Firmware Update: Synology Disk Station Manager 3.1 Build 1725 Beta

Synology has released a new beta release of Disk Station Manager, the management software that runs on several of the company’s NAS products. The Disk, Cube and Rack Stations offer more than just extra storage space. In this way, backups of all clients on the network can also be made and files can be downloaded via http, ftp, bittorrent, usenet and emule, so that, for example, the energy-hungry PC can be turned off at night, while the download just comes in. Furthermore, audio and video files can be streamed over the network via the built-in iTunes server, a dynamic website can be hosted using PHP and MySQL and it can act as a print server.

This beta is the first release to stop working on x07-series NAS devices, and it adds support for Apple’s wireless AirPlay protocol, among other things. In addition, iOS and Android apps will be released shortly, which will make it possible, among other things, to stream content to the mobile devices and manage the Synology. The last big change is that the Synology can now also be used as a VPN server. Below is the full changelog for this release:

New Features

• DSM 3.1 can only be applied to DiskStation with DSM 2.1 and onward. Download DSM 2.1-0851 at: Americas, Asia, Europe
• Not all of the features of DSM 3.1 beta are available to all models due to hardware limitation; please see below for more information. If you would like to experience the full potential of DSM 3.1 beta or the future coming release of the DSM operating system, please consider upgrading the DiskStation to a newer model.
• AirPlay Support: AirPlay support in Audio Station’s Media Renderer mode allows you to stream music from your DiskStation to any AirPlay device which could be either a TV or stereo set in your living room. (not applicable on DS108j, DS109j and DS209j)
• iOS Apps (Coming soon on Apple App Store):
  • DS audio is now enhanced with media renderer support helps you remotely control the music playback from DiskStation to Airplay speakers or any compatible media renderer.
  • DS file is now enhanced with iPad-specific UI design.
  • DS photo+ is now enhanced with AirPrint support to print photos wirelessly.
• Android Apps: (Coming soon on Android Market): DS file allows you who own Android powered mobile devices to browse the files on your DiskStation via WebDAV, and download/upload files from/to your DiskStation. You can also manage – copy, move, rename or delete – your files while you are away from your office or home as long as the Internet connection is available, off-line browsing for your favorites is also supported in case of the unstable wireless connection .
• VPN Center Package: VPN Center is an add-on package that enables your DiskStation to become a VPN (virtual private network) server, allows DSM users over the Internet to access resources shared within DiskStation’s local area network. VPN Center supports both PPTP and OpenVPN service. click here to download the package.

ChangeLog:

• Enhanced the stability with Backup and Restore application: Shared Folder Sync, Amazon S3, local and network backup.
• Added new log information for rsync file transfer log.
• Enhanced the stability with rsync backup function.
• Enhanced the stability with AFP file sharing protocol.
• Enhanced the stability with Surveillance Station.
• Enhanced the stability with wireless connection.
• Minor bug fixes.

Synology Disk Station Manager 3.1 screenshot, click the image for a larger version.