From the Shareaza Forums
Shareaza Release Candidate 1.8.9.34 (Y) Available Now
Hopefully this will be the last release candidate. There are a number of important new features and fixes in this
version:
Shareaza Goes Unicode
Shareaza is now a Unicode application, complimenting the existing Unicode support in Gnutella2. You can now import,
share, search for and download files in any language, including languages with non-Latin characters. This version
also comes with a new selection of language options, finaly making Shareaza a truely global file-sharing
application.
Decentralised “trackerless” BitTorrent
BitTorrent has proven to be a great way to distribute high demand files, but its reliance on tracker servers has
made it vulnerable to sites going down and other server problems. The latest Shareaza version offers a solution by
eliminating the need for tracker servers altogether. Whether the tracker is up or down or gone forever, the torrent
download still works.
Shareaza now leverages the powerful decentralised search capabilities of the Gnutella2 network to bring torrent
downloaders together, even if the tracker is down (or if there is no tracker to begin with). Once download peers
are found, the standard BitTorrent transfer protocols kick in and complete the download with the usual speed
benefits.
(Note that Shareaza still fully supports trackers when downloading and seeding Torrents)
New Shareaza Remote
The latest version sports a classy new “Shareaza Remote” which controls and monitors essential functions while the
main program is hidden or minimised. Monitor bandwidth, play media, start downloads, etc, without having to open
Shareaza. Fully skinnable of course, a bit like Winamp skinning but without fixed sizes or positions.
Other Improvements
- More stable/robust
- New GWebCache set for easier connection
- Some new ed2k protocol updates eg. server compression, and some server communications fixes
- New selectable upload bandwidth limiting modes (average capping or peak/maximum capping) for sensitive DSL, etc
- Some general GUI tuning across the board
- Better reliability and performance with BitTorrent, compatible with more tracker sites
- Loads of other minor stuff.
