BitTorrent has released µTorrent Web. The web client runs within browsers on Windows and, according to the company, a version for macOS will follow soon. With the web version, videos can be played while they are downloading.
The web version of µTorrent is an executable file that, after installation on Windows, works in combination with at least Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer and Opera. BitTorrent is working on a version for macOS. Once installed, µTorrent Web starts downloading files in the default browser when clicking magnet links or opening torrent files. By default, each new download starts in a separate browser window and the list of downloads remains visible even when switching browsers in which the client is opened.
While downloading, videos can already be played in the player of the web interface. Playback depends on the browser’s video format support. Files can be removed from the list and in the settings you can indicate where the downloads should be placed on the PC. It is also indicated that downloads should not start in a separate browser window and that the web app does not start by default when opening Windows. There is a search function, but it simply opens a new browser window with the default search engine.
BitTorrent derives revenue from advertisements in the interface. This concerns personalized advertisements, although there is a ‘forget me’ option in the settings. In addition, BitTorrent derives revenue from bundling Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware Web Companion. Users have the option to decline installation during the µTorrent web client setup, but are then prompted to install the software when using it.
BitTorrent announced a web client over a year ago and has been testing a beta client since early this year. The principle of a web client for streaming torrents is not new. Webtorrent, among others, offers this function. Sequential downloading of torrent files is seen as not conducive to the quality of a swarm.
It was recently announced that Bram Cohen, founder of BitTorrent, has left the company. BitTorrent was acquired earlier this year by the entrepreneur behind the Tron cryptocurrency.