Azureus Releases 3.0 Beta and Video Sharing Website
The popular BitTorrent client, Azureus has announced its long awaited 3.0 release together with the launch of its new video sharing site Zudeo.com. Azureus 3.0 includes a content layer that “should” make it easier to find videos and other large files, and share them with friends.
The new content layer in Azureus 3.0 includes several “social” features like a rating system, comments, easy sharing, and a link to “digg” content. Azureus users will need to get used to the new look and feel of their favorite BitTorrent client, but at least it is still able to download regular .torrent links. The project was initially funded by BV Capital, a company that has previously supported projects like del.icio.us and peerflix, and received another $12 million in a second round of funding, led by Redpoint Ventures.
Techcrunch reports that Azureus will be partnering with several major TV and Movie studios to offer free content through the new client and website. The main difference with similar video sharing sites like YouTube is that Zudeo will focus on delivering high quality content, and full length programs, and that you have to download the videos before you’re able to watch them.
Azureus said before that it is dedicated to offer DRM free content, but they will probably include paid downloads in the future. The old “getazureus.com” now redirects to Zudeo, where you will be able to check out the latest Beta release.
