Week 10 Tech Roundup – AOOSTAR WTR MAX, QNAP AI Accelerators, UniFi U7 APs, and More!

Here’s your Weekly NAScompares Digest – Week 10, 2025, covering 13 major topics in NAS, storage, and networking.

1. AOOSTAR WTR MAX NAS with 11 Drive Bays & Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS

AOOSTAR has announced the WTR MAX NAS, a high-performance storage solution powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS, an enterprise-grade CPU offering better security and stability than standard consumer chips. The NAS features a unique 11-bay design, including five SSD slots (three PCIe 4.0 x2, two PCIe 4.0 x1) and six HDD bays, providing high-speed storage and ample capacity. It also supports ECC memory for enhanced data reliability. Notably, the WTR MAX includes Oculink and USB4 ports, allowing users to connect external GPUs or additional storage for AI tasks or accelerated workflows. Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ethernet ports ensure high-speed connectivity. AOOSTAR has also integrated a real-time monitoring display, offering temperature, drive health, and resource utilization insights, with customizable themes such as cartoon or cyberpunk. Priced at $699, the WTR MAX is expected to be released by the end of March.

2. TerraMaster API-in-a-Box: Open-Source AI App Generator for TNAS

TerraMaster, in partnership with Imagery Business Systems, has launched API-in-a-Box, an open-source AI and low-code platform pre-integrated into the F4-424 Max TNAS. The tool allows users to generate full-stack applications in minutes by describing their needs in business terms, significantly reducing software development time. It includes an instant API middleware, auto-generated RESTful APIs, and a low-code environment called LogicBank for easy rule-based development. Built on SQLAlchemy and Flask, it ensures standardization and supports multiple databases. A key advantage is its hardware-software integration, enabling seamless deployment without server configurations. By simplifying development, reducing technical barriers, and cutting costs, API-in-a-Box is poised to transform software development in cloud, business intelligence, and automation workflows.

3. QNAP QAI-M100 & QAI-U100: Affordable AI Accelerators for NAS

QNAP has introduced two new AI accelerators, the QAI-M100 (M.2 PCIe) and QAI-U100 (USB 3.2), designed to enhance AI image recognition and surveillance applications on QNAP NAS devices. Each offers 3 TOPS of NPU performance, significantly boosting face/object recognition speeds in QuMagie Smart Albums and surveillance apps. The QAI-M100 integrates directly into M.2 PCIe Gen 2 x1 slots, while the QAI-U100 provides a plug-and-play USB alternative for broader NAS compatibility. When two units are installed, performance doubles to 6 TOPS, accelerating AI workloads while reducing CPU strain. Both devices feature optimized thermal designs for stability. These affordable AI add-ons bring advanced machine learning capabilities to SMBs and home users at a fraction of the cost of traditional AI processors.

4. Advantech Unveils SQFlash PCIe Gen 5 SSDs with 14,000MB/s Speeds

Advantech has launched the SQFlash EDSFF and EU-2 PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSDs, pushing enterprise storage to new limits. With 14,000 MB/s read and 8,500 MB/s write speeds, these drives are tailored for AI, big data, and hyperscale computing environments. The E1.S form factor allows for increased storage density, supporting up to 20W power, compared to M.2’s 12W, enabling sustained peak performance. These SSDs feature hot-plug support, power loss protection, and low idle power consumption (<9W), making them ideal for data centers. The NVMe 2.0 protocol ensures seamless integration, while metadata protection and enhanced namespaces bolster data security. Advantech’s move into PCIe 5.0 positions them as a key player in high-speed enterprise storage.

5. LincPlus LincStation NAS Kickstarter Campaign

LincPlus has unveiled its LincStation NAS series on Kickstarter, focusing on style, usability, and high performance. The flagship LincPlus N2 NAS features a compact, high-speed design with 6-bay SSD support, 10GbE networking, and Unraid compatibility. Meanwhile, the LincPlus S1 is built for high-capacity workloads, boasting tool-free drive access, DDR5 memory upgrades, and an LCD panel for easy management. The campaign highlights flexibility for NAS enthusiasts, offering an intuitive touch screen, customizable LED indicators, and energy-efficient ERP mode in BIOS. With pricing starting under $400, early adopters can secure one of the most versatile and visually striking NAS devices yet.

6. QNAP QuTScloud c5.2 Cloud NAS with Ransomware Protection

QNAP has released QuTScloud c5.2, a cloud-based NAS OS with new security enhancements. The most notable feature is Security Center, which actively monitors file activities for ransomware threats and implements instant protection measures such as backups or access blocking. The update also introduces Kernel Mode SMB Daemon acceleration, optimizing file transfers, and an improved backup/restore system settings function for easier disaster recovery. Users can now sync installed apps across multiple QNAP Cloud NAS instances, making it easier to manage deployments. Priced at just $4.99/month, QuTScloud offers enterprise-grade NAS features in a virtualized, subscription-based model.

7. Icy Dock MB312M4P-B: PCIe 4.0 NVMe Adapter with Tool-Less SSD Removal

Icy Dock has launched the ExpressSlot Core MB312M4P-B, a PCIe 4.0 x8 adapter card with dual removable M.2 NVMe SSD trays. Designed for enterprise and high-performance workstations, it allows hot-swappable SSD access from the PCIe slot panel, making upgrades and maintenance faster and more efficient. The aluminum heatsink lid, along with included thermal pads, ensures optimal cooling. Supporting 64Gbps speeds, it is ideal for AI, big data, and media professionals who require seamless SSD expansion.

8. First Data Center Lands on the Moon

Lonestar Data Holdings has placed the first lunar data center on the Moon via the Intuitive Machines Athena lander. The 1kg data center features an 8TB SSD, leveraging extreme cold conditions for passive cooling, reducing energy needs. The initiative aims to provide off-world data sovereignty while avoiding cyber threats like war, earthquakes, or climate events. Future lunar data centers are planned for 2026 and 2027.

9. UniFi U7 Pro, Lite, In-Wall, and Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 APs Released

UniFi has officially released U7 Pro, U7 Lite, U7 In-Wall, and U7 Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 access points. The U7 Pro delivers 8.6Gbps 5GHz speeds and supports 500+ clients, while the U7 Lite offers a more affordable option at $99. The U7 In-Wall integrates PoE pass-through, ideal for hotel rooms or offices. The U7 Outdoor is IPX6-rated for harsh environments. These APs support MLO, BSS Transition, and Zero-Wait DFS, making them top-tier Wi-Fi 7 solutions.

10. Qualcomm X85 5G Modem Announced with 11.6Gbps Speed

Qualcomm unveiled the X85 5G Modem, its fastest yet, offering 11.6Gbps download and 3.7Gbps upload speeds. It supports Turbo DSDA for enhanced dual SIM capabilities and integrates AI-based signal optimization. The X82 variant provides a more affordable 5G option. Commercial products featuring X85 are expected in late 2025.

11. Lexar Launches Stainless-Steel SD Cards

Lexar introduced ARMOR GOLD & SILVER PRO SDXC UHS-II cards, the first stainless-steel SD cards. Rated IP68, they are 37x stronger than plastic cards and can survive 5m drops. With 280MB/s transfer speeds and 6K recording support, they target photographers and videographers needing rugged storage.

12. Healuck HL Mini PC with Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE

The Healuck HL mini PC (CWWK S7 in the UK) offers dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE LAN, making it an ideal budget NAS or network appliance. Powered by an Intel Core 3 N355 CPU, it supports 32GB DDR5 and dual NVMe storage.

13. Q-Day Quantum Computing Threats to Storage

Experts warn about “Q-Day,” the moment quantum computers break encryption. Organizations are shifting to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and NIST-approved algorithms to protect data. Tech giants like IBM, Google, AWS, and Microsoft are racing to develop quantum-safe storage solutions.

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