LimeWire, a peer-to-peer file-sharing site popular in the early 2000s, has reentered the file-sharing space, debuting a decentralized file-sharing feature powered by BNB Greenfield. 

In a press release sent to Cointelegraph, LimeWire announced a file-sharing product that allows users to send and receive encrypted files across the globe. 

According to LimeWire, file sharing has always been at the heart of its brand. The company highlighted that reintroducing file sharing within its platform means blending its origins with its updated capabilities. 

BNB Greenfield is a decentralized storage infrastructure created by BNB Chain. 

LimeWire reenters file sharing with Web3

Julian Zehetmayr, co-founder and CEO of LimeWire, mentioned in the press release that file sharing is part of LimeWire’s identity. He stated: 

“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 already amassed more than two million users who are engaged in creating, editing and sharing content. 

LimeWire’s AI image generator. Source: LimeWire

The company reported that its content manipulation tools had seen huge demand. In addition, file sharing has been one of the most requested features by its users. 

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 dived 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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