LimeWire, a peer-to-peer file-sharing site that was popular in the early 2000s, has reentered the space, debuting a decentralized file-sharing feature powered by BNB Greenfield.
In a news release sent to Cointelegraph, LimeWire announced a file-sharing product that allows users to send and receive encrypted files globally.
According to LimeWire, file sharing has always been at the heart of its brand, so reintroducing file sharing on its platform means blending its origins with updated capabilities.
BNB Greenfield is a decentralized storage infrastructure created by BNB Chain. The product is modeled to emulate traditional cloud storage solutions but applies Web3 technology for enhanced ownership and integrations for decentralized apps (DApps) and services.
LimeWire reenters file sharing with Web3
Julian Zehetmayr, co-founder and CEO of LimeWire, said file sharing is part of LimeWire’s identity:
“As a pioneer brand of peer-to-peer networks, file sharing is in LimeWire’s DNA. [...] With this launch, we’re returning to our roots, reimagined for the modern era, and combining the power of AI with secure, decentralized file sharing for everyone.”
According to LimeWire, its artificial intelligence product has amassed more than two million users engaged in creating, editing and sharing content.
LimeWire’s AI image generator. Source: LimeWire
The company said that while its content manipulation tools have seen strong demand, file sharing has been one of the most requested features by its users.
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LimeWire’s entry into the crypto space
LimeWire gained notoriety in the early 2000s as a free peer-to-peer file-sharing application widely used for downloading pirated music. By 2007, it was installed on one in three computers globally.
However, in October 2010, a federal court judge issued an injunction against the company, effectively shutting it down and halting software distribution.
The LimeWire brand was revived in 2022 as a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace after entrepreneurs Paul and Julian Zehetmayr acquired its rights. The new owners described the platform as a “platform for artists, not against them.”
Screenshot from LimeWire’s crypto game. Source: LimeWire
In 2023, the platform moved further into the Web3 space, launching a game that rewards users with cryptocurrencies. On April 13, 2023, LimeWire released a game simulating the music-pirating days of its old application. Top players were eligible to receive an airdrop of LimeWire’s ERC-20 token.
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