Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) 6.1 Review

Mobile Synology Apps

We got one more thing to look at today, and that’s all the mobile apps that are available for Synology owners. For once, I can actually test these apps, so that’s an extra treat for me. Synology is the only NAS company that has embraced Windows Mobile on the same level as the other two large mobile OSes. Since I’ve discovered the benefits of Windows 10 Mobile, I’m running that and here we’re going to have a look at all the companion apps available.

Finding the apps is easy, just search for Synology and they should pop up. You might also need to limit it to apps only, but that’s just an extra convenience. It found both games and songs with my search, so I limited it.

I’m going to install and show them all, from DS video that connects to the Video Station.

Over DS Photo for the Photo Station to DS audio for the Audio Station. I think you’re starting to get the idea of the naming now.

The DS finder is the equivalent to the Synology Assistant on your desktop. It helps you locate and connect to all your Synology devices. Both router and server. DS Get allows you to keep an eye on your Download Station.

Once installed, they’ll all show up as icons within your apps or in your start menu if you’re using Windows Mobile. Upon launch of each freshly installed app, it will show you a version history.

DS Finder

The DS finder is very simple. It can scan your local network for Synology devices and generally connect to them.

Once connected, you get access to all the device’s information.

Keep an eye on your storage usage, shut the server down, or restart it.

DS File

With DS File you can manage all your files on your mobile device. Browse your shared folders in the palm of your hand and perform whatever actions you need to do.

You can view all your files and folders in list and icon modes, each with their own advantages.

Shared links and active tasks can also be monitored through the app.

DS Get

With DS Get, you get a download station in your pocket. It might be one of the easiest ways to handle your download tasks, from the couch or coffee shop.

Adding new tasks through searched is also available in the mobile app and you also get access to all the app settings such as bandwidth limits.

DS Video

DS video allows you to enjoy all your videos on your mobile devices and it can also stream it to compatible devices.

Make up your mind on what to watch by browsing summaries of the story and the seasons of your favourite shows.

And that kinda says it all. Lean back where ever you are and enjoy your favourites. Onscreen controls for playback and sounds are also included in this app – so no need to fiddle with your buttons.

Inactivity hides the controls, allowing you to experience the full joys of your content.

With a phone like mine, you can even enjoy it in a Full-HD resolution – but that will depend on the video quality and your own phone’s capabilities.

Oh how easy it is to get sidetracked from your work with features like this.

DS Photo

DS Photo brings your image collection into your pocket. Browse all the photos and images on your server with the same features as if you connected directly.

Browse your albums and view the photos.

DS Audio

Now that we’ve come to DS Audio, you probably already know the routine. Your audio files in your pocket.

Your playlists and filters at your finger tips.

And a playback of your choosing.

It can also stream to available players, but in this case, it only sees my phone itself. I don’t have other players to connect it to.

If lyrics were available, those could be shown too. So sing along while you ride on that boring bus to and from work.