Kingston Ships 128GB Wi-Fi Drive for Android, iOS Devices
This 128GB external drive has built-in wireless connectivity that supports up to three simultaneous iOS and Android devices.
Kingston Digital said on Thursday that it has shipped a 128 GB version of its Wi-Drive pocket-sized portable storage device. Now gadgets like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Nexus 10, Kindle Fire HD have even more external space to store movies, music, pictures and more, accessible through the free Wi-Drive App for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play, Amazon Appstore).
"The device allows simultaneous data access and file sharing for up to three users on their preferred mobile device," the company said. "Thanks to a variety of Android-based devices and their versatile user experience, users can access and share their files via web browser or the Wi-Drive App."
Like the 32 GB and 64 GB versions, this new 128 GB edition comes packed with built-in 802.11 g/n connectivity and wireless security support (WPA/WEP). Users can either plug the device into their PC and upload/download files via a USB cable, or switch it into Wi-Fi mode and access the device through a web browser.
According to the spec list, the device supports three simultaneous direct connections via Wi-Fi – meaning it becomes an access point that must be manually chosen in the Wi-Fi settings on up to three devices. It also allows the end-user to set priorities so that one device isn't bumped off to make room for another. The drive's battery only lasts up to four hours of continuous use, so don't expect all-day file sharing.
Kingston's new Wi-Drive supports Windows XP SP3 to Windows 7, Mac OS X v10.5x and above, and Linux v2.6x and above. Mobile device support includes all three iPad tablets, iPhone 3G and above, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD, and Android 2.2 and above.
The 128 GB Kingston Wi-Drive is available now for $273 USD. The company is also selling the 32 GB model for a promotional price of $87.50 ($128 typically), and the 64 GB version for a promotional price of $156.30 ($228 typically). The drives can be purchased directly through Kingston, or via Amazon.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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Non-Euclidean Sweet. Err, actually this is the first I had heard of this type of device. It solves a lot of smart device storage limitations.Reply
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kellybean A little pricy but sweet compatibility, except never had luck with anything from Kingston. Would look for alternate vendors myself.Reply -
I'll keep making a wifi hotspot on my android device and sharing my microSD card.. or if that's not enough, I'll attach a flash drive.Reply
They tout the 'android' benefits, when really I see this more for iDevices.. especially with that kind of price. -
kinggraves malejkoI'll keep making a wifi hotspot on my android device and sharing my microSD card.. or if that's not enough, I'll attach a flash drive.They tout the 'android' benefits, when really I see this more for iDevices.. especially with that kind of price.Reply
Actually with companies like Google and Amazon foregoing SD slots on their devices now to force consumers into their stores and services it makes just as much sense for Android, especially with an 8GB Nexus that needs root just to USB host an external drive.
However they probably used an SSD which accounts for a good chunk of the price. Are SSD speeds necessary on a device which is going to be locked down to WiFi speeds anyway? I'd agree there are cheaper ways to go about this.