IMesh
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:Infobox Software Template:Lowercase iMesh is a file sharing program that uses the FastTrack, Gnutella, and Gnutella2 protocols, as well as having a subscription service. It was created and is maintained by an Israeli company of the same name.
On 24 November, 1999, a pre-beta 1.02 (Build 103) was released.
On 26 December, 1999, a beta version 1.02 (build 111) is released which features instant messaging between users, a new skin and anti-virus scanning.
On 02 March, 2001, version 2.0 (Build 120) was released.
On September 18, 2003, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) sued iMesh for copyright infringement, and later settled on July 20, 2004. According to the RIAA, the terms of the settlement were that iMesh would pay them US$4.1 million and would migrate to a pay service.
iMesh has been criticized for its inclusion of adware and spyware, prompting the creation of a 'Light' version which allegedly leaves out the bundled software. The download page for iMesh Light 5 [1] claims that it is "a spyware clean version of the popular p2p client iMesh," and "cleans the spyware and ads out." However, the EULA [2] includes provisions for the installation of third party software, including the following: a search bar plugin to Internet Explorer (the "iMeshBar") with links paid for by advertisers and misspelled URL redirection; undisclosed "third party software" which may be included at iMesh's whim; and a copy of Cydoor, a controversial adware product.
On October 25, 2005, iMesh revealed the first RIAA-approved P2P service (iMesh 6), which allows users to listen to an unlimited amount of music from a large library for a monthly fee. The music will simply disappear if the subscription is cancelled or expires. In addition, iMesh allows its users to permanently purchase tracks for $1 each. iMesh also claims that iMesh 6 does not contain any adware or spyware. In addition to paid library iMesh 6 allows user to access large amount of "non-copyrighted" music and video files.
External links
- iMesh home/download page
- iMesh Light home/download page
- iMesh Moves North - news dated February 2, 2006