Earlier this week, Utne launched its free Utne Media Player (UMP) based on imp technology. Developed by Utne spin-off inRadio, imp’s simple yet powerful. Imagine the power of a BitTorrent client combined with the simplicity of RSS feeds from various channel partners containing music, film, podcasts, and other digital media. This is how BitTorrent and RSS reach the mainstream—transparently and behind the screen.
A Linux version is planned; for now MS-Windows and OSX.
For indie artists, imp allows a direct connection with a global audience and, just as importantly, the routing around of the damage that is the recording, film, and publishing industries. Artists simply upload their media and set the rights and prices. imp takes about 25% from each sale. Fans can track the artists they like most and receive immediate notification when new content from those artists is available.
This is an Utne product, and I’m an Utne employee. Like everyone else, Utne’s still trying to figure this new media business out and we’ll likely offer a for-pay version of the media player and taster at some point. For now, enjoy it—it’s free (and quickly evolving).
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