Next uTorrent version to run in web browser

Although uTorrent is the most popular torrent client in the world today with 150 million users, most of its features are five years old now. It’s currently in version 3.0, meaning its growth and development have stalled since 2012. That’s about to change soon, though, according to Founder Brahm Cohen.

The current free version of uTorrent works as a standalone, lightweight client with Pro features and no ads. The developers of uTorrent previously monetized the app through toolbar installations. However, modern versions of web browsers have made that scheme less attractive to users. uTorrent later switched to in-app advertising through which it now earns most of its revenue.

With the upcoming change, uTorrent promised not to depart from its reliance on its current advertising scheme. Instead, the update will introduce a new way of delivering uTorrent’s product. Cohen said during TorrentFreak’s ‘Steal This Show’ podcast that the version of the torrent client will run in the browser. Cohen added:

The features behind it that people really want, being able to see torrents in the browser, we’re basically going to be shipping with the new uTorrent. It’s going to be your browser instead of a separate browser.

Cohen said advertising will remain the company’s major source of revenue, but that uTorrent also intends to unify its development process and improve existing features. Using the latest browser technologies, uTorrent plans to roll out features more quickly and efficiently in the future.

In addition to its transition to the browser-based model, the company also plans to clean up its client experience, according to Cohen. A browser-based uTorrent will provide a simpler implementation of features, including streaming, which many users today consider as a vital part of their online experience.

Prior to the update’s rollout, however, Cohen promised to take into account user feedback so as not to alienate existing customers. He said:

We’re very, very sensitive. We know people have been using uTorrent for a very long time and love it. So we’re very, very sensitive to that and gonna be sure to make sure that people feel that it’s an upgrade that’s happening. Not that we’ve just destroyed the experience.

Are you eager to get your hands on the future version of uTorrent? Share your thoughts in the comments.