Share Files up to 1TB Using BitTorrent’s SoShare
BitTorrent is launching a new tool to send large files from person to person: The software, dubbed
SoShare, allows users to share file bundles of up to 1 TB for free. SoShare combines BitTorrent file transfer technology with cloud caching, making it possible for recipients to access the files even when the sender is offline.
You can send up to a terabyte of data in one transfer. Files are live for 30 days, but you can expire them sooner if you wish.
If you choose to do this, SoShare will still hold onto a receipt for you. This means you will still have a record of a sent bundle in your sent tab, along with confirmation that your collaborator viewed and downloaded it.
Recipients you choose to share with get an email saying that the download is waiting for them. They don’t need to create an account to access the file. You can also choose to create a public link, if you want to share via Facebook, Twitter, or instant message.
The best part is of course the BitTorrent protocol aspect. Since SoShare is based on the technology, delivery is not only quick but you can pause and resume transfers. You can watch the status of your upload and transfer or you can leave the site. If you need to shut down and go somewhere, SoShare will pick up where you left off once your computer is connected. Furthermore, SoShare keeps track of delivery status, so you can be notified once your recipient(s) downloads whatever you’re sending, and whether they have opened it.
To get started, sign up at soshareit.com/signup, create an account, and install the SoShare plugin (1.5MB). You’ll need to be using one of the supported browsers, and Linux users are unfortunately out of luck:
- Windows: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer.
- Mac: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
From there, click the send files button, enter your recipient’s email address, subject, and a message. Remember that this is a beta, so things might not work completely as expected. The company is asking its community for feedback so it can improve the plugin and release a stable version, the date for which is not yet set.
SoShare is absolutely free during its public beta test, but a BitTorrent spokesperson told that the company may be looking at different options to monetize the service down the line.
SoShare is one of a number of new products developed by BitTorrent as parts of its BitTorrent Labs effort. Just last month, BitTorrent announced a new file syncing app that competes with traditional syncing services like Dropbox and Sugarsync.