December 7th, 2006
BitTorrent buys uTorrent, reaction mixed
BitTorrent just acquired the tiny BitTorrent client uTorrent. I have personally called uTorrent one of the killer apps of our time let alone in the sub 200 KB range, but it will be absorbed by the BitTorrent corporation. While I and many other uTorrent users are saddened by the loss of an independent uTorrent, most of us are happy for Ludvig Strigeus on a personal level who is the creator and sole developer of uTorrent. It isn't all bad news since Mac and Linux users will receive a native tight version of uTorrent, but some users were concerned about the potential future inclusion of DRM code since BitTorrent has signed deals with some of the movie studios.
But uTorrent had the following comment on DRM in their FAQ on this transaction.
Q: Will any DRM related technology be implemented in the uTorrent or mainline BitTorrent clients?
A: DRM is function by content and media players, and doesn't involve content distribution tools directly.
I always knew that Ludvig Strigeus would get some reward for his superb piece of work and I told him that when I interviewed him. I wish Ludvig well and that he is free to do all the things he wants. Keep those awesome rich applications in tight C++ code coming Ludvig! You write them, we'll use them.
George Ou is Technical Director of ZDNet. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
