Myka, the first-ever standalone BitTorrent downloader and player, which started taking pre-orders last March, will finally begin shipping in the next month or so.
CrunchGear reported on an e-mail from Myka, stating that the first shipments should arrive in four to six weeks. A "healthy backlog of sales" (Myka didn't say how many) and 150,000 visits to the product's website couldn't compete with the current economic crisis, and the company only recently secured financing to begin production.
Myka's BitTorrent set-top box
Apparently, the company wasn't quite ready for word to get out. Dan Lovy, who's heading production for the Torrent box, wrote that a site update is almost finished, and will explain everything.
"In it we talk about our unique approach to our UI, our vision for the future, our talented team, why it took so darn long to begin shipping and many other answers to the questions pouring in," Lovy wrote. "Please be patient as we put the finishing touches on our new site."
One of the things that's most worthy of explanation is the possibility of video services from major networks and studios. The website says discussions are in progress for including first-run and archived television, HD movies, subscription services and indie content. This would presumably make the Myka more than just a facilitator for enjoying pirated media.
To be fair, legal torrents are available in the form of public domain movies and the occasional independent film.
We sent an e-mail to Myka for details on the video services effort and are waiting for a response. Presumably, the company is buried under an unexpected deluge of comments and similar requests for more information.
