| Developer(s) | Vuze, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | June 2003 |
| Stable release | 4.7.0.2 (December 13, 2011)[1] [±] |
| Preview release | 4.7.0.3 Beta 5 (December 29, 2011)[2] [±] |
| Development status | Active |
| Written in | Java |
| Operating system | Cross-platform |
| Platform | Java |
| Size | 8.45 MB |
| Available in | Multilingual (52 Languages) |
| Type | BitTorrent client |
| License | Modified GNU General Public License (core) Proprietary (platform) |
| Website | http://www.vuze.com/ |
Vuze (previously Azureus) is a BitTorrent client used to transfer files via the BitTorrent protocol. Vuze is written in Java, and uses the Azureus Engine. In addition to downloading data linked to .torrent files, Azureus allows users to view, publish and share original DVD and HD quality video content.[3] Content is presented through channels and categories containing TV shows, music videos, movies, video games and others. Additionally, if users prefer to publish their original content, they may earn money from it.
Azureus was first released in June 2003 at SourceForge.net, mostly to experiment with the Standard Widget Toolkit from Eclipse. It later became one of the most popular BitTorrent clients.[4] The Azureus software was released under the GNU General Public License, and remains as a free software application. However, the Vuze software added in more recent versions is proprietary and users are required to accept these more restrictive license terms in order to install current versions of the BitTorrent client.
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Azureus supports the following Azureus Platform specific features:
Azureus also supports the following cross-interface features:
Since version 3.0, Azureus starts with the main Vuze interface, designed to promote Vuze content. Here, you can browse media on the Vuze Network, share torrents with friends, and chat. Everything from the classic UI is still available, although hidden, under the vuze interface (see below). Vuze requires a registered account to gain access to certain content on the Vuze Network.
Users upgrading from previous versions will automatically keep the classic interface. For those who are installing for the first time or re-installing, it is possible to bypass the Vuze layer by going to Tools>Options, Interface>Start> and selecting "Classic Interface" from the VUZE UI Chooser.
The main noticeable difference between the classic interface and the main interface is the header and footer. In addition, Vuze Network features are unavailable.
While downloading a file under the classic or advanced interface, the user can view several different statistics including:[5]
The "advanced" interface combines features of the classic and main interfaces. Noticeable differences include a change of header and footer, and the preservation of the Vuze Network layer. It can be changed via the UI chooser, or by clicking advanced in the Vuze/Main UI.
Azureus also offers a range of plugins including (but not limited to):
A complete list can be seen here [6]
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Release no longer supported |
| Green | Release still supported |
| Blue | Future release |
changed (ex 4.5 or 5.0)-->
| Major Version | Minor Version[7][8] | Release Date | Significant Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 1.0.0.0 | July 2003 | ? |
| 2.0 | 2.0.0.0 | ? | ? |
| 3.0 | 3.0.0.0 | 15 March 2007 | Complete Interface Makeover |
| 3.1.0.0 | 16 June 2008 | New Plugins; minor interface changes | |
| 4.0 | 4.0.0.0 | 14 October 2008 | New Interface |
| 4.4.0.0 | 6 April 2010 | Introduced Vuze Plus | |
| 4.6.0.0 | 13 January 2011 | Introduced µTP / uTP support |
Azureus was first released in June 2003 at SourceForge.net. The blue poison dart frog (Dendrobates azureus) was chosen as the logo and named by co-creator Tyler Pitchford. This choice was due to Latin names of poison dart frogs being used as codenames for his development projects.
In 2006 "Vuze" was released as an attempt to transform the client into a "social" client by a group of the original developers forming Azureus Inc., shortly to be renamed Vuze, Inc. A Vuze-free version of Azureus was released along with Vuze during the beta period. The releases used version numbers 3.0, while the Vuze-free versions continued with the 2.5 release numbers. The first reaction to the change was met with confusion, because of this.[9] In addition, some of the developers voiced opposition to the idea of completely transforming the client. Starting with an unknown version, Vuze was coupled with Azureus. Soon after, "NoVuze" modified versions were released on The Pirate Bay, and as of September 15 , are available for versions up to 3.1.1.0. On June 16, 2008, the developers of Azureus/Vuze decided to stop releasing versions named Azureus, and complete the name change with the release of version 3.1. The client engine however, remains unchanged as Azureus.
Up to version 2.5.0.4, Azureus was distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL); beginning with the version 3 distribution, the license presented upon installation changed. While it still states that the "Azureus Application" is available under the GPL, completing installation requires the user to agree to the terms of the "Vuze Platform," which include restrictions on use, reverse-engineering,[10] and sublicensing.[11] As with many similar licenses, the Azureus licence includes a prohibition on use of the software by people "under the age of 18."[12] Allegedly, the TOS only applies to the website, vuze.com, and not the software,[13] however the actual TOS include the application as part of the platforms.[14]
In May 2009, Vuze collaborated with a Ceedo to create a portable version Vuze called Vuze To Go; however, this portable version is not free.
Vuze is categorized as Adware by Softpedia,[15] due to its inclusion of a Vuze Toolbar for web browsers.
CNET says Vuze is "bloated but happy," but still rates the application with a perfect Editor's Rating score of 5 out of 5 stars.[16]
In February 2010, two of the largest music sharing sites decided to ban the use of Vuze by their members.[17]
Vuze includes built-in support for Tor (The Onion Router), an anonymity network. The onion routers are run by volunteers using their own bandwidth at their own cost. Due to the high bandwidth usage caused by the BitTorrent protocol, it is considered impolite and inappropriate by Tor community members to use the Tor network for BitTorrent transfers.[18][19] By default, the Tor exit policy blocks the standard BitTorrent ports.[20]
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