Kingston Wi-Drive Enters iOS Wireless Storage Market

The Wi-Drive acts like a personal Wi-Fi file server with configurable access- point name and security settings

Seagate went there earlier this month with its 500GB GoFlex Satellite, and now Kingston is stepping forth with its own wireless storage device specifically for Apple devices.

Kingston has introduced its Wi-Drive portable storage drive for Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The NAND flash-based Wi-Drive is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket; it gives users a choice of 16GB or 32GB worth of capacity.

Expansion Storage Without Strings

The Wi-Drive stands apart from Seagate’s product, which is also pocket-sized – but thicker, so do not try and stuff it into a shirt pocket unless you want to bust some seams – and carries much more storage.

The Wi-Drive’s purpose is simple: it enables users to carry around more data and exchange files with other iOS device owners using its Wi-Fi connection. Users will need to download a free Wi-Drive application from the Apple App Store to use the drive. It can also be connected to other personal computers with its USB connector.

The Wi-Drive features a rechargeable battery that Kingston claims gets up to four hours of continuous use. The device also supports most major audio, video, image and document file formats.

The Wi-Drive will be available in the US at the end of June, Kingston said. The 16GB version will be priced at $130 (£80); the 32GB at $175 (£107).