A team of cagey Brazilians have created a desktop app capable of streaming movies to computers using BitTorrent as the delivery technology, making access to illegal movie downloads as easy to use as Netflix or iTunes.
Dubbed ‘Popcorn Time’, the app is available now in an evolving beta form for Windows, Mac and Linux. The app is open-source, so downloading and using it is completely free. Using it is most certainly illegal though, so you will need to be aware of what you are doing before you choose whether or not to take it for a test drive.
In an interview with TorrentFreak, the apps creator says he feels the app (and its team of contributors) are on the right side of the law, given that they do not host any of the infringing material or derive any income from the project. Still, the same cannot be said for people who use the software.
What’s most impressive is how clean and attractive the user interface is — really is like a Netflix for illegal movies. Titles are categorised into genres and there is a search tool as well.
A few important things we noticed in the FAQ on the download site, though. Firstly, you will be seeding the file while watching the movie, so be aware that this will probably count against your monthly data limits. Also, the file is stored on your computer in a hidden file until you reboot your machine.
If you'd prefer to access content legally, keep an eye out for Foxtel's Presto app launching this week.
Joseph Hanlon
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