Sharing files while also managing torrents and accessing data remotely in addition to backing up the computer – well when listed, these may seem too many tasks at one go. But for Iomega’s latest wireless data station exhibited at the ongoing CES, these come effortlessly. At least that’s what the company claims. Yes, the Iomega iConnect device apparently does all this and more.

Transforming the users’ USB hard drives and flash drives into ’smart’ network storage, this new device has been fashioned to make file sharing easier than ever before. Giving users a simple way to bring all their USB storage into their network, the powerful yet inexpensive device comes minus onboard storage. It simplifies connection and access to files even over the Internet.

The device is also easy to set up. Users simply need to connect the iConnect to their router following which they can plug external USB drives or USB Flash drives into any of the four USB ports on the data station. This set-up enables users to gain enhanced storage on their network for saving and sharing of files.

They can also exploit the capabilities of UPnP DLNA Certified AV media server that streams photos, audio content and videos to a array of media devices or a torrent download manager for managing peer-to-peer file
transfers. With Time Machine support for Apple users, the device also encompasses features like device-to-device replication for data protection and print serving to the network.

“For computer users with plenty of USB-connected storage devices, the new Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station is great way to save money and make your USB storage drives ’smart’ at the same time,” explained Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business Products Division of EMC. “For less than $100, users now have a NAS device that offers everything from remote access to torrent download capability to a built-in iTunes and media server. The iConnect Wireless Data Station is a great way to utilize what you already own in a whole new way.”

Putting to use the EMC LifeLine software, the device is enabled for cross-platform support with Windows, Mac and Linux computers. The interface is easy to understand and includes all the latest multimedia servings as well as remote access features. The device allows both Gigabit Ethernet and wireless connectivity in either a wired or wireless (802.11b/g/n wireless protocol) configuration. With the remote access feature, users can connect securely from any location to administer and access the device via a personalized web address. The device is also simple to expand while the QuikTransfer button on the front of the device renders easy one-touch copying.

Boasting of print Serving with superior print sharing capability for up to two USB printers, the device also includes photo slideshow capabilities courtesy an integrated tool based on the Cooliris technology. Users can also automatically transfer images from digital cameras through one of the four USB ports on the device thanks to the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP).

The wireless data station comes complete with a host of backup and security software. This comprises of native security support with robust username and password authorized access, RSA, BSAFE encryption security technology, the Iomega Protection Suite of software and more. The device is compatible to Windows, Mac OS, and Linux PCs. As for the interface, its localized for 11 languages namely English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, German, and Russian.

The new Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station on demonstration at the CES is expected to hit shelves worldwide starting February, 2010. Priced for just $99.99, it is backed by a three-year warranty with product registration.

Promising to offer a high-definition theatre experience, Iomega has unveiled its latest multimedia drive, dubbed ScreenPlay Pro HD. The 1 TB drive allows users to bring all their photos, music, standard- and high-definition videos to a home theater from a PC by creating convenient link between the home network and the home theater.

The 7,200RPM unit formatted hard disk drive is compatible with a 10/100 Ethernet connection, enabling users to remotely access their networked files or use a second USB drive to transfer files.

The Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive comes with a remote and also offer built-in basic video recording capabilities from a set-top box, letting users save a standard definition video clip for later viewing.For video connection drive has HDMI, component and composite video. While audio connections such as composite RCA and coaxial S/PDIF outputs are also included.

The drive supports HD signals up to 1080i resolution, along with DivX, MPEG-4 and XviD video files. It supports a wide range of file formats which include MP3, AC3 (Dolby Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB) and JPEG.

Compliant with Windows XP and Vista operating systems, the ScreenPlay Pro HD allows backup of important data with EMC Retrospect software or online with MozyHome Online Backup.

The 1 TB Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD multimedia drives have been rolled out in the US carrying a price tag of $300 (approx. Rs. 14,790). Iomega has also unveiled a 500 GB storage device.