Often eclipsed by its more popular yet defunct relative, FrostWire can still be depended on for one’s torrent downloading needs. Classified as a free and open-sourced BitTorrent client, FrostWire is considered an independent project outside of LimeWire. Initially similar in appearance and features, FrostWire has developed its own set of unique features as a BitTorrent application. Though most people have mixed feelings about its latest release, it is still worthwhile to give a review of FrostWire.
Since its inception in 2004, FrostWire mirrored LimeWire in Peer-to-Peer sharing capabilities. Hence, it offered a safe and relatively clutter-free alternative for users who found LimeWire to be too crowded for their downloading needs. Since then the developers of FrostWire have continually worked on this P2P software. The second beta release of FrostWire was eventually freely handed out to Internet users during 2005.
When LimeWire was forcefully closed down last October 26, 2010, most users of LimeWire scrambled for an application to satisfy their downloading needs. Since then, most people have given a review of FrostWire and its subsequent versions. As such, FrostWire had a brief rise in popularity among torrent users during this tumultuous period in time.
The 4th version of FrostWire enabled users to handle torrent files and had a new and effective junk filter. This particular feature aimed to safely protect users from fake and malicious types of files that often dominated search results. Support for most android devices was also available in the 4th version of FrostWire. However, it is important to point out in this review of FrostWire that major changes after this version beckoned the frustration of most FrostWire users.
In the 5th and latest version, Gnutella support has been entirely removed and dropped and now the said software is now only a BitTorrent client. Unfortunately, users using the Gnutella network of FrostWire have to either stick with the 4th version or to switch to a new application. As such, the infamous role of FrostWire being a medium for downloading singular files, instead of an entire torrent has only remained with its previous versions. The efforts of FrostWire to curb piracy and other related matters have reduced it to a mere search engine for torrent files.
Nonetheless, the current version of FrostWire is iTunes compatible and provides relatively faster downloads. The 5th version also allows BTIH magnet torrent downloads. Moreover, users can be assured that there isn’t any trace of spyware or adware upon installing FrostWire. Users can send various file types and large folders to their friends through FrostWire sharing. A proper review of FrostWire would reveal that the latest version has Internet Radio support. New and improved skins and designs are also available for users who would want to customize their downloading experience. An improved media library and audio player have been successful installed in the 5th version as well.
Though it has a storied and fruitful history, the current version of FrostWire may not live up to the expectations of most users. Nonetheless, it is still very much capable of file sharing and distribution.
