LaCie updates CloudBox range with 1TB, 2TB, 3TB models

 

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Posted on 7 Nov 2012 at 09:42, by Gareth Halfacree

Storage specialist LaCie has announced a new range of network-connected file storage systems designed for family use, the Lacie CloudBox.

As the name suggests, the CloudBox is designed to provide network-based access to files across both a local network and the internet - giving family members the ability to retrieve and store files from almost any device with an internet connection.

The system is based around the Universal Plug 'n Play (UPnP) standard, which automatically adjusts the settings of network routers to allow secure remote access to the system with no user configuration required. The CloudBox devices allow local-network access through Windows or OS X devices as though the drive were connected locally and media streaming is supported thanks to pre-installed iTunes and Windows Media Server compatible software.

Bundled software allows Windows and Mac users to back up important files, including videos, music and photos, automatically across the network. Additional functionality allows the CloudBox to act as a server for BitTorrent downloads, allow access over FTP or even to act as a very basic webserver for public-facing access to files or information.

Housed in a clean, angular box designed by Neil Poulton, the LaCie CloudBox features a single hard drive - giving no protection against hard drive failure, something the company's small-office targeted dual-drive systems do include - in 1TB, 2TB or 3TB capacities. The cloud-based access is also limited to 10GB through the Wuala Secure Online Storage service, and must be renewed at an unspecified cost after the first year.

The new CloudBox storage system is designed to replace the company's previous generation products, which featured a far smaller 100GB hard drive offering ten times less capacity than the 1TB CloudBox model. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, with pricing in the US set at $119.99, $149.99 and $179.99 for the 1TB, 2TB and 3TB models (around £75, £94 and £112 respectively, excluding taxes.)