Today is the first day of the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, and we have a couple of exciting announcements to share.

First, if you check your new apps feature (recently released in the new BitTorrent Mainline client and the µTorrent beta), you’ll find two cool new apps.

The first brings the world-famous TEDTalks directly to you, offering instant, one-click downloads of the latest inspiring and dynamic and educational presentations by well-known personalities in the fields of technology, entertainment, design, business and global development. The concept behind TED is “ideas worth spreading” and through the power of BitTorrent, we’re doing our part to get the word out.

Second, we’re very excited to announce the winner of the µTorrent Developer Challenge. Zulu Music – developed by Steven Viola – gives you an opportunity to discover and download new artists for free via the Jamendo API. Congratulations Steven! His app appears today along with the TED app.

Last but certainly not least, we’re celebrating the unveiling of a new pilot program designed to help connect artists directly with our millions of users. The Featured Artist program offers musicians and filmmakers the ability to submit their work for consideration for special promotions. After our successful work with the filmmakers behind Yes Men, Pioneer One and the popular musician PAZ, we’d like to give other artists a chance to explore this new and unique distribution model.  Artists can upload their creations at www.bittorrent.com/artists for a chance to be spotlighted. Please help spread the word!

-Eric-