UnifyDrive UP6: The AI Mobile NAS That Aims to Replace Your Laptop

DOVER, Del. – December 29, 2025 – In a move poised to reshape professional field workflows, network storage innovator UnifyDrive has officially launched the UnifyDrive UP6. Billed as the world’s first mobile Network Attached Storage (NAS) to integrate local AI processing, a built-in touchscreen, and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) into a single chassis, the device is a direct response to the long-standing challenges of mobile data management.

For years, photographers, videographers, and field researchers have juggled a collection of devices to manage data on location: rugged drives for storage, a laptop for management, and battery packs for power security. UnifyDrive aims to render that entire setup obsolete with a single, backpack-friendly solution that offers workstation-level performance and complete data independence.

A New Category for Mobile Professionals

The UP6 is more than an evolution of the portable hard drive; it represents the creation of a new product category that blurs the lines between network storage, a mobile workstation, and a rugged field device. It directly targets the cumbersome, multi-part setups, often called DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) carts, that are standard on film sets and in complex field projects.

"We realized that professionals were carrying a NAS for storage, a laptop for management, and a battery for safety," said Josh, Product Director at UnifyDrive. "By combining workstation-level performance with a visual interface and battery protection, we’ve condensed an entire DIT cart into a device that fits in a backpack."

At the heart of this consolidation is serious computing power. Unlike traditional portable NAS units that often rely on lower-power ARM processors, the UP6 is built around an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H processor. This chip includes an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 11 TOPS (trillion operations per second), dedicating hardware specifically for AI tasks. Paired with up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and an all-flash architecture supporting up to 48TB of NVMe storage, the UP6 delivers the sustained speeds necessary for demanding tasks like 8K video transcoding and real-time collaborative editing directly from the unit.

Redefining Workflow with an Intelligent, Visual Interface

Perhaps the most radical departure from traditional NAS design is the UP6's integrated 6-inch high-resolution touchscreen. This feature liberates users from laptop dependency for core tasks. Instead of booting up a computer to check transfer status, preview 4K footage, manage files, or configure network settings, professionals can now perform these actions directly on the device itself. This streamlined interaction is critical in fast-paced or harsh environments where setting up a full workstation is impractical.

Enhancing this visual workflow is a sophisticated local AI engine. This is the UP6’s most significant innovation, addressing both efficiency and privacy. The on-device AI allows users to perform natural language searches, transforming data retrieval. A videographer can simply search for "drone footage of mountains" or a legal professional for "contracts from 2024," and the system will locate the relevant files instantly by analyzing content, not just filenames.

Crucially, all of this processing happens on the device. By leveraging the processor's NPU, UnifyDrive ensures that no data is ever sent to the cloud for analysis. This on-device approach is a direct answer to the growing privacy concerns surrounding cloud-based AI. For professionals handling sensitive client data, unreleased media assets, or confidential research, this guarantees total data privacy and security. It also means the AI features work seamlessly even in remote locations with no internet access.

Unchained from the Wall and the Web

Power and connectivity are often the weakest links in a mobile workflow. The UP6 tackles this head-on with a built-in UPS, providing two hours of off-grid operation. This feature acts as a critical safeguard, preventing data corruption or loss from an accidental disconnection or a sudden power outage on set. For longer sessions, the device supports 100W Power Delivery (PD) via its USB-C ports, allowing it to be powered by standard laptop chargers or portable power banks, eliminating the need for bulky, proprietary AC adapters.

The UP6 is designed to be the central hub of a mobile production environment. Its connectivity suite includes dual Thunderbolt™ 4 ports for maximum data throughput, a 10GbE port for high-speed network integration, and an HDMI 2.1 port for 4K@60fps playback on external monitors for on-set review. Furthermore, integrated SD, TF, and CFexpress card readers enable true "shoot-to-backup" functionality without a computer. The device can also function as a Wi-Fi 6 access point, creating a secure, encrypted local network for multi-user collaboration in areas where no infrastructure exists.

Market Context and Value Proposition

UnifyDrive, a company formed just four years ago, is building on the success of its previous Kickstarter-funded model, the UT2, which first introduced the concept of a portable NAS with a built-in battery. The UP6 is a significant leap forward, solidifying the company's vision for a fully integrated mobile workspace.

Priced at $1,599 for preorder, the UP6 is positioned as a premium product. However, its value proposition lies in consolidation. When compared to the combined cost of a high-performance rugged laptop, multiple high-capacity portable SSDs, a separate UPS, and a suite of card readers, the UP6 presents a potentially cost-effective and far more efficient alternative. It challenges the limitations of existing solutions: portable SSDs lack its intelligence and network capabilities, while traditional NAS units from competitors like Synology or QNAP are not designed for this level of portability and integrated operation.

By converging these technologies, UnifyDrive is not just selling a product; it is pioneering a solution that reflects the broader industry trend toward edge computing, data privacy, and hardware consolidation. The UP6 stands as a compelling example of what the future of professional mobile data management may look like—powerful, independent, and intelligent.