Toshiba Introduces Canvio AeroCast Wireless HDD and Adapter

Toshiba has introduced the Canvio AeroCast Wireless Hard Drive (HDTU110XKWC1), a device that blends the benefits of 1TB external storage with the wireless freedom as well as having a built-in SD card reader. The AeroCast drive supports up to 6 simultaneous users and has its own hotspot integrated making the need for internet or router connection unnecessary. Users can also connect the drive to their Chromecast device to experience their personal digital content with Toshiba’s Google Cast Ready app.

“Storage needs are changing. By understanding the importance of mobility, we have taken storage to the next level. With integrated wireless capabilities, we empower our users to share and stream their personal digital content the way they want, wirelessly,” said Maciek Brzeski, vice president, Branded Storage

The AeroCast Wireless HDD has pass-through mode, so you don’t have to lose your internet or other wireless connection just because you connect your wireless HDD. It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 5-hours of truly wireless storage. The maximum wireless speed is 150MB/s with the support for 802.11b/g/n. It also comes with a default micro USB 3.0 connector and cable to connect it directly and get all the speed the drive inside can do.

The size of just 121.4 x 86 x 24.4 mm and the weight of just 280 grams makes the Toshiba Canvio AeroCast Wireless Hard Drive highly portable. It comes with a 1 year limited warranty and an MSRP of $219.99. The official support list includes iOS 6 or newer, Android 2.3 or newer, Windows 7 or newer, and Mac OS X 10.7 or newer. Mac OS X users will however need to download the free NTFS driver as there isn’t any Time machine support.

Toshiba also introduced the Canvio Cast Wireless Adapter that can make any USB storage medium wireless. This is basically the wireless functions of the above hard drive but without the own storage. Attach any USB hard drive you might have to the adapter and enjoy the content on your Chromecast, Android, iOS, Windows or Mac OS X device.

Where the Wireless Hard Drive used the USB 3 interface, there wasn’t really any need for it on this device as it only supports 150Mbit/s via the wireless connection anyway. So instead Toshiba added a USB 2.0 interface to the adapter. It measures just 63 x 48 x 10 mm and weighs 24 grams.

While some might argue that it’s weird Toshiba didn’t add a direct connection feature to the micro USB charging port, there really isn’t any need for it as you could just use the drive directly. Only time it would be useful would be a firmware upgrade.

The Canvio Cast Wireless Adapter (HDWW100XKWU1) comes with a $79.99 MSRP and a 1-year limited warranty.

Thanks to Toshiba for providing us with this information

Images courtesy of Toshiba