Opera Adds BitTorrent To Browser

Opera Software has released a preview version of its flagship browser that integrates a BitTorrent client, letting users retrieve files in that popular peer-to-peer format.

The Opera 8.02 Technology Preview isn't being touted directly by the Norwegian firm, but is available from the company's FTP servers in versions for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

Typically, BitTorrent downloads must be grabbed with a separate client, but this integration move makes Opera the first browser to build the capability into its own interface.

BitTorrent breaks large files -- its specialty -- into chunks and distributes them among multiple users; when others download the file, they're actually retrieving it from several sources simultaneously, essentially splitting the chore among multiple machines.

However, BitTorrent has drawn its share of attention from law enforcement and copyright holders eager to shut down P2P services used to exchange pirated tunes, movies, and software. In May, for instance, the FBI shut down one of the largest BitTorrent sites, called Elite Torrents, which was accused of purveying more than 17,000 pirated films. The site still bears a label from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Windows, Linux, and Mac versions of the Opera 8.02 Technology Preview can be downloaded from company's FTP site.