Western Digital's MyCloud Home aims to unify the connected home

First NAS aimed at the smart home

Storage giant Western Digital has announced a new edition to its long running WD MyCloud range, the first line that's aimed at the smart home.

The WD MyCloud Home is designed to "pull in" files from multiple sources and then act as single repository, able to stream information direct to your home network.

Like other products in the range, WD MyCloud Home features media server Plex, which offers options to download song lyrics, subtitles and covers.

Available in regular and a twin disk raid array known as the WD MyCloud Duo, the new version is, essentially an evolution rather than a revolution, but it is the first time that the company has thought "smart home first" and WD claims it is the first NAS to offer these capabilities.

The device comes with between 4TB and 16TB (2x8) of storage, gigabit ethernet, and one or two USB 3.0 ports for direct importing.

Software is available for Windows 7 and above (running in 64-bit), Mac OS X 10.10 or later, iOS 9 and above and Android KitKat 4.4 and above.

Users can set up back up of complete desktop folders, of photos on their devices and set up a shared folder with their favourite cloud service.

Prices start at £159.99 for a 2TB single drive version, up to 8TB at £319.99. The Duo starts at 4TB for £319.99 up to £659.99 for the 16TB version. The MyCloud Home is available immediately.

The MyHome Cloud uses Western Digital Red drives specifically designed for storage.

It has been a busy week for WD. While further news is expected out of IFA this week, the company has already announced takeovers of two companies - cloud storage firm UpThere, and flash storage company Tegile.

WD chief operating officer Mike Cordano said that the "Tegile acquisition will fit perfectly in Western Digital's long-term strategy" to "deliver high value solutions that address customers' rapidly evolving storage needs".