New BitTorrent Mainline Client to Bundle Discovery, Download and Playback of Content

BitTorrent is the world's most popular peer-to-peer file sharing protocol, but, since it's used to distribute a lot of pirated material, it's not a favorite of content creators. BitTorrent Inc., the company behind the protocol and the most popular client software, has been working on changing that and is now making big steps towards pushing BitTorrent as distribution method and discovery tool for legitimate content.

The company plans to completely revamp its BitTorrent Mainline client to transform it into an all-in-one solution for searching, downloading and playing media content.

BitTorrent Inc. is also partnering with Information Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to create new standards for CE devices which would enable users to play the files they downloaded on any device in their homes or on the go.

"Together with ITRI, we will develop new specifications to standardize file playback – ensuring that your stuff will easily play on devices beyond your PC. Devices like your TV, DVD players, tablets, smartphones and more," BitTorrent explained.

"We expect BitTorrent Certified devices to be on the shelves in 2011," it added.

"In software, we are focused on Project Chrysalis, a metamorphosis of features and style, with all the power of the BitTorrent you know and love. In content, we’re working with artists to connect with our enthusiastic audience," BitTorrent listed its other initiatives.

The big picture is taking BitTorrent one step further, making it the perfect solution for content creators to distribute and even stream their content and for users to find new stuff and make it available on any device they own.

BitTorrent Inc. has already run several experiments with bundling easy access to content with the client, mostly with independent filmmakers like the creators of Pioneer One.

The apps platform also comes into play with the new BitTorrent client, artists or larger distributors could simply create an app for their content.

But finding and getting the content are just the first steps of the process, the new BitTorrent client will also enable users to burn their downloads to disks or simply transfer them to other devices in a format that is catered to specific device.

Project Chrysalis, as the updated BitTorrent has been dubbed in development, is not aimed at the core BitTorrent crowd, rather it's meant to make life easier for the non-technical users.

If BitTorrent wants to move beyond the 100 million users it already has, it will have to cater to the mainstream crowd as well. The new BitTorrent client will replace Mainline, but uTorrent will continue to be developed as is.