Two Pittsburgh-based researchers have released code that they say can increase peer-to-peer download speeds by up to 500%, although actual tests have shown more modest speed boosts of 30 to 70%.

The software, called Similarity-Enhanced transfer works like BitTorrent, allowing users to download a file from multiple sources at the same time. But instead of looking for identical bits of information, the software looks for similar pieces.

In other words, if you're using BitTorrent to download a movie that's been dubbed into German, you'll probably only be downloading from German sources. But if you use Similarity-Enhanced transfer, you could download the video file from sources throughout the world, and just download the audio from German users. With more download sources to choose from, your download speed should be significantly enhanced.

[via Wired]