VLC Media Player is an open source, cross-platform app that lets you play almost any kind of media file on nearly every operating system. The latest version for Android at the time of writing brings a lot of new feature additions, along with improvements in functionality and design.

Below are some features that version 3.4 brings to VLC for Android; take a look once you've updated your copy of the app.

1. Playback Experience: Improved Media Configuration

The latest version of VLC is intuitive and offers a cleaner design for a better playback experience.

Its new interface is more content-centric, offering additional media information and enhanced search capabilities. You can browse media by artists, albums, tracks, and genres, or scroll through all tracks in alphabetical order.

It also sports a bottom menu that shows all available media files on your device (depending on what permissions you've granted) and local network servers, if any. The app allows you to track album history and shuffle all songs in your library. With improved cover synchronization, you'll enjoy some appealing UI themes.

2. Accessibility: Bookmark Content for Quick Retrieval

VLC's app sports a bookmark feature that enables quick access to specific parts of the media you're playing. When you are listening to an audiobook, podcast, or lecture, you can save your current position and resume playback later on.

Related: How to Remember Video Playback Position in VLC to Resume Later

To set up a bookmark, first launch the app and open a media file. Then tap the three-dot icon (in the top-right corner), select Bookmarks, and tap the Plus sign.

3. Readability: Grid-View Layout and Video Grouping

VLC’s redesigned version makes it easier to see all your videos in a grid-view format with a thumbnail preview of each item. The navigation framework is intuitive and improves readability significantly. You can also group videos into categories based on your preferences.

Video files are accessible by tapping the Video tab in the bottom menu. To group your videos, tap the three-dot icon and select Add to Video Group. To remove videos from a group and view them separately, tap the three-dot icon and choose Ungroup.

4. Privacy: Limit Access to Local Files on Your Device

VLC's latest version also comes with privacy enhancement features. Once you launch the app, it offers you the option of granting permission to access local and external storage resources. However, if you only wish to use the app to stream content online, you don't need to grant storage access to your Android device.

To review these, launch the app and tap Permissions, then toggle off Let VLC scan my device. This setting is handy if you don’t wish to allow access to third-party apps.

If you want to change these access settings later, go to the Home menu, then tap Grant Permission > Allow access. The app will then scan your device storage to detect media files and add them to its library.

5. Usability: Guided Flow for Responsive Controls

VLC for Android offers several features for enhancing the playback experience. Version 3.4 has a new onboarding flow with usability tips and shortcuts for first-time users.

Related: Top Secret Features of the Free VLC Media Player

The app offers a redesigned workflow to focus on responsive controls with its video and audio playlist tips. You can double-tap anywhere on the screen to pause the track. Volume adjustments are possible by sliding up or down on the right or left side of the screen. There are other little tweaks like this to discover, too.

VLC for Android Covers All Your Media Needs

VLC has been the go-to app for media playback on every platform for years. Whether you're looking for the perfect media streaming solution or want to watch local videos on your phone, VLC has you covered. And it's gotten even better with this update.