It is common for developers to release beta versions of software so that testers would be able to provide necessary feedback before the app's final version is rolled out. For example, Apple and Google release beta versions of their various operating systems before they push updates out to devices, while gamers are invited to participate in beta programs for video games to ensure that there are no major glitches.
For popular video format converter HandBrake, stating that the beta testing of the software took longer than usual is an understatement, as the app has just recently been taken out of beta status after 13 years in development.
HandBrake 1.0.0 Released
In a post on HandBrake's official website, the team behind the open source video transcoder announced the release of HandBrake 1.0.0, while expressing gratitude to many contributors for the more than 13 years that the software spent in beta status.
The release of HandBrake 1.0.0 was accompanied by the online HandBrake Documentation beta, which is a compilation of documents containing step-by-step guides on the many capabilities of the video conversion tool. The documents are said to be less technical, making them simpler to understand for new users.
What's New In HandBrake 1.0.0
The changelog that was released for HandBrake 1.0.0 is an extensive one, covering various aspects of the software and the different operating systems that supports the tool.
One of the most notable additions with the launch of HandBrake 1.0.0, however, is the introduction of new video presets with settings for the newest smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and consoles. Version 1.0.0 also has new Matroska presets, with support for the VP9 video codec of Google and Opus audio.
HandBrake 1.0.0 also comes with the option to select specific DVD titles and the chapters to convert to other formats, improvements in support for subtitles and the option for queueing up multiple encoding tasks.
The Future Of HandBrake
HandBrake was originally created to rip DVDs, which is to transfer the movies contained within DVDs into more friendly video formats for PCs to play back. It has now become the go-to software for converting videos from one format to another, primarily to save hard drive space, but it remains free and can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
With HandBrake 1.0.0 released, users can expect for the developers behind the software to keep working on the tool for further improvements and new features. Hopefully though, Handbrake 1.0.1 or whatever the next version of the software will be named would not come after another 13 years.
