VLC, the popular open-source video player, has taken a significant leap forward in accessibility with the demonstration of its real-time AI subtitling capability at CES 2025. The feature, showcased by VideoLAN president Jean-Baptiste Kempf, uses open-source AI models to generate subtitles for videos in multiple languages, with the ability to translate them in real-time, all offline and locally on the user's machine.

The AI-powered subtitling feature is a significant upgrade from the existing plug-in that utilized OpenAI's speech recognition system Whisper. This new capability is built directly into the VLC app, allowing for seamless and instantaneous subtitle generation and translation. With support for over 100 languages planned, this feature has the potential to break down language barriers and make video content more accessible to a global audience.

What's notable about this feature is its ability to function offline, without relying on cloud services. This ensures that users can access subtitles and translations even without an internet connection, making it a valuable tool for those in areas with limited connectivity. Kempf emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating that the feature "runs directly inside the executable" and is not dependent on cloud services.

While there is no official word on when this feature will be rolled out to the public, the demonstration at CES 2025 suggests that it is nearing completion. This development comes on the heels of VideoLAN's announcement that VLC has surpassed 6 billion downloads, with Kempf boasting that the number of active users is still growing, despite the rise of streaming services.

The implications of this feature are far-reaching, with potential applications in education, entertainment, and beyond. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it is adopted and integrated into various industries. For now, VLC users can look forward to a more inclusive and accessible video viewing experience.

As CES 2025 continues, our team will be tracking down VideoLAN on the show floor to get a closer look at the AI subtitling feature in action. Stay tuned for further updates and insights into this exciting development.