VLC has long had the oddest choice of icon. It’s a traffic cone, something that I suppose references to the fact that originally VLC was used to stream video around a network. The fact that it has usurped Quicktime as the most versatile media playing app has not been reflected in its icon choice. So, the task falls on the many talented icon designers out there to take this little traffic cone and make it into something a bit more interesting.

Sunday saw the release of two very different approaches to the VLC icon. VLC ‘08 aims to drag the traffic cone into the 21st century, by turning it into what could very well have been a traffic cone in iRobot or Minority report; it’s all gloss, shine, and metal coil. On the other hand, matic’s VLCICONS takes a more subtle approach that cleverly integrates a 35mm film spool into the base of the cone. So, take your pick subtle or loud, present or future. Either way, your dock will be better off.