Fake VLC for Windows 8.1 apps in Windows Store

[Littlebits]

VideoLAN is getting ready to launch the final version of their Windows 8 port of VLC, so developers around the world looking to earn some easy money have only a few days left to do it.

A new app called VLC for Windows 8.1 has landed in the store this morning, trying to trick people into believing that this is the official VLC app.

The only problem is that VideoLAN will offer their original app for free, while this one costs $9.99 (€7.5) and doesn’t seem to be providing too many features on Windows 8 and RT.

Links to known fake VLC apps all published by Player Plus (Do NOT install!!):

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/94dee8ef-09f8-476e-b946-951b153d2514

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/vic-media-player-8-0/f0ab3534-1a43-4b20-8857-b175962a9925

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/vic-player-pro/5e91a49b-888c-4412-97b9-99c0ba847683

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/video-player-for-vcl-8-1/70fd727e-9bbc-44ad-bb1e-9236acca43fd

Source

NOTE: There could be also more fake VLC apps listed in the Windows Store be careful and only install the FREE versions, since VLC is open-source freeware.

 

[Ink]

There are 14 apps by Player Plus on the Windows Store.

• VLC for Windows 8.1
• VlC Player Pro - (Video-Innovation-Center) ProHD
• Video Player for VCL Player
• VlC Media Player
• VCL HD Player 8.1
• VCL Media Player 8.1
• HD Media Player for Window's 8.1
• VlC Media Player 8.0
• Video Player for VCL 8.1
• VLC Metro Player 8.1 Pro
• VLCC Plays
• Media Player for VLCC
• VlC Media Player Pro
• Media Player 8.1 HD Pro

These range from Free, £0.99 to £6.99.

Remember to look who the Publisher is and always go via the official VideoLAN website to find the official VLC Player app.

 

[MrXidus]

There are 14 apps by Player Plus on the Windows Store.

• VLC for Windows 8.1
• VlC Player Pro - (Video-Innovation-Center) ProHD
• Video Player for VCL Player
• VlC Media Player
• VCL HD Player 8.1
• VCL Media Player 8.1
• HD Media Player for Window's 8.1
• VlC Media Player 8.0
• Video Player for VCL 8.1
• VLC Metro Player 8.1 Pro
• VLCC Plays
• Media Player for VLCC
• VlC Media Player Pro
• Media Player 8.1 HD Pro

These range from Free, £0.99 to £6.99.

http://i.imgur.com/CPfSF5Z.png

Remember to look who the Publisher is and always go via the official VideoLAN website to find the official VLC Player app.

Great quality control Micro$oft, Makes me want to use the Windows Store even more! /s

Tell me, do they even review apps before they get added to the Windows Store? I wouldn't know since I don't use Metro apps on my desktop PC.

My gut tells me these fake junky apps are also data harvesters, anything to make more revenue I'd say because tricking someone and making them pay up front is not good enough for these greedy scum filled wastes of life that upload such junk.

Thanks.

 

[Littlebits]

I can't believe Microsoft is allowing these fake apps in their store.

I searched the Windows Store and found many fake apps and the users have even reported them with commits like has malware or copyright violations and still they exists.

VLC has not officially released any Windows 8 apps. So anything that you find are fakes.

I'm sure Microsoft must be collecting profit off of these fake apps.
Not so long ago Google Web Store also was full of fake apps but they clean it up a lot but some still exists.

Thanks.

 

[landerio]

VideoLAN should request Microsoft to remove these fake apps. And Micro$oft quality control really sucks.

 

[Gnosis]

Darn it!!!! I am so glad that last guy said what he said!!!

 

[AyeAyeCaptain]

Yes VideoLAN should also request for Microsoft to get all the money back, from the sales.... and give most of it to them, with M$ keeping a small fraction for the trouble.... Does not instill faith seeing so many fake apps been allowed on the store, if they want to compete with the likes of Apple at least get the bloody basics right!

Unless this is their new USP for the market share of their security suite... *lol*

 

[jkiller]

Very good. Thank info

 

[woodrowbone]

Do not be to harsh on Microsoft, they are probably using MSE.

Hehe...

/W

 

[MalwareVirus]

Same thing I pointed out about google play store some days before "What policies they are using to add app in store"

 

[Ink]

They might be fake, but sure they're not malicious.

Read this, it's about the Windows Store, not traditional desktop apps.
http://www.infoworld.com/t/security/windows-rt-fortified-against-malware-205768

Fake apps are nothing more than Scams, similar to how an Antivirus cannot detect a Phishing web page.

 

[MalwareVirus]

I agree with you,in case of GPS I found fake app are use using to show ads nothing more.

 

[Ink]

Some users have fallen for the scam.

I hope MS can somehow refund them, and close this the rogue Player Plus account. The fake apps don't even play DVD's.

 

[Ink]

To the people questioning the Windows Store, received a reply from them.

Thanks for the explanation regarding the app, VIC Media Player. Since the app does work and does not use any Trademarked information, it will be allowed to remain in the Store. If you do see a Trademark issue with the app, you can have the Trademark owner begin a claim at this link for assistance.

https://www.microsoft.com/info/Marketplace.aspx

I apologize for any confusion and please let me know if there is anything else that I can assist you with today.

AFAIK, VideoLAN would have to take action and warn it's users of the non-official VLC apps.

 

[MalwareVirus]

I know this,if they want to remove it they already did it.

 

[MetalShaun]

When is the real one being released?