Week 19 Tech Roundup – QNAP Unveils HA & AI Tools, Synology Expands BeeStation Line, Pi OS Refines UX, SSD Market Ramps Up

Week 19 of 2025 showcased major NAS software upgrades and AI-infused features, with QNAP rolling out a new high-availability beta platform and enhanced QSearch. Synology deepened its push into consumer cloud alternatives with BeeStation updates and iCloud integration. Meanwhile, Raspberry Pi OS received critical refinements ahead of Debian Trixie, and the enterprise SSD market stirred with early signs of flash innovation.

1. QNAP High Availability Beta Launches for SMBs and Pros

QNAP introduced a beta version of its High Availability (HA) solution, aimed at minimizing downtime for critical systems through a dual-server NAS cluster setup. The system utilizes ZFS-based storage, SnapSync for real-time 1:1 data replication, and an intuitive High Availability Manager UI. Designed to be more accessible than traditional HA systems, it targets SMBs, creatives, and IT pros seeking uptime without enterprise pricing.

• RTO < 60 seconds via automatic failover

• Simplified HA setup and monitoring

• Dual-node QNAP NAS cluster recommended

2. QNAP QSearch Gets AI Upgrade with RAG and LLM Integration

QNAP’s latest update to QSearch (v5.6.0 beta) brings AI-enhanced features including semantic search, facial recognition, and OCR, alongside support for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and external LLMs like OpenAI and Gemini.

• Natural language queries now supported

• Local vector indexing of NAS files for faster retrieval

• External LLM integration via user-supplied API keys

• Use cases span personal finances, legal, sales, medical, and academic research

• Data privacy enforced through anonymized, temporary query execution

3. Synology Developing iCloud Photo Backup Utility

A new Synology utility called iCloud Photo Downloader is in development. It aims to simplify the process of pulling photos from Apple’s cloud into local NAS storage, offering both unedited original and Photos-style formats.

• Currently unconfirmed for broader NAS support (may be BeeStation-only)

• Early-stage tool—no timeline for release

• Alternative to manual iCloud takeouts or Docker-based icloudpd

4. Synology BeeStation Plus Announced with Plex Support

At CES 2025, Synology unveiled the BeeStation Plus, a new Intel-based 8TB NAS model designed for SOHO users. It builds upon the previous BeeStation by adding Plex Media Server support, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and improved backup scheduling via BeeProtect.

• New BeeOS 1.3 includes BeeFiles, BeePhotos updates

• Still single-drive, no internal upgrade path

• 1GbE port, USB-A/C, no Wi-Fi (unlike BeeDrive)

• Targeting non-technical users with plug-and-play setup

5. Raspberry Pi OS (May 2025) Release Enhances UX and Security

Raspberry Pi OS rolled out what’s likely its final Bookworm-based release before switching to Debian Trixie. Key upgrades include an improved lock screen (custom swaylock), separated auto-login controls to close security loopholes, a new GNOME-based printer app, and refined touchscreen support with optional native/mouse emulation toggles.

• Labwc window manager updated to v0.8.1

• Kernel updated to Linux 6.12

• uBlock Origin Lite now bundled (Chromium restriction)

• Better diagnostic tools, SSH handling, and performance optimizations

6. Adata Launches “Trusta” Enterprise SSD Brand with PCIe 5.0 Models

At Computex 2025, Adata unveiled Trusta, its new enterprise-focused SSD brand. The launch includes three tiers—T7P5 (PCIe 5.0), T7P4 (PCIe 4.0), and T5 series (PCIe 4.0 and SATA)—targeting AI servers, virtualization, and edge deployments.

• T7P5: Up to 13,500MB/s read and 15.36TB capacity (U.2/E1.S/E3.S)

• Features FDP (Flexible Data Placement) for optimized transfer

• PCIe 6.0 and QLC models already in development

• Surprisingly, SATA still supported via the T5 series

7. LCMD MicroServer Prepares Kickstarter Launch for AI at the Edge

LCMD, formerly LCM Digital, is prepping the LCMD MicroServer, a small form factor AI device for local LLM inference and model tuning. Marketed for on-prem AI workloads, it’s meant as a secure alternative to cloud inference.

• Early access signup at prelaunch.lcmd.cloud

• Built for LLMs, edge inference, and AI model fine-tuning

• Strategic pivot from construction project platforms into hardware AI

• Pre-launch campaign suggests a Kickstarter debut is imminent

8. Synology Solution Day (Naples) to Feature ActiveProtect, New NAS, and Video Surveillance

Synology is hosting its Solution Day on May 20 in Naples, Italy. The event will focus on storage, backup, and surveillance solutions, including hands-on demos of its new X25+ NAS series and the all-in-one ActiveProtect appliance.

• Attendees will see live product sessions and interactive Q&A

• Designed for SMBs, resellers, and B2C prosumers

• Event organized in partnership with distributor SQP

• Highlights include kahoot quiz prizes, networking, and regional strategy in Southern Italy

9. Synology DS1525+ Official Specs Revealed

The DS1525+ is now officially listed on Synology’s website. Positioned as the 5-bay successor to the DS1522+, it introduces dual 2.5GbE ports, NVMe caching, and 10GbE expansion options. Though similar to its predecessor in structure, the DS1525+ boosts raw storage potential up to 300TB via DX525 expansion.

• Up to 1,181/1,180 MB/s seq. read/write (with 10GbE)

• Dual M.2 NVMe slots (cache only)

• Centralized monitoring via Active Insight and CMS

• Supports Virtual DSM and Docker for app sandboxing

10. Synology DS1825+ Expands Capacity, Brings 25GbE Option

The newly listed DS1825+ builds on Synology’s 8-bay legacy systems with higher throughput (2,239/1,573 MB/s), optional 25GbE support, and up to 360TB of raw storage via DX525 expansions. Like the DS1525+, it emphasizes versatility, surveillance, backup, and hybrid cloud integration.

• Dual 2.5GbE onboard, upgradable via network slot

• 2x M.2 NVMe cache bays

• 18-bay max capacity with two expansions

• Suitable for large homes, creative teams, or SMBs scaling into multi-site storage

11. Unraid OS 7.1.0 Stable Released with Wireless, ZFS Import, VM Enhancements

Unraid has officially launched v7.1.0 stable, building on its 7.0 overhaul with enhanced virtualization, wireless networking, and better ZFS support.

• Now supports importing ZFS pools from TrueNAS, QNAP, Ubuntu

• Wireless adapters fully supported with regulatory region control

• Enhanced VM manager with VirGL, QXL, and template-based setup

• GUI boot improvements and SSH config handling polish

• Kernel updated to Linux 6.12.24 with new AI acceleration flags

12. WD_Black SN8100 Retail Leak Shows 14.9 GB/s PCIe 5.0 SSD

Western Digital’s WD_Black SN8100 appeared on retailer sites ahead of official launch, boasting 14,900 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write speeds, putting it on par with top-tier PCIe Gen 5 drives like Kingston Fury G5.

• Based on the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller (6nm)

• Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants

• Power draw under 7W, reportedly more efficient than Phison E26

• Launch date: May 30, 2025; ~€200–€550 depending on capacity

13. Transcend Previews Industrial & Consumer Lineup for COMPUTEX 2025

Transcend unveiled a diverse portfolio ahead of COMPUTEX, targeting everything from AIoT edge systems to high-performance portable SSDs and gaming storage. The booth emphasizes environmental sustainability and ESG practices.

• Industrial: 8TB SSDs, DDR5-6400 RAM, 218-layer NAND, camera modules

• Consumer: Gen5 SSDs, rugged bodycams, fingerprint + MagSafe SSDs

• CFexpress 4.0 card supports 8K video workflows

• Full manufacturing in Taiwan, with eco-friendly booth design

14. iStorage Releases World’s First 26TB PIN-Authenticated Encrypted HDD

iStorage has launched the diskAshur DT3 and DT2 — hardware-encrypted desktop drives with PIN authentication and up to 26TB capacity, targeting government, military, and corporate data security.

• AES-XTS 256-bit encryption, FIPS 140-3 Level 3 pending

• IP-protected microprocessor, Common Criteria EAL5+

• TAA-compliant, with NATO, NCSC, and FIPS 140-2 certifications

• Strategic growth includes recent acquisition of Kanguru

15. ADATA Unifies Brands to Showcase AI, Smart Living & Gaming at Computex

ADATA announced a unified theme for Computex 2025 under “Advancing AI Innovation,” combining its ADATA Industrial, Trusta, and XPG brands into three themed zones.

• AI Computing Zone: Enterprise SSDs, LPCAMM2 DDR5, AI server support

• Smart Living Zone: Mobile SSDs, Thunderbolt 5 drives, AI robots for healthcare

• Gaming Lifestyle Zone: XPG peripherals, cooling, power supplies, new gaming chair

• Key focus: edge AI, energy-efficient memory, and fast Gen5 storage

16. WD SN8100 PCIe 5.0 SSD Specs Verified via TechPowerUp

A second round of WD_Black SN8100 retail listings appeared on TechPowerUp, confirming prior leaks about controller (SM2508), speeds, and capacities. It remains unclear if WD is retiring its custom controllers or simply rebranding efforts under SanDisk.

• 14,900MB/s read, 14,000MB/s write (1TB is lower at 11,000MB/s)

• Up to 2.3 million IOPS on 2TB SKU

• Appears at multiple EU and Canadian retailers

• Price premium reflects shift to PCIe Gen5 and Silicon Motion integration

17. Synology Stealth Price Increases Spark Uproar

Synology quietly raised U.S. prices across several popular NAS models—by as much as $100 per unit—blaming increased tariffs and supply chain changes. While prices in Europe remained stable, backlash spread across Reddit and forums.

• DS1821+ cited as having a sudden price jump on B&H and Adorama

• No formal statement from Synology

• Resellers in Denmark and France show unchanged pricing, pointing to U.S.-specific impact

• Community sentiment turning toward DIY NAS alternatives

18. Synology HDD Models Leak in DS925+ Firmware

Digging into the DS925+ SynoOfflinePack, users discovered four new Synology-branded drives not yet listed on the official website. The find suggests Synology is continuing its push for branded hardware exclusivity.

• HAT3320-8T

• HAT5310-12T

• HAT5311-16T

• HAT5311-20T

• Appeared in smart.db, likely for future compatibility DB updates

19. QNAP QSW-1108-8T-R2: Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Released

QNAP has listed a new QSW-1108-8T-R2, an unmanaged 8-port 2.5GbE desktop switch aimed at SMBs and home users expanding their multi-gig networks. It joins QNAP’s growing line of passive-cooled network hardware.

• Fanless, 12W max power draw

• 40Gbps switching capacity, 20Gbps non-blocking throughput

• Jumbo frame support (12K), loop detection LED

• Certifications include CE, FCC, UKCA, BSMI

20. Unraid 7.1 RC4 Final Preview Lands Before Stable

Before the stable launch, Unraid OS 7.1 RC4 dropped with final refinements focused on networking, VM behavior, and diagnostic clarity.

• Final wireless tweaks: improved Docker over Wi-Fi, WireGuard fixes

• Better VM icon handling in XML mode

• Firefox 128.10 now bundled via AppImage

• Kernel config: PSI, SCSI enclosure, HabanaLabs AI, Intel NPU support

21. Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Tested – Blurring Lines Between Stick and Drive

ComputerBase reviewed the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, a USB-C direct-plug portable SSD that’s smaller than many thumb drives but with full SSD internals. While its compact form and IP54 rating were praised, performance lagged behind top-tier rivals.

• 1TB/2TB capacity, ~1000MB/s real-world read/write

• IP54 rating and 3m drop resistance

• Ideal for travel or EDC data needs

• Benchmarks show weaker performance vs Lexar SL500 and Kingston XS2000

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