The Vuze team has released version 4.5 of the popular BitTorrent client. With this latest release users can easily optimize their settings based on an elaborate speed test, which should increase download speeds in many cases. In addition, users can now transcode, transfer, and playback downloaded files on many of the most popular Android phones.

With more than 100 million downloads of the application since 2007, Vuze is one of the most recognized BitTorrent brands. The client is used by millions of people each day and has a steadily growing user-base.

Over the last year Vuze’s BitTorrent client has evolved into an all-in-one download solution. With built in search, DVD-burning capabilities and device integration the Vuze team has set itself aside from other popular BitTorrent clients.

Vuze’s device integration with iTunes, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PSP and TiVo has been one of the most appreciated functions among users. Nearly 5 million users have been dragging and dropping videos to their devices, totaling well over 100 million videos.

With the release of Vuze 4.5 that was announced today, users of Android devices now also have the option to automatically transcode, transfer, and playback downloaded files. Several models including the HTC Evo, HTC Hero, HTC Incredible, HTC Magic, Motorola Droid, Motorola Droid X and Samsung Vibrant are already fully supported, and more will be added upon request.

Aside from Android integration, the Vuze team has been focusing on how to improve download speeds for its users. To tackle some of the most common speed constraints the latest Vuze release now includes a thorough speed test and optimizer to ensure that users get the most out of the client.

“We implemented the speed test to maintain power users’ ability to control their own settings – all manual controls still exist – while addressing the fact that a large number of users request additional help in optimizing their settings. Based on initial testing, many people should see significant increases in download speeds after running the speed test,” Vuze’s Director of Marketing Chris Thun told TorrentFreak.

Vuze’s speed test

The basic speed test uses MLab‘s Network Diagnostic Test to quickly test users upload/download capacity the first time they launch the latest version of Vuze. The client then uses the results of the speed test to adjust the following Vuze settings:

Upload rate limit (80% of the measured limit)

Maximum active torrents (seeding+downloading)

Maximum downloading torrents

Maximum upload slots per torrent

Maximum peer connections per torrent (when downloading and when seeding)

Maximum global peer connections

Via the Vuze Help Menu, users can run additional speed tests later. If the first test detects a reasonably high upload rate it will automatically add a follow-on MLab tool. This tool checks for ISP traffic shaping by prolonging the test for a couple of extra minutes, so it is able to detect the speed trend beyond the short-term burst at the beginning of a connection.

If traffic shaping occurs, Vuze will adjust the settings to ensure that they are properly updated for the best download speeds. This usually means that if the long-term uploads speed is significantly lower than the initial test, the setting will be optimized accordingly.

Vuze 4.5 is available for download at the Vuze website. The full changelog with new features, changes and the latest bugfixes is available on SourceForge.