Kanex meDrive ($99) Turns USB Storage Device Into Network Drive

A trademarks or registered trademarks of Apogee Inc., Kanex, in Apple and iOS connectivity solutions for homes and businesses, announced meDrive, a file server that turns USB storage into a network drive and can be accessed from an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or Mac + PC.

meDrive is a file server for iOS devices that allows to expand storage and create your own local cloud using external USB storage for easy access or sharing. It is connected to a local network, so it’s always on; which makes files, media and other documents always accessible.

iOS file management is available through the meDrive app, which is available at no cost at the Apple App Store. There are no extra service fees and users can have the peace of mind of private local storage. Users can also hot-swap in other USB storage drives to expand their storage needs. Mac + PC users will also find it easy to connect and manage files through OS X Finder and Windows Explorer.

"What makes the meDrive file server unique is that it has built-in WebDAV and Bonjour support which enables iOS devices to easily connect to the drive and read/write, access and share Apple iWork files such as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers," said Kelvin Yan, Kanex president. "meDrive basically becomes your WebDAV server for your iPad. And because it’s connected to a network, any other devices can connect, share and access files on the drive including OS X and Windows."

Users of Keynote, Pages and Numbers will use this device for local file sharing with its built-in WebDAV support. Users can save iWork files directly to meDrive for local access and sharing.

For educators, home and office users
meDrive helps educators, home users and office workers to get more out of their iPad. For example, meDrive provides a solution for teachers to receive student assignments in the classroom done on the iPad. It also helps reduce internet bandwidth bottle neck, provides an alternative to cloud-based storage and gives users peace of mind for having local private storage with no monthly service fees.

"The Kanex meDrive is an elegant alternative to Dropbox, Edmodo, Evernote and other cloud based storage solutions," said Robert Craven, director of technology and media services, Fullerton School District. "Easy enough for a classroom teacher to set up, the meDrive provides our teachers a rapid method to share files with students on iOS devices or computers, as well as to collect work back from students in a flash. meDrive is the new must have device in our mobile classrooms."

Home and office users can use meDrive as a way to expand storage for their iPad or iPhone or to share documents or media with other devices on the network including Macs and PCs.

It delivers productivity in conference and meeting rooms by enabling users to share and present documents using the iPad. meDrive also is a solution for local private storage amongst departments or work groups.

meDrive File Manager App
The meDrive app is a file manager software tool designed to work with the meDrive file server so users can manage all their folders, files and media as well expand the storage of their iOS devices to a local drive. File management can also be done through other apps that support WebDAV or SMB file protocol.

The meDrive app also features:

• Bonjour auto discovery of Kanex meDrive file server for easy setup
• Download, move files between remote and local storage
• Add folder, Import photos/video from camera roll
• Export a file with ‘OpenIn’ feature.
• Import file attachments from Mail with ‘OpenIn’
• Sort files by name, type, date or size
• Zip and unzip files

meDrive is available for $99 MSRP at retail and online retailers including on the company’s web site.