Vuze

About Vuze

Vuze has a multifaceted history, initially established as a provider of open-source bittorrent download software before the brand was later associated with virtual reality hardware developed by HumanEyes Technologies.

The software entity, originally known as Azureus, Inc., was founded in 2006 by Gilles BianRosa and Olivier Chalouhi. It was based in San Mateo, California, and provided on-demand content. The company's core product was the Azureus BitTorrent client, first released in June 2003. In 2006, the developers launched a content distribution platform called 'Vuze' and the company was renamed Vuze, Inc. This platform aimed to transform the client into a social tool for finding, playing, and sharing content. Vuze attracted content from major networks like the BBC, Showtime, and National Geographic. Over its history as a software company, Vuze raised $34 million in funding from investors including New Enterprise Associates, Redpoint Ventures, and Greycoft Partners. On June 1, 2012, Vuze was acquired by Spigot. Development on the Vuze BitTorrent client ceased in early 2017, and the main developers forked the project into a new client called BiglyBT, which removed proprietary features.

Separately, the Vuze brand name was used by HumanEyes Technologies, an Israeli company founded in 2000 by Shmuel Peleg, Moshe Ben Ezra, and Yael Pritch, for its line of virtual reality cameras. HumanEyes developed 3D and computer vision technologies, holding over 70 patents. The company launched the Vuze camera, a 3D 360-degree VR camera aimed at consumers and prosumers. This device featured eight full-HD lenses to capture 4K stereoscopic 3D video and was accompanied by the Vuze VR Studio software for stitching and editing. The initial Vuze camera was priced under $1,000 and began shipping in 2016. Subsequent models included the Vuze+ with live broadcasting capabilities and the Vuze XR, which could capture both 360° and 180° 3D video. HumanEyes Technologies raised a total of $6 million over two funding rounds.