BitTorrent takes aim at developers

BitTorrent has included a new apps feature in its Mainline 7.1 release candidate, allowing users to prop up the client with anti-virus, music management and social networking tools.

The San Francisco company, which claimed to have 80 million users worldwide, said it would release a production version within the next few weeks. It reported having 14 million Mainline users.

"We encourage all third-party developers to write and publish new apps," the company stated.

Eric Klinker, CEO of BitTorrent said the company was tapping the growing market for introductory free software offers.

"Many software and gaming companies are finding success with a ‘freemium' philosophy, and with over 14 million BitTorrent Mainline users, apps are an ideal distribution platform for this new generation of developers and creators," he said.