I can not remember a time when without VLC because I have been using it for so long! I have used it in Linux, windows, Android and iOS. I am amazed at how well VLC works on iOS, even with the restrictive nature of it and adapting to the way it is supposed to be used. Not only that, VLC looks amazing.
VLC has always worked well in Linux. I recommend it to any windows user who isn't using it already. It worked on Android as I have come to expect. But most of all I was most surprised at how powerful it is on iOS.
I don't use windows or iTunes, so buying an iPhone and later an iPad seemed like a dead end considering I use Ubuntu (never mind all the other issues). I had trouble with Rhythmbox and other free software because of the nature of iOS devices and how hard it is for these projects to provide compatibility. Plus I tend to use ogg and flac which is another hurdle.
VLC on the other hand saw no issue. Wifi upload: sorted. Local Network upload: even better! Even stream from Ubuntu.
I am nothing short of impressed at VLC in all versions. It could easily be its own operating system with what it can do. It reminds me so much of Emacs.