Kingston Bolsters Wi-Drive Device Support

Kingston’s Wi-Drive is a nichey product to be sure, but it’s no less useful; the device is a portable, wireless storage drive designed to give mobile device users an extra amount of storage.

Yes, a memory card would do essentially the same thing--add storage to a mobile device--but it’s not always possible to add a memory card (eg, iOS devices), some users would prefer to keep certain files stored on a separate device, and the Wi-Drive is designed to make it easy to share stored data with others.

When we reviewed the Wi-Drive some months back, we noted that support was limited to just PCs, Macs, and iOS devices, but that Kingston had more support options brewing. Today, Kingston announced a hardware update that brings data streaming support to and from any Wi-Fi-enabled device via a Web browser, as well as the ability to share with up to three users at once.

Even better, current Wi-Drive owners can get the update, so they get a the enhanced capabilities for free. (Nice one, Kingston!) You can also just use apps instead of a browser where supported; in addition to the iOS app and (an updated) Kindle Fire app, there’s now an Android app available.

Wi-Drive is available in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB.

Kingston expands device support for Wi-Drive

New Hardware Update Adds Web Browser Access Through Any Wi-Fi Enabled Device
· Portability: Wi-Fi enabled and Flash-based storage makes it the perfect external storage companion on the move
· Casual Sharing: Wireless sharing of documents and media files with three users
· Expanded storage: Wi-Drive adds up to 64GB of storage

Fountain Valley, CA -- May 8, 2012 -- Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced a hardware update enabling browser support for Wi-Drive®. The update allows multiplatform wireless streaming of data from any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device via a Web browser. The feature will be included in future shipments and all current owners of Wi-Drive can update their own device. This expansion of device support allows a mixture of users? preferred mobile devices to simultaneously access and share content on the Wi-Drive. With integrated Wi-Fi and four hours of battery life, Kingston® Wi-Drive offers great pocket-sized portable storage (up to 64GB) and easy file sharing for any Wi-Fi device including Apple iPad®, iPhone®, iPod touch®, Android devices, Kindle Fire and more.

In addition to access via browser, Kingston also offers optimized apps for the Wi-Drive providing additional features for users. Wi-Drive App1 for Android OS devices is now available. Due to the variety of Android-based devices, Wi-Drive offers the most versatile experience for users so they can choose between the Web browser and App to access and share their media. In some cases, a third-party player is recommended for video playback within the Wi-Drive app for Android.

Minor enhancements and fixes have also been made to the apps for Kindle Fire and Apple devices. Current users of these Wi-Drive apps will automatically receive notice of these updates while all new downloads of the apps will be to the new version. The free Wi-Drive Android App is available on Google Play. It is also available for Kindle Fire on the Amazon Appstore for Android, and for Apple devices in the App Stores.