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{{short description|American company}}
{{short description|American company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{redirect|Rainberry|the Zayn song|Rainberry (song)}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Rainberry, Inc.
| name = Rainberry, Inc.
| former_names = BitTorrent, Inc.
| former_names = BitTorrent, Inc.
| logo = Bittorrent new logo.svg
| logo = Rainberry, Inc. logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| type = [[Private company]]
| type = [[Private company]]
| founded = {{start date and age|2004}}
| founded = {{start date and age|2004}}
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| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* [[Steve Liu]] (CEO)<ref>{{cite web |title=Open Corporates, Filing Notice |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ca/C2676150 |website=Open Corporates |access-date=23 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[Justin Sun]] (CEO)
* [[Ashwin Navin]]
* [[Ashwin Navin]]
}}
}}
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}}
}}


'''Rainberry, Inc.''',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-changed-its-name-to-rainberry-180512/|title=BitTorrent Inc. Changed Its Name to Rainberry - TorrentFreak|date=2018-05-12|work=TorrentFreak|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en-US}}</ref> formerly known as '''BitTorrent, Inc.''', is an American [[company]] that is responsible for the ongoing development of the [[BitTorrent]] peer-to-peer protocol, as well as the ongoing development of [[μTorrent]] and [[BitTorrent (software)|BitTorrent Mainline]], two clients for that protocol. Files transferred using the BitTorrent protocol constitute a significant slice of all Internet traffic.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Perez|first1=Sarah|title=Netflix, HBO Streaming Video Traffic Increases As BitTorrent Declines|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/28/netflix-hbo-streaming-video-traffic-increases-as-bittorrent-declines/|website=Techcrunch|publisher=AOL Inc.|access-date=September 26, 2015}}</ref> At its peak, 170 million people used the protocol every month, according to the company's website.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE INSIDE STORY OF BITTORRENT'S BIZARRE COLLAPSE |magazine=Wired |date=1 November 2017 |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/01/the-inside-story-of-bittorrents-bizarre-collapse/}}</ref> The company was founded on September 22, 2004 by [[Bram Cohen]] and [[Ashwin Navin]]. In 2018, the company was acquired by cryptocurrency startup [[TRON (cryptocurrency)|TRON]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-confirms-acquisition-by-tron-foundation-180724/|title=BitTorrent Inc. Officially Confirms Acquisition by TRON Foundation * TorrentFreak}}</ref> and Bram Cohen left the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inventor-bram-cohen-leaves-bittorrent-behind-180819/|title=BitTorrent Inventor Bram Cohen Leaves BitTorrent Behind|date=2018-08-19|website=TorrentFreak|language=en|access-date=2019-02-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bramcohen/status/1087577311715577856?s=20|title=I'm no longer in any way affiliated with BitTorrent and have never been affiliated with Tron or Justin Sun|last=Cohen|first=Bram|date=2019-01-21|website=@bramcohen|language=en|access-date=2019-02-15}}</ref>
'''Rainberry, Inc.''',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-changed-its-name-to-rainberry-180512/|title=BitTorrent Inc. Changed Its Name to Rainberry - TorrentFreak|date=2018-05-12|work=TorrentFreak|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en-US|archive-date=April 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405044610/https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-changed-its-name-to-rainberry-180512/|url-status=live}}</ref> formerly known as '''BitTorrent, Inc.''', is an American [[company]] responsible for [[μTorrent]] and [[BitTorrent (software)|BitTorrent Mainline]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Perez|first1=Sarah|title=Netflix, HBO Streaming Video Traffic Increases As BitTorrent Declines|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/28/netflix-hbo-streaming-video-traffic-increases-as-bittorrent-declines/|website=Techcrunch|date=May 28, 2015 |publisher=AOL Inc.|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004002711/http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/28/netflix-hbo-streaming-video-traffic-increases-as-bittorrent-declines/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=THE INSIDE STORY OF BITTORRENT'S BIZARRE COLLAPSE |magazine=Wired |date=1 November 2017 |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/01/the-inside-story-of-bittorrents-bizarre-collapse/ |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023143140/https://www.wired.com/2017/01/the-inside-story-of-bittorrents-bizarre-collapse/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The company was founded on September 22, 2004 by [[Bram Cohen]] and [[Ashwin Navin]]. It was successful during [[the Great Recession]] under the leadership of CEO [[Eric Klinker]]. In 2018, the company was acquired by cryptocurrency startup [[TRON (cryptocurrency)|TRON]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-confirms-acquisition-by-tron-foundation-180724/|title=BitTorrent Inc. Officially Confirms Acquisition by TRON Foundation * TorrentFreak|access-date=April 29, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414184338/https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-confirms-acquisition-by-tron-foundation-180724/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Bram Cohen left the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inventor-bram-cohen-leaves-bittorrent-behind-180819/|title=BitTorrent Inventor Bram Cohen Leaves BitTorrent Behind|date=2018-08-19|website=TorrentFreak|language=en|access-date=2019-02-15|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129225242/https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inventor-bram-cohen-leaves-bittorrent-behind-180819/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bramcohen/status/1087577311715577856|title=I'm no longer in any way affiliated with BitTorrent and have never been affiliated with Tron or Justin Sun|last=Cohen|first=Bram|date=2019-01-21|website=@bramcohen|language=en|access-date=2019-02-15|archive-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504040942/https://twitter.com/bramcohen/status/1087577311715577856?s=20|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, the SEC charged Rainberry with fraud for selling cryptocurrencies Tronix (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT) as unregistered securities.<ref name=rain>{{cite web |title=BitTorrent owner Rainberry, Justin Sun charged with fraud by SEC |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/inno/stories/news/2023/03/22/bittorrent-justin-sun-sec-charged-with-fraud.html |website=www.bizjournals.com |publisher=BayAreaInno |access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>


==History==
⚫
==BitTorrent protocol software==
The company was founded in 2004 by Bram Cohen and Ashwin Navin, and became the inventor of "μtorrent and BitTorrent software and a pioneering San Francisco company in decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing technology."<ref name=biz/> According to the ''San Francisco Times'' at its peak, BitTorrent in the early 2010s had up to a quarter billion active monthly users, while its protocol "accounted for virtually half of file-sharing bandwidth on the Internet."<ref name=biz/>

Tron, a cryptocurrency startup, acquired Rainberry in 2018, with Tron later introducing BTT, a BitTorrent cryptocurrency token. The token aimed to help monetize Rainberry's software, which had been free since inception, and made money for the company through ads in the [[user interface]].<ref name=biz/>

In early 2023 Rainberry Inc. closed its San Francisco headquarters in the Financial District and laid off 92 employees.<ref name=biz>{{cite web |title=Rainberry Inc., maker of BitTorrent, shutters San Francisco HQ office |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/01/20/p2p-bittorrent-rainberry-tech-layoffs-torrent.html |website=www.bizjournals.com |publisher=San Francisco Business Journal |access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref> In March 2023, Sun served as CEO of Rainberry, Tron, and Peiwo simultaneously.<ref name=bi>{{cite web |title=The SEC just charged Justin Sun, the crypto CEO who bid $4.6 million on lunch with Warren Buffett, with fraud. Here's everything you need to know about him. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/justin-sun-tron-bittorent-crypto-ceo-postponed-warren-buffett-lunch-2019-7#in-july-2017-he-founded-the-blockchain-company-tron-6 |website=www.website.com |publisher=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref>

In March 2023, the SEC sued Tron founder Justin Sun, the Tron foundation, the BitTorrent Foundation, and Rainberry Inc. over the sale of TRX and BTT tokens, and over the debate as to whether they counted as unregistered crypto asset securities.<ref name=secsuit>{{cite web |title=Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried charged for allegedly bribing Chinese officials |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/28/former-ftx-ceo-sam-bankman-fried-charged-for-allegedly-bribing-chinese-officials/ |website=techcrunch.com |publisher=TechCrunch |access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref>

⚫
==BitTorrent software==
<!-- offices are no longer at this address, ref: http://www.bittorrent.com/legal/privacy [[File:612 Howard St., SF entrance.JPG|thumb|BitTorrent's headquarters are at 612 Howard Street in San Francisco.]] -->
<!-- offices are no longer at this address, ref: http://www.bittorrent.com/legal/privacy [[File:612 Howard St., SF entrance.JPG|thumb|BitTorrent's headquarters are at 612 Howard Street in San Francisco.]] -->


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===μTorrent===
===μTorrent===
{{Main|μTorrent|l1=μTorrent}}
{{Main|μTorrent|l1=μTorrent}}
⚫
'μTorrent' is a [[freeware]], [[closed source]] [[BitTorrent client]] owned by BitTorrent, Inc. It is available for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Mac OS X]]. A '''μTorrent Server''' is available for [[Linux]]. All versions are written in [[C++]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQ: How can μTorrent be so small and so fast? |publisher=BitTorrent, Inc. |url=http://www.utorrent.com/faq/misc#faq14 |access-date=December 16, 2009 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212202021/http://www.utorrent.com/faq/misc#faq14 |archive-date=December 12, 2009 }}</ref>
'''μTorrent''' (or '''uTorrent'''; commonly abbreviated as "'''μT'''" or "'''uT'''") is a [[freeware]], [[closed source]] [[BitTorrent client]] owned by BitTorrent, Inc. It is the most widely used BitTorrent client outside China.

⚫
It is available for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Mac OS X]]. A '''μTorrent Server''' is available for [[Linux]]. All versions are written in [[C++]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQ: How can μTorrent be so small and so fast? |publisher=BitTorrent, Inc. |url=http://www.utorrent.com/faq/misc#faq14 |access-date=December 16, 2009 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212202021/http://www.utorrent.com/faq/misc#faq14 |archive-date=December 12, 2009 }}</ref>


On December 7, 2006, μTorrent was purchased by BitTorrent, Inc., as it was announced on their official forum.<ref name="purchase">{{cite web | title = BitTorrent Inc Buys uTorrent | publisher = [[TorrentFreak]] | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-buys-%C2%B5torrent/ | access-date = December 16, 2009}}</ref>
On December 7, 2006, μTorrent was purchased by BitTorrent, Inc., as it was announced on their official forum.<ref name="purchase">{{cite web | title = BitTorrent Inc Buys uTorrent | publisher = [[TorrentFreak]] | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-buys-%C2%B5torrent/ | access-date = December 16, 2009 | archive-date = October 17, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121017212531/http://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-inc-buys-%C2%B5torrent/ | url-status = live }}</ref>


===BitTorrent/μTorrent Pro===
===BitTorrent/μTorrent Pro===
'''Pro''' is the name received by advanced versions, formerly branded '''Plus''', of BitTorrent and μTorrent. These are premium versions of the Windows software with additional features that are downloaded and installed when the user upgrades for US$19.95.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/12/08/utorrent-plus-utorrent-3-1-free-and-bittorrent-plus/ |title=μTorrent Plus, μTorrent 3.1 (Free), and BitTorrent Plus...(and the Kitchen Sink) {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Pre-sales for Plus were announced November 29, 2011 and the upgrade became available December 8, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://torrentfreak.com/utorrent-plus-goes-on-pre-sale-for-2495-111129/ |title=uTorrent Plus Goes on Pre-Sale for $24.95 |publisher=TorrentFreak |date=November 29, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> A "Pro" version of uTorrent for Android also exists, for a lower initial price, though in-app purchases can take it over the cost of the desktop version.
'''Pro''' is the name received by advanced versions, formerly branded '''Plus''', of BitTorrent and μTorrent. These are premium versions of the Windows software with additional features that are downloaded and installed when the user upgrades for US$19.95.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/12/08/utorrent-plus-utorrent-3-1-free-and-bittorrent-plus/ |title=μTorrent Plus, μTorrent 3.1 (Free), and BitTorrent Plus...(and the Kitchen Sink) {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809172924/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/12/08/utorrent-plus-utorrent-3-1-free-and-bittorrent-plus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Pre-sales for Plus were announced November 29, 2011 and the upgrade became available December 8, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://torrentfreak.com/utorrent-plus-goes-on-pre-sale-for-2495-111129/ |title=uTorrent Plus Goes on Pre-Sale for $24.95 |publisher=TorrentFreak |date=November 29, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205113340/https://torrentfreak.com/utorrent-plus-goes-on-pre-sale-for-2495-111129/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A "Pro" version of uTorrent for Android also exists, for a lower initial price, though in-app purchases can take it over the cost of the desktop version.


When a user upgrades to the Pro version of BitTorrent or μTorrent they enable the following features:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus |title=Delivering the World's Content |publisher=BitTorrent |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
When a user upgrades to the Pro version of BitTorrent or μTorrent they enable the following features:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus |title=Delivering the World's Content |publisher=BitTorrent |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=November 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118182933/http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Anti-virus protection for acquired .torrent files
* Anti-virus protection for acquired .torrent files
* Integrated HD media player<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus/features/#media_player |title=Delivering the Worls's Content |publisher=BitTorrent |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108202841/http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus/features#media_player |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead|df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* Integrated HD media player<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus/features/#media_player |title=Delivering the Worls's Content |publisher=BitTorrent |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108202841/http://www.bittorrent.com/bittorrent-plus/features#media_player |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead|df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* Transcoding capability with media codecs
* Transcoding capability with media codecs
* Streaming playback while torrent is downloading<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2014/11/20/introducing-utorrent-pro-now-for-19-95-and-including-a-streaming-beta/|title=Introducing μTorrent Pro, now for $19.95 and including a Streaming beta |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=June 21, 2015}}</ref>
* Streaming playback while torrent is downloading<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2014/11/20/introducing-utorrent-pro-now-for-19-95-and-including-a-streaming-beta/ |title=Introducing μTorrent Pro, now for $19.95 and including a Streaming beta |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622073640/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2014/11/20/introducing-utorrent-pro-now-for-19-95-and-including-a-streaming-beta/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


===BitTorrent Sync===
===BitTorrent Sync===
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BitTorrent Sync<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bittorrent.com/sync|title=Resilio: File Synchronization for Enterprise, Business & Individuals|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102090804/http://www.bittorrent.com/sync|archive-date=November 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a peer-to-peer file synchronization tool running on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can sync files between computers on a local network, or between remote users over the Internet.
BitTorrent Sync<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bittorrent.com/sync|title=Resilio: File Synchronization for Enterprise, Business & Individuals|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102090804/http://www.bittorrent.com/sync|archive-date=November 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a peer-to-peer file synchronization tool running on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can sync files between computers on a local network, or between remote users over the Internet.


The BitTorrent Sync pre-Alpha program, announced in January 2013, was opened to general users on April 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/04/23/bittorrent-sync-alpha-now-open-to-all/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=July 21, 2017 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807075509/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/04/23/bittorrent-sync-alpha-now-open-to-all/ |archive-date=August 7, 2014 }}</ref> On November 23, 2013, BitTorrent announced the release of version 1.2 of the client along with a beta version of the BitTorrent Sync API.<ref name="TNW20131105">{{cite news |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/11/05/1-million-users-30pb-synced-bittorrent-speeds-sync-adds-ipad-support-debuts-api/ |title=With over 1 million users and 30PB synced, BitTorrent speeds up Sync, adds iPad support, and debuts an API |work=The Next Web |date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125111339/http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/11/05/1-million-users-30pb-synced-bittorrent-speeds-sync-adds-ipad-support-debuts-api/ |archive-date=January 25, 2014 |access-date=August 30, 2014 |quote=BitTorrent today announced the release of the BitTorrent Sync Beta API as well as version 1.2 of the client... }}</ref>
The BitTorrent Sync pre-Alpha program, announced in January 2013, was opened to general users on April 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/04/23/bittorrent-sync-alpha-now-open-to-all/ |title=BitTorrent Sync Alpha Now Open to All &#124; the Official BitTorrent Blog |access-date=July 21, 2017 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807075509/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/04/23/bittorrent-sync-alpha-now-open-to-all/ |archive-date=August 7, 2014 }}</ref> On November 23, 2013, BitTorrent announced the release of version 1.2 of the client along with a beta version of the BitTorrent Sync API.<ref name="TNW20131105">{{cite news |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/11/05/1-million-users-30pb-synced-bittorrent-speeds-sync-adds-ipad-support-debuts-api/ |title=With over 1 million users and 30PB synced, BitTorrent speeds up Sync, adds iPad support, and debuts an API |work=The Next Web |date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125111339/http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/11/05/1-million-users-30pb-synced-bittorrent-speeds-sync-adds-ipad-support-debuts-api/ |archive-date=January 25, 2014 |access-date=August 30, 2014 |quote=BitTorrent today announced the release of the BitTorrent Sync Beta API as well as version 1.2 of the client... }}</ref>


On June 1, 2016, product and team were spun out of BitTorrent Inc. as an independent company, Resilio Inc. which will continue development of the product under the name Resilio Sync.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://forum.getsync.com/topic/42518-news-about-sync/ |title=Important News about Sync }}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
On June 1, 2016, product and team were spun out of BitTorrent Inc. as an independent company, Resilio Inc. which will continue development of the product under the name Resilio Sync.<ref>{{cite web |title=Important News about Sync |url=http://forum.resilio.com/topic/42518-news-about-sync/}}</ref>


===BitTorrent Bundle===
===BitTorrent Bundle===
The company has released "Bundles" with artists such as [[Linkin Park]], [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]], [[Public Enemy (group)|Public Enemy]], and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]. The Madonna Bundle, entitled ''secretprojectrevolution'', was released on September 24, 2013 and consisted of the 17-minute film of the same name, stills from the film, and an option for those users who submit their email addresses and make a donation that also includes HD and 2K versions of the film, a VICE interview, and a message from Madonna.<ref name="Hive">{{cite web|title=BitTorrent and Madonna join forces for free speech|url=http://www.techhive.com/article/2048892/bittorrent-and-madonna-join-forces-for-free-speech.html#tk.nl_mwbest|work=TechHive|publisher=IDG Consumer & SMB|access-date=September 23, 2013|first=Caitlin|last=McGarry|date=September 17, 2013}}</ref>
The company has released "Bundles" with artists such as [[Linkin Park]], [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]], [[Public Enemy (group)|Public Enemy]], and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]. The Madonna Bundle, entitled ''secretprojectrevolution'', was released on September 24, 2013 and consisted of the 17-minute film of the same name, stills from the film, and an option for those users who submit their email addresses and make a donation that also includes HD and 2K versions of the film, a VICE interview, and a message from Madonna.<ref name="Hive">{{cite web|title=BitTorrent and Madonna join forces for free speech|url=http://www.techhive.com/article/2048892/bittorrent-and-madonna-join-forces-for-free-speech.html#tk.nl_mwbest|work=TechHive|publisher=IDG Consumer & SMB|access-date=September 23, 2013|first=Caitlin|last=McGarry|date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=October 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026013457/http://www.techhive.com/article/2048892/bittorrent-and-madonna-join-forces-for-free-speech.html#tk.nl_mwbest|url-status=live}}</ref>


On September 17, 2013, the company launched "BitTorrent Bundles for Publishers", an alpha program for content creators to distribute bundles of any size and file type using the BitTorrent client.<ref name="Hive" /> The first released bundle was the fantasy feature film "Overturn: Awakening of the Warrior" starring Ukrainian Vietnamese actor Ivan Doan<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/10/04/friday-download-overturn/|title=BitTorrent Blog Announcement}}</ref>
On September 17, 2013, the company launched "BitTorrent Bundles for Publishers", an alpha program for content creators to distribute bundles of any size and file type using the BitTorrent client.<ref name="Hive" /> The first released bundle was the fantasy feature film "Overturn: Awakening of the Warrior" starring Ukrainian Vietnamese actor Ivan Doan<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/10/04/friday-download-overturn/|title=BitTorrent Blog Announcement|access-date=March 21, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501145136/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2013/10/04/friday-download-overturn/|url-status=live}}</ref>


On September 26, 2014, [[Thom Yorke]] released his album ''Tomorrow's Modern Boxes'' as the first paid Bundle, priced at US$6.00.<ref name="YorkeTMB">{{cite web|title=Thom Yorke Releases New Album Tomorrow's Modern Boxes Via BitTorrent|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/56876-thom-yorke-announces-new-album-tomorrows-modern-boxes/|work=Pitchfork|publisher=Pitchfork|access-date=September 26, 2014|first=Jeremy|last=Gordon|date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> On October 3, 2014, it was announced that the project had been downloaded over 1 million times, which included the free single and video plus the paid downloads; sales numbers have not been released.<ref name="Yorke1million">{{cite web|title=Thom Yorke's BitTorrent Release Hits 1 Million Downloads|url=http://mashable.com/2014/10/03/thom-yorke-bittorrent-album-1-million-downloads/|work=Mashable|publisher=Mashable|access-date=October 3, 2014|first=Stan|last=Schroeder|date=October 3, 2014}}</ref>
On September 26, 2014, [[Thom Yorke]] released his album ''Tomorrow's Modern Boxes'' as the first paid Bundle, priced at US$6.00.<ref name="YorkeTMB">{{cite web|title=Thom Yorke Releases New Album Tomorrow's Modern Boxes Via BitTorrent|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/56876-thom-yorke-announces-new-album-tomorrows-modern-boxes/|work=Pitchfork|publisher=Pitchfork|access-date=September 26, 2014|first=Jeremy|last=Gordon|date=September 26, 2014|archive-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216040257/http://pitchfork.com/news/56876-thom-yorke-announces-new-album-tomorrows-modern-boxes/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 3, 2014, it was announced that the project had been downloaded over 1 million times, which included the free single and video plus the paid downloads; sales numbers have not been released.<ref name="Yorke1million">{{cite web|title=Thom Yorke's BitTorrent Release Hits 1 Million Downloads|url=http://mashable.com/2014/10/03/thom-yorke-bittorrent-album-1-million-downloads/|work=Mashable|publisher=Mashable|access-date=October 3, 2014|first=Stan|last=Schroeder|date=October 3, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202051602/https://mashable.com/2014/10/03/thom-yorke-bittorrent-album-1-million-downloads/|url-status=live}}</ref>


On October 28, 2014, [[Alice in Chains]] released their music video for "[[Phantom Limb (Alice in Chains song)|Phantom Limb]]" via BitTorrent Bundle for free streaming and download. The bundle also included the video treatment and the shot list in [[PDF]], as well as access to the band's merch.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/see-alice-in-chains-dark-haunting-phantom-limb-video-20141028 |title=See Alice in Chains' Dark, Haunting 'Phantom Limb' Video |date=October 28, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref>
On October 28, 2014, [[Alice in Chains]] released their music video for "[[Phantom Limb (Alice in Chains song)|Phantom Limb]]" via BitTorrent Bundle for free streaming and download. The bundle also included the video treatment and the shot list in [[PDF]], as well as access to the band's merch.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/see-alice-in-chains-dark-haunting-phantom-limb-video-20141028 |title=See Alice in Chains' Dark, Haunting 'Phantom Limb' Video |date=October 28, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028191008/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/see-alice-in-chains-dark-haunting-phantom-limb-video-20141028 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===BitTorrent DNA===
===BitTorrent DNA===
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===SoShare (beta)===
===SoShare (beta)===
On January 5, 2012, SoShare was released in alpha as "Share" within the μTorrent client, as a standalone desktop client and as a plug-in based web client.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2012/01/05/bittorrent-share-app/ |title=BitTorrent takes on Dropbox with personal file sharing — Tech News and Analysis |publisher=Gigaom.com |date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> On February 15, 2013, the SoShare beta was launched and repositioned as a user-friendly web application that uses the BitTorrent protocol, designed for creative industry professionals to share high-res photos, files and videos using the app's email system or public links.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/15/bittorrent-sharpens-enterprise-focus-launches-soshare-to-send-large-files-offering-first-terabyte-free/ |title=BitTorrent Sharpens Enterprise Focus, Launches SoShare To Send Large Files, Offering First Terabyte Free |work=techcrunch.com |date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2013}}</ref> From the official website, the service messages that registered users can send file bundles containing up to one terabyte of data per send, free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soshareit.com|title=Resilio: File Synchronization for Enterprise, Business & Individuals|access-date=December 10, 2016}}</ref>
On January 5, 2012, SoShare was released in alpha as "Share" within the μTorrent client, as a standalone desktop client and as a plug-in based web client.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gigaom.com/2012/01/05/bittorrent-share-app/ |title=BitTorrent takes on Dropbox with personal file sharing — Tech News and Analysis |publisher=Gigaom.com |date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222112/https://gigaom.com/2012/01/05/bittorrent-share-app/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 15, 2013, the SoShare beta was launched and repositioned as a user-friendly web application that uses the BitTorrent protocol, designed for creative industry professionals to share high-res photos, files and videos using the app's email system or public links.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/15/bittorrent-sharpens-enterprise-focus-launches-soshare-to-send-large-files-offering-first-terabyte-free/ |title=BitTorrent Sharpens Enterprise Focus, Launches SoShare To Send Large Files, Offering First Terabyte Free |work=techcrunch.com |date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-date=March 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320115242/http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/15/bittorrent-sharpens-enterprise-focus-launches-soshare-to-send-large-files-offering-first-terabyte-free/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From the official website, the service messages that registered users can send file bundles containing up to one terabyte of data per send, free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soshareit.com|title=Resilio: File Synchronization for Enterprise, Business & Individuals|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818061820/https://soshareit.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>


====BitTorrent News====
====BitTorrent News====
Line 80: Line 89:


==== BitTorrent Live ====
==== BitTorrent Live ====
First announced in September 2011 and was first publicly tested on October 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/10/13/youre-invited-to-an-rd-live-streaming-test-this-friday/ |title=R&D Live Streaming Test Friday {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=October 13, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> BitTorrent premiered Live in public beta in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-new-live-streaming-platform-130312/ |title=BitTorrent Premieres New Live Streaming Platform |publisher=TorrentFreak |date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> The platform was used to showcase live streaming events of musical acts and DJs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2012/01/04/join-us-in-the-bittorrent-live-studio-with-dj-dragon-fly-and-vj-kai/ |title=Join Us in the BitTorrent Live Studio with DJ Dragon Fly and VJ Kai {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> It was shut down in 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/bittorrent-live-shutting-down-1202402117/ |title=BitTorrent Is Shutting Down Its Live TV Streaming Service (EXCLUSIVE) |last=Roettger |first=Janko |date=April 27, 2017 |magazine=variety.com |access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref> In March 2019 it was announced that BitTorrent Live is going to return in the form of Snapchat-like social media app for Android and iOS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.slashdot.org/story/19/03/27/1529248/bittorrent-live-returns-as-a-snapchat-like-social-media-app|title=BitTorrent Live Returns as a Snapchat-like Social Media App - Slashdot|website=news.slashdot.org|language=en|access-date=2019-04-12}}</ref>
First announced in September 2011 and was first publicly tested on October 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/10/13/youre-invited-to-an-rd-live-streaming-test-this-friday/ |title=R&D Live Streaming Test Friday {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=October 13, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173550/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2011/10/13/youre-invited-to-an-rd-live-streaming-test-this-friday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> BitTorrent premiered Live in public beta in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-new-live-streaming-platform-130312/ |title=BitTorrent Premieres New Live Streaming Platform |publisher=TorrentFreak |date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223140613/https://torrentfreak.com/bittorrent-new-live-streaming-platform-130312/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The platform was used to showcase live streaming events of musical acts and DJs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2012/01/04/join-us-in-the-bittorrent-live-studio-with-dj-dragon-fly-and-vj-kai/ |title=Join Us in the BitTorrent Live Studio with DJ Dragon Fly and VJ Kai {{pipe}} The Official BitTorrent Blog |publisher=Blog.bittorrent.com |date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809171502/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2012/01/04/join-us-in-the-bittorrent-live-studio-with-dj-dragon-fly-and-vj-kai/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was shut down in 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/bittorrent-live-shutting-down-1202402117/ |title=BitTorrent Is Shutting Down Its Live TV Streaming Service (EXCLUSIVE) |last=Roettger |first=Janko |date=April 27, 2017 |magazine=variety.com |access-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312205221/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/bittorrent-live-shutting-down-1202402117/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2019 it was announced that BitTorrent Live is going to return in the form of Snapchat-like social media app for Android and iOS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.slashdot.org/story/19/03/27/1529248/bittorrent-live-returns-as-a-snapchat-like-social-media-app|title=BitTorrent Live Returns as a Snapchat-like Social Media App - Slashdot|website=news.slashdot.org|language=en|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412222705/https://news.slashdot.org/story/19/03/27/1529248/bittorrent-live-returns-as-a-snapchat-like-social-media-app|url-status=live}}</ref>


==== BitTorrent Bleep ====
==== BitTorrent Bleep ====
BitTorrent Bleep is a multi-platform, peer-to-peer, serverless chat client available free on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleep.pm|title=Bleep by BitTorrent|last=Bleep|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044658/http://www.bleep.pm/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|title=bleep - The Official BitTorrent Blog|last=BitTorrent Blog|access-date=December 10, 2016}}</ref> Bleep was never officially discontinued, but as of August 2017 the website no longer exists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleep.pm|title=Bleep by BitTorrent|last=Bleep|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044658/http://www.bleep.pm/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the Windows application is no longer available to download from their website, or on the Google Play store,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=BitTorrent,+Inc.|title=Bleep on Google Play|last=Google Play Store|access-date=August 12, 2017}}</ref> the Bleep Blog hasn't been updated since August 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|title=bleep - The Official BitTorrent Blog|last=BitTorrent Blog|access-date=August 12, 2017}}</ref> and the Bleep forums no longer have any active moderators participating.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.bittorrent.com/forum/118-bittorrent-bleep/|title=BitTorrent Bleep - BitTorrent Forums|last=BitTorrent Forums|access-date=August 12, 2017}}</ref>
BitTorrent Bleep is a multi-platform, peer-to-peer, serverless chat client available free on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleep.pm|title=Bleep by BitTorrent|last=Bleep|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044658/http://www.bleep.pm/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|title=bleep - The Official BitTorrent Blog|last=BitTorrent Blog|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415194055/http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bleep was never officially discontinued, but as of August 2017 the website no longer exists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleep.pm|title=Bleep by BitTorrent|last=Bleep|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044658/http://www.bleep.pm/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the Windows application is no longer available to download from their website, or on the Google Play store,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=BitTorrent,+Inc.|title=Bleep on Google Play|publisher=Google Play Store|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427190546/https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=BitTorrent,+Inc.|url-status=live}}</ref> the Bleep Blog hasn't been updated since August 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|title=bleep - The Official BitTorrent Blog|last=BitTorrent Blog|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415194055/http://blog.bittorrent.com/tag/bleep/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Bleep forums no longer have any active moderators participating.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.bittorrent.com/forum/118-bittorrent-bleep/|title=BitTorrent Bleep - BitTorrent Forums|last=BitTorrent Forums|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812142615/https://forum.bittorrent.com/forum/118-bittorrent-bleep/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==== Project Maelstrom ====
==== Project Maelstrom ====
On December 10, 2014, BitTorrent announced Project Maelstrom,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|title=BitTorrent Opens Alpha For Maelstrom, Its New, Distributed, Torrent-Based Web Browser|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/12/10/bittorrent-maelstrom/|website=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL Inc|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> a [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]]-based browser project that enables [[censorship]]-resistant [[distributed computing|distributed]] [[Web publishing]] by utilizing the BitTorrent and [[Distributed hash table|DHT]] protocols.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Van der Sar, Ernesto|title=Beating Internet Censors With BitTorrent's Maelstrom Browser|url=https://torrentfreak.com/beating-internet-censors-with-bittorrents-maelstrom-browser-150419/|publisher=TorrentFreak|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=April 19, 2015}}</ref> Initially, the project was run as a closed alpha, but was then opened as a public beta available for Windows only.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Klinker, Eric|title=Project Maelstrom Enters Beta|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2015/04/10/project-maelstrom-enters-beta/|publisher=BitTorrent Inc.|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=April 10, 2015}}</ref> Although no official discontinue notice has been announced as of February 2017, the BitTorrent Inc. website no longer provides the browser for download, the last build has not been updated past Chromium version 44, and the last post by the project lead staff was on September 14, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.bittorrent.com/profile/51525-robv/|title=robv Project Maelstrom Lead profile page|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004193058/https://forum.bittorrent.com/profile/51525-robv/|archive-date=October 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On December 10, 2014, BitTorrent announced Project Maelstrom,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|title=BitTorrent Opens Alpha For Maelstrom, Its New, Distributed, Torrent-Based Web Browser|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/12/10/bittorrent-maelstrom/|website=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL Inc|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=December 10, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104083105/http://techcrunch.com/2014/12/10/bittorrent-maelstrom/|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]]-based browser project that enables [[censorship]]-resistant [[distributed computing|distributed]] [[Web publishing]] by utilizing the BitTorrent and [[Distributed hash table|DHT]] protocols.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Van der Sar, Ernesto|title=Beating Internet Censors With BitTorrent's Maelstrom Browser|url=https://torrentfreak.com/beating-internet-censors-with-bittorrents-maelstrom-browser-150419/|publisher=TorrentFreak|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=April 19, 2015|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513153501/https://torrentfreak.com/beating-internet-censors-with-bittorrents-maelstrom-browser-150419/|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, the project was run as a closed alpha, but was then opened as a public beta available for Windows only.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Klinker, Eric|title=Project Maelstrom Enters Beta|url=http://blog.bittorrent.com/2015/04/10/project-maelstrom-enters-beta/|publisher=BitTorrent Inc.|access-date=November 2, 2015|date=April 10, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912152753/http://blog.bittorrent.com/2015/04/10/project-maelstrom-enters-beta/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although no official discontinue notice has been announced as of February 2017, the BitTorrent Inc. website no longer provides the browser for download, the last build has not been updated past Chromium version 44, and the last post by the project lead staff was on September 14, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.bittorrent.com/profile/51525-robv/|title=robv Project Maelstrom Lead profile page|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004193058/https://forum.bittorrent.com/profile/51525-robv/|archive-date=October 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==DLive==
==DLive==
{{Main|DLive}}
{{Main|DLive}}
In late 2019, BitTorrent purchased [[DLive]], which was created in 2017 as a [[blockchain]]-based [[Video game live streaming|video game streaming platform]] with lax moderation and generous monetization plans. Around this time, DLive became popular with far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists who had been banned from other platforms.<ref name="nyt"/> According to the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]], "DLive has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to extremists since its founding, largely through donations of cryptocurrency built into a service provided by the site."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayden |first1=Michael Edison |title=Meet DLive: The Livestreaming Platform Used by Trump's Capitol Insurrectionists |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2021/01/07/meet-dlive-livestreaming-platform-used-trumps-capitol-insurrectionists |access-date=January 3, 2021 |work=HateWatch |publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center |date=January 7, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> DLive was used by multiple creators to stream and coordinate the [[2021 storming of the United States Capitol]].<ref name="nyt"/> Several of these streamers were subsequently banned by DLive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petrizzo |first1=Zachary |title=Nick Fuentes, 'Baked Alaska' banned from DLive following Capitol riots |url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/nick-fuentes-baked-alaska-dlive-bans/ |access-date=January 29, 2021 |work=The Daily Dot |date=January 9, 2021}}</ref>
In late 2019, BitTorrent purchased [[DLive]], which was created in 2017 as a [[blockchain]]-based [[Video game live streaming|video game streaming platform]] with lax moderation and generous monetization plans. Around this time, DLive became popular with far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists who had been banned from other platforms.<ref name="nyt"/> According to the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]], "DLive has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to extremists since its founding, largely through donations of cryptocurrency built into a service provided by the site."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayden |first1=Michael Edison |title=Meet DLive: The Livestreaming Platform Used by Trump's Capitol Insurrectionists |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2021/01/07/meet-dlive-livestreaming-platform-used-trumps-capitol-insurrectionists |access-date=January 3, 2021 |work=HateWatch |publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center |date=January 7, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107181844/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2021/01/07/meet-dlive-livestreaming-platform-used-trumps-capitol-insurrectionists |url-status=live }}</ref> DLive was used by multiple creators to stream and coordinate the [[2021 storming of the United States Capitol]].<ref name="nyt"/> Several of these streamers were subsequently banned by DLive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petrizzo |first1=Zachary |title=Nick Fuentes, 'Baked Alaska' banned from DLive following Capitol riots |url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/nick-fuentes-baked-alaska-dlive-bans/ |access-date=January 29, 2021 |work=The Daily Dot |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109183920/https://www.dailydot.com/debug/nick-fuentes-baked-alaska-dlive-bans/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Partners==
==Partners==

Revision as of 16:41, 9 March 2024

"Rainberry" redirects here. For the Zayn song, see Rainberry (song).
Rainberry, Inc.
FormerlyBitTorrent, Inc.
Company typePrivate company
IndustryInternet software and services
Founded2004; 20 years ago (2004)
FoundersBram Cohen
Ashwin Navin
HeadquartersSan Francisco, California, United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Products
  • Consumer Freeware
  • Content Delivery
  • Embedded Software
Number of employees
110 (2012)
ParentTRON Foundation
SubsidiariesDLive[2]
Websitewww.rainberry.com

Rainberry, Inc.,[3] formerly known as BitTorrent, Inc., is an American company responsible for μTorrent and BitTorrent Mainline.[4][5] The company was founded on September 22, 2004 by Bram Cohen and Ashwin Navin. It was successful during the Great Recession under the leadership of CEO Eric Klinker. In 2018, the company was acquired by cryptocurrency startup TRON,[6] and Bram Cohen left the company.[7][8] In March 2022, the SEC charged Rainberry with fraud for selling cryptocurrencies Tronix (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT) as unregistered securities.[9]

History

The company was founded in 2004 by Bram Cohen and Ashwin Navin, and became the inventor of "μtorrent and BitTorrent software and a pioneering San Francisco company in decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing technology."[10] According to the San Francisco Times at its peak, BitTorrent in the early 2010s had up to a quarter billion active monthly users, while its protocol "accounted for virtually half of file-sharing bandwidth on the Internet."[10]

Tron, a cryptocurrency startup, acquired Rainberry in 2018, with Tron later introducing BTT, a BitTorrent cryptocurrency token. The token aimed to help monetize Rainberry's software, which had been free since inception, and made money for the company through ads in the user interface.[10]

In early 2023 Rainberry Inc. closed its San Francisco headquarters in the Financial District and laid off 92 employees.[10] In March 2023, Sun served as CEO of Rainberry, Tron, and Peiwo simultaneously.[11]

In March 2023, the SEC sued Tron founder Justin Sun, the Tron foundation, the BitTorrent Foundation, and Rainberry Inc. over the sale of TRX and BTT tokens, and over the debate as to whether they counted as unregistered crypto asset securities.[12]

BitTorrent software

Main articles: BitTorrent (software) and BitTorrent protocol

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer computer program developed by Bram Cohen and BitTorrent, Inc. that is used for uploading and downloading files via the BitTorrent protocol. BitTorrent was the first client written for the protocol. It is often nicknamed Mainline by developers, denoting its official origins. Since version 6.0, the BitTorrent client has been a rebranded version of μTorrent. As a result, it is no longer open source and is currently available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.

μTorrent

Main article: μTorrent

'μTorrent' is a freeware, closed source BitTorrent client owned by BitTorrent, Inc. It is available for Microsoft Windows, Android and Mac OS X. A μTorrent Server is available for Linux. All versions are written in C++.[13]

On December 7, 2006, μTorrent was purchased by BitTorrent, Inc., as it was announced on their official forum.[14]

BitTorrent/μTorrent Pro

Pro is the name received by advanced versions, formerly branded Plus, of BitTorrent and μTorrent. These are premium versions of the Windows software with additional features that are downloaded and installed when the user upgrades for US$19.95.[15] Pre-sales for Plus were announced November 29, 2011 and the upgrade became available December 8, 2011.[16] A "Pro" version of uTorrent for Android also exists, for a lower initial price, though in-app purchases can take it over the cost of the desktop version.

When a user upgrades to the Pro version of BitTorrent or μTorrent they enable the following features:[17]

  • Anti-virus protection for acquired .torrent files
  • Integrated HD media player[18]
  • Transcoding capability with media codecs
  • Streaming playback while torrent is downloading[19]

BitTorrent Sync

Main article: Resilio Sync

BitTorrent Sync[20] is a peer-to-peer file synchronization tool running on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can sync files between computers on a local network, or between remote users over the Internet.

The BitTorrent Sync pre-Alpha program, announced in January 2013, was opened to general users on April 23, 2013.[21] On November 23, 2013, BitTorrent announced the release of version 1.2 of the client along with a beta version of the BitTorrent Sync API.[22]

On June 1, 2016, product and team were spun out of BitTorrent Inc. as an independent company, Resilio Inc. which will continue development of the product under the name Resilio Sync.[23]

BitTorrent Bundle

The company has released "Bundles" with artists such as Linkin Park, Pixies, Public Enemy, and Madonna. The Madonna Bundle, entitled secretprojectrevolution, was released on September 24, 2013 and consisted of the 17-minute film of the same name, stills from the film, and an option for those users who submit their email addresses and make a donation that also includes HD and 2K versions of the film, a VICE interview, and a message from Madonna.[24]

On September 17, 2013, the company launched "BitTorrent Bundles for Publishers", an alpha program for content creators to distribute bundles of any size and file type using the BitTorrent client.[24] The first released bundle was the fantasy feature film "Overturn: Awakening of the Warrior" starring Ukrainian Vietnamese actor Ivan Doan[25]

On September 26, 2014, Thom Yorke released his album Tomorrow's Modern Boxes as the first paid Bundle, priced at US$6.00.[26] On October 3, 2014, it was announced that the project had been downloaded over 1 million times, which included the free single and video plus the paid downloads; sales numbers have not been released.[27]

On October 28, 2014, Alice in Chains released their music video for "Phantom Limb" via BitTorrent Bundle for free streaming and download. The bundle also included the video treatment and the shot list in PDF, as well as access to the band's merch.[28]

BitTorrent DNA

BitTorrent, Inc. also offers BitTorrent DNA (Delivery Network Accelerator),[29] a free content delivery service based on the BitTorrent protocol that allows content providers to distribute their content using the bandwidth of their users.

SoShare (beta)

On January 5, 2012, SoShare was released in alpha as "Share" within the μTorrent client, as a standalone desktop client and as a plug-in based web client.[30] On February 15, 2013, the SoShare beta was launched and repositioned as a user-friendly web application that uses the BitTorrent protocol, designed for creative industry professionals to share high-res photos, files and videos using the app's email system or public links.[31] From the official website, the service messages that registered users can send file bundles containing up to one terabyte of data per send, free.[32]

BitTorrent News

Discontinued software

BitTorrent Live

First announced in September 2011 and was first publicly tested on October 14, 2011.[33] BitTorrent premiered Live in public beta in March 2013.[34] The platform was used to showcase live streaming events of musical acts and DJs.[35] It was shut down in 2017.[36] In March 2019 it was announced that BitTorrent Live is going to return in the form of Snapchat-like social media app for Android and iOS.[37]

BitTorrent Bleep

BitTorrent Bleep is a multi-platform, peer-to-peer, serverless chat client available free on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.[38][39] Bleep was never officially discontinued, but as of August 2017 the website no longer exists,[40] the Windows application is no longer available to download from their website, or on the Google Play store,[41] the Bleep Blog hasn't been updated since August 2015,[42] and the Bleep forums no longer have any active moderators participating.[43]

Project Maelstrom

On December 10, 2014, BitTorrent announced Project Maelstrom,[44] a Chromium-based browser project that enables censorship-resistant distributed Web publishing by utilizing the BitTorrent and DHT protocols.[45] Initially, the project was run as a closed alpha, but was then opened as a public beta available for Windows only.[46] Although no official discontinue notice has been announced as of February 2017, the BitTorrent Inc. website no longer provides the browser for download, the last build has not been updated past Chromium version 44, and the last post by the project lead staff was on September 14, 2015.[47]

DLive

Main article: DLive

In late 2019, BitTorrent purchased DLive, which was created in 2017 as a blockchain-based video game streaming platform with lax moderation and generous monetization plans. Around this time, DLive became popular with far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists who had been banned from other platforms.[2] According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, "DLive has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to extremists since its founding, largely through donations of cryptocurrency built into a service provided by the site."[48] DLive was used by multiple creators to stream and coordinate the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol.[2] Several of these streamers were subsequently banned by DLive.[49]

Partners

According to the company's website, BitTorrent Inc. has announced partnerships with many companies, including, for venture capital, Accel Partners and DCM, technology partners ESA Flash Components, NTL:Telewest, Opera Software, and device partners Buffalo Technology, D-Link, I-O Data, Marvell Semiconductors, Netgear, Planex Communications Inc., and QNAP Systems, Inc.[50][51]

See also

References

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External links

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