Firmware update: QNAP TS-xx0/xx2/xx3/xx9 4.3.3.0154 build 20170413

QNAP has released version 4.3.3 of the firmware included on various models of its NAS devices. In version 4.3 Among other things, it shows in clear graphs how many resources are used, the performance is automatically optimized based on how the NAS is used and Time Machine backups can now be made via SMB. There is also support for exFAT, for which a separate license must be purchased, and all multimedia apps have been given a makeover. The extensive changelog is available herethese are briefly the most important improvements that have been made:

Key new apps and features in QTS 4.3.3:

• Visual and insightful resource monitoring: With useful graphs and additional criteria, the redesigned Resource Monitor offers more functionality to analyze and manage resources, and better storage performance.
• Intelligent Qtier 2.0: Equipped with an intelligent optimization engine, Qtier learns from NAS usage and analyzes system performance and peak hours to determine the best time and optimal transfer rates for auto-tiering.
• Maximum network access with Network & Virtual Switch: The Network & Virtual Switch for NAS allows virtual machines and containers to be connected to the same LAN port. It also supports T2E (Thunderbolt to Ethernet) Converter and the Thunderbolt virtual switch NAT service that allows Thunderbolt devices to access network resources via QNAP Thunderbolt NAS.
• Time Machine Backup via SMB: QTS 4.3.3 provides seamless support for macOS Sierra, including SMB network file sharing protocols for comprehensive backup scenarios.
• exFAT compatibility: Users can purchase an exFAT compatibility license to directly access and edit files stored on exFAT-based storage with QNAP NAS. This creates a seamless workflow for online media editing.
• Qfiling for automatic file organization: Qfiling automates your file organization: simply define the archiving conditions, set a schedule and files will be organized and archived based on your settings.
• File Station adds remote connections: Users can directly browse and exchange files between their QNAP NAS and public cloud services, and mount shared folders from a remote NAS to a local NAS via FTP and CIFS/SMB. QTS 4.3.3 supports Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Box, Yandex Disk, Amazon Drive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business and HiDrive.
• Backup from USB/SATA optical drives: Users can connect a USB/SATA optical drive to their NAS and directly access contents on inserted drives and copy them to a shared folder on the NAS via File Station.
• Refined multimedia experience: All multimedia apps received a redesigned user interface. Music Station has a new Spotlight mode and supports intelligent playlists. Video Station allows you to tag scenes, switch between audio tracks and download additional data from online databases such as TMDb. QTS 4.3.3 also provides multi-zone multimedia control for multimedia apps. Download Station is now equipped with an integrated BT search engine.
• More productivity apps and tools: QmailAgent provides central management of multiple email accounts and IMAP servers. Qcontactz helps centrally manage a growing list of contacts across multiple devices and platforms. Qsync has been enhanced with a new team folder structure and auto-recovery functionality that significantly improves stability and synchronization speed. IFTTT Agent provides automation of productive workflows for QNAP NAS. QTS Help Center facilitates customer support and provides an optional remote connection service for QNAP engineers to troubleshoot NAS issues over secure 256-bit SSL encrypted connections. More useful apps and tools are available through QTS App Center.