The Mainline 7.1 release candidate has been released by BitTorrent, featuring a new ability for app developers to create custom apps designed specifically for the Mainline BitTorrent client.
The new BitTorrent Apps platform is a clever move to try and broaden BitTorrent outside of simply file sharing. Users will be able to load their BitTorrent client with apps to enable functions other than just downloading and sharing files. It could also remove a technological barrier between consumers and content creators looking to share their work.
BitTorrent Mainline is currently the No. 3 BitTorrent client trailing behind Vuze and uTorrent -- and the availability of apps may not significantly help it any time soon. If Mainline 7.1 sees success with apps from users & developers, it's likely Vuze and uTorrent would quickly mimic the action by including apps in future releases.
Either way, it should prove interesting to see if consumers want to use built-in app support inside of a file sharing program.
Despite pressure from copyright groups, governments and ISPs, P2P piracy is still a thriving segment of Internet traffic. Along with app support in Mainline, the uTorrent client is now distributing bundled music with torrent downloads, providing an interesting medium for unknown music groups to receive greater exposure.
BitTorrent has drawn the attention of copyright groups and government scrutiny in the United States and abroad, with The Pirate Bay still routinely in the news. The still infamous BitTorrent tracker even has a documentary scheduled for release later this year.
In the United States, the adult entertainment industry now has its sights set on cracking down on BitTorrent piracy, where full movies are shared, and lawsuits are now being filed against movie sharers.
I see the demand for apps in the living room used on HDTVs, but I’m still not sold on apps for BitTorrent clients. I plan on paying attention to how users react as developers slowly roll out apps for Mainline.
