dropbox user, it's super easy to upload something to your phone. Sign in to Dropbox, and download files from inside the VLC app. Of course, with Dropbox size limits, you're most likely not going to be transferring huge movie files this way.
But the best way to add media to VLC is the new (and very slick) web uploader. Connect your computer and your iOS device on the same Wi-Fi network, turn on VLC's Wi-Fi Upload feature, and enter the IP address into the browser on your computer. That will present you with a lovely GUI that will let you drag and drop your media onto your mobile device. Protip: Bookmark your IP address for easy access in the future.
Lock It Down
No judgment here, but perhaps you don't want everyone with access to your phone to see the kind of videos you've been watching. VLC includes a passcode option to restrict access to the app, which you'll find in the Settings menu under Options.
Blow It Up
Something to consider: If you've got an Apple TV, mirroring your screen running VLC with AirPlay just may be the easiest way to play Apple-unapproved filetypes on the big screen.
The VLC media player is free in the App Store. Hope you sprung for 64GB of storage space.
