P2P file-sharing finally hits the iPhone
By Triston McIntyre
For all those who have little would-be iPhone pirates lying dormant deep within themselves, you’re finally getting your opportunity to illegally share files directly from your iPhone. Fans of jailbraking their iPhones can now use iSlsk to share files wherever and whenever they please.
Direct from Wired.com, iSlsk is a new P2P application that runs on the Soulseek network at pretty acceptable speeds. All the information you need is a username and password, and your off to the races.
Though I haven’t had the opportunity to try out iSlsk, the folks over at Wired were able to download half a full-length movie in a speedy 20 minutes, and an entire song in just 3; granted, those downloads were made while connected to WiFi, but the feat remains impressive.
Once you download your illicit “shared” material, it can be added directly to your iTunes library for playback on your iPhone. Quick and easy, right? Be forewarned: the application is still in beta and has a few kinks that need to be ironed out before its fully functional and stable.
There are also quite a few security implications with allowing other devices to share information through a peer-to-peer network on your mobile device. Just like any desktop-based P2P program, incoming and outgoing file streams do leave cracks for hackers and attackers to exploit your device. Though file sharing on your phone could be a lot of fun, there isn’t much fun about having your phone hacked into by unfriendly “peers.”
Also, groups like the RIAA are notorious for outsourcing work to pirate-seeking agencies who search P2P networks for software sharers. Nothing like having your phone’s information on the P2P network found and documented by those who aren’t cool with file-sharing.
No doubt iSlsk will provide a staunch test of the iPhone’s security. If you give iSlsk a try, drop a comment and let us know what your impressions are.
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on Saturday, May 17th, 2008 at 1:33 am
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