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Torrent streaming site declares war on ‘righteous content monopolies’ – and it might win

Published Feb 2nd, 2016 2:07PM EST
Popcorn Time Online Windows Mac
Image: Screenshot

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To the dismay of content rights owners, which Popcorn Time calls “righteous content monopolies,” the popular streaming service isn’t quite ready to be wiped off the face of the Earth. The “Netflix for pirates” is here to stay and it’s about to offer pirates a major new feature: streaming movies and TV shows directly to any Internet browser. That means you won’t need a Popcorn Time client on your computer, smartphone or tablet, as you’ll be able to stream whatever you want right inside your preferred browser.

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“Popcorn Time Online is a web version and real revolution of the original Popcorn Time and based on its appeal and functionality,” its creators said in a blog post.

The updated streaming service uses a new technology called Torrents Time, which allows users to play and stream almost every video format “smoothly and with stunning quality.” The feature was not available before, as torrent files contain various types of video formats, including video types that can’t be streamed online.

Furthermore, Popcorn Time Online lets users cast video with subtitles from the website to any supported devices, via Chromecast, AirPlay or DLNA. Currently, Popcorn Time Online supports all major browsers on Windows and Mac other than Safari, support for which should be added soon.

Mind you, the new Popcorn Time can still get you into trouble if you use it to stream copyrighted content without authorization. That’s one of the reasons the team behind it wants to keep the identities of its members a secret.

“By sticking to anonymity, we are not cowards who hide from righteous content monopolies, but content freedom fighters who respect the law but do not trust the law enforcers to play the law fair,” they wrote.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the new technology the team has managed to put together will let developers from around the world create a “functioning streaming website with the push of a button and with minimal bandwidth costs.” In other words, the site is encouraging anyone and everyone to create Popcorn Time Online clones. This way, the team says content owners will not be able to shut down this new service because clones can be created with ease.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.