Apollo Cloud 2 Duo
A much improved personal cloud storage solution
$449 (8TB) From Promise Technology, promise.com Needs OS X 10.10 or later, iOS 9.0 or later
Best known for multimedia storage, Promise Technology recently leapt into the consumer space with Apollo Cloud. The first version of this network-attached personal storage drive showed promise (pun intended), but weak software stopped it reaching its full potential.
Apollo Cloud 2 Duo is better in every way. The drive is now available with two 4TB hard disks, which can be configured as a single 8TB volume or a 4TB mirrored array; and drives can be easily swapped in the event of failure. Expanded capacity increases its dimensions to 4.8 x 8.4 x 5.4 inches, but the rounded corners provide an eye-pleasing design that looks great.
Cloud 2 Duo attaches to your network with the included Gigabit Ethernet cable, at which point Apollo Cloud apps for macOS or iOS recognize the device and walk you through setting it up in just a few minutes. A single device now stores private content for up to 40 people.
The apps used to be clunky, but the latest versions are a huge improvement. Smart albums display content by people or location, although it’s a bit hit and miss. Apollo is the first personal cloud device to support iOS 11, so you can drag and drop files between compatible apps.
Although marketed for storing photos and videos in your personal cloud, support for the Files app makes this shine as an iOS storage device. Rather than worry about running out of space on your iPhone or iPad, files can be saved or opened anywhere there’s an internet connection.
the bottom line. New hardware and apps make this an ideal personal cloud for iOS device owners.