Kazaa V2.5
Sharman Networks Launches Kazaa
V2.5 New Version Introduces
'Channels' and Rewards for Sharing More Licensed Content
Sharman Networks Limited today launched a new version of
Kazaa Media Desktop, the world's most popular file sharing software. Kazaa v2.5 adds a
host of new features, including licensed content channels, a rewards program for sharing
licensed content, and upgraded security.
"The evolution of Kazaa Media Desktop reflects our
commitment to Sharman's long term goals. It provides an excellent user experience by
improving choice, usability, and security, and further bridges the gap between content
creators, owners and users," said Nikki Hemming, CEO of Sharman Networks Limited.
Kazaa Media Desktop is already the world's largest distributor of licensed, digitally
rights-managed content on the internet, with more than 20 million licensed files
downloaded by users of Kazaa per month. Licensed files, including computer games, music,
videos and software applications, are made available through Sharman Networks'
relationship with Altnet.
Kazaa Channels Kazaa v2.5 expands the range of licensed
content available to users with the addition of Channels. These are a series of diverse
content areas accessible through Kazaa Media Desktop that allow users to search, browse,
trial and buy licensed content from third party providers.
The launch range of Channels will include Russell Simmons'
"Hip-Hop", "One Love" reggae, and the "Streamwaves Jukebox".
Future channels are planned to include wide ranging content and services from extreme
sports footage, wireless software, broadband services, mobile ring-tones, searchable
document archives, online libraries and further audio and video content.
The Russell Simmons' "Hip-Hop" channel will
showcase short films from Def Filmmakers, aspiring talent who focus on hip-hop culture. It
will also offer newsletters and alerts about the hip-hop community, as well as
merchandise. "A Channel in Kazaa is a great opportunity for established and
up-and-coming hip-hop filmmakers to be seen and heard," said Russell Simmons.
"Hip-hop fans will have a new place to discover talent and explore the culture."
The "One Love" channel will serve as a global
resource for reggae and dancehall music fans including licensed audio and video files,
artist and event information, and newsletters. Real Authentic Sound (RAS Records) is
playing a key role in programming the "One Love" channel. "We're thrilled
to be leveraging the Kazaa Media Desktop to deliver this compelling entertainment
channel," said Gary Himelfarb, CEO of RAS Records. "Secure peer-to-peer offers a
great sales and marketing platform for small independent record labels, and we look
forward to using it to reach a whole new audience of reggae and dancehall fans."
The Streamwaves Jukebox Channel is the result of a recent
advertising agreement via Altnet. It will offer users instant access to licensed content
from over 200,000 music tracks from leading artists. "The Streamwaves advertising
agreement will see thousands of licensed streaming and downloadable tracks from major
players in the music industry progressively rolled out to users of Kazaa," said
Hemming. "In line with our business strategy, this promotion joins the many deals we
are working on to provide users of Kazaa with access to the broadest range of licensed
digital content in the world."
Peer Points Manager
Also new in version 2.5 is the Altnet Peer Points Manager,
a global loyalty and incentive application that rewards users for sharing licensed
content. The points accumulated can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including more
licensed content or chances to win prizes such as DVD players, plasma TVs and concert
tickets.
Upgraded Security and Improved User Communication With
v2.5, Kazaa Media Desktop improves its position as the most secure P2P experience
available by enhancing the virus protection from BullGuard. Enabled by default when Kazaa
v2.5 is installed, BullGuard is designed to quarantine and delete dangerous files shared
via P2P. The certified Kazaa Media Desktop, available only from kazaa.com or through
download.com, is the only P2P application with built-in virus protection. Kazaa v2.5 also
includes additional, easy to understand messaging for users in the installer and
throughout the application. "Recognizing the increasing popularity of Kazaa Media
Desktop, we aim to educate new users about the 'road rules' of safe and responsible
peer-to-peer usage," Hemming said.
Additional Search Features
The core functions of Kazaa Media Desktop are improved in
v2.5 with tabs for previous search results and improved advanced search. Based on their
participation level, users can search up to five times more in 2.5 than previous versions.
"We've worked hard to create the most compelling licensed content distribution
application possible," said Hemming. "Kazaa 2.5 takes significant steps towards
our business goal of monetizing digital distribution of licensed content using
peer-to-peer technology."
About Sharman Networks Limited
Sharman Networks Limited distributes the popular Kazaa
Media Desktop software, the leading peer-to-peer application that allows users to search,
download, organize and interact with a variety of file types. Founded in 2002, Sharman
Networks is a private company committed to distributing computing software applications
that are pioneering the digital revolution. Sharman Networks is a worldwide operation. For
more information about Kazaa Media Desktop, Sharman Network's leading P2P software
application, please visit Kazaa.com.
Copyright 2003 Canada NewsWire Ltd.
Canada NewsWire June 24, 2003, Tuesday |