Aiming to redefine personal data management, Zettlab’s Kickstarter-funded AI NAS brings enterprise-grade intelligence and security home.
For anyone who works in content creation, a NAS system is nothing new. However, a newcomer in the space is aiming to shake things up with an offering that brings many familiar cloud features to a home-based system. The Zettlab AI NAS, currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter, aims to redefine personal cloud storage by combining high-performance hardware with a robust suite of locally processed artificial intelligence features.
Built to replace many online services, while keeping your data secure, the Zettlab AI NAS operates on ZettOS, a Debian-based operating system that enables advanced AI-driven tools such as semantic file search, optical character recognition (OCR), media transcription, and document summarization-all without ever needing to connect to the internet. This architecture ensures that sensitive data remains on the device, eliminating the risk of third-party access or unwanted data tracking. For anyone that works in content creation where embargoes and NDA’s are involved, this level of privacy and security are invaluable.
What is even more impressive is that the Zettlab AI NAS goes beyond the standard features offered by most NAS options, pushing the boundaries of on-device artificial intelligence for the user. Features such as “AI Clip” provide automatic subtitling and transcription, while an integrated chatbot delivers instant document Q&A—capabilities that typically require online services, but are built directly into the Zettlab AI NAS.
The unit also offers features tailored for creators and power users, including one-touch SD and TF card copying, smart media tagging, and a bundled Creator Studio app. This app brings together tools for storyboard planning, call sheets, and production notes—functions often reserved for expensive enterprise solutions.
Under the hood, Zettlab’s Ultra models are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, delivering up to 34 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI compute and 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, expandable to 96 GB. Storage capacity scales up to 200 TB, with connectivity options including dual 10 GbE ports, USB4, and PCIe 4.0. This makes the Ultra models suitable for demanding workflows in media production and asset management, as well as typical home NAS needs such as file storage and media streaming.
Even with its advanced features, Zettlab emphasizes that the Zettlab AI NAS is easy for anyone to set up and use. The device features plug-and-play setup, a minimalist aluminum chassis, and a built-in 3.49-inch LCD for real-time system statistics. A browser-based interface and one-click app installations further streamline the experience, while Docker support and an app store allow integration with popular third-party services such as Plex and NextCloud.
With its Kickstarter campaign already surpassing expectations—raising $1,138,623 of its $12,484 goal at the time of writing—Zettlab is set to deliver four models, ranging from the entry-level D4 to the high-end D8 Ultra, with storage capacities designed for both home users and creative professionals. Interested in how Zettlab’s AI NAS could fit into your workflow or home setup? Let us know if you would like a deeper look at its creator-focused features or a comparison with other NAS solutions. We plan to provide a more detailed review of the Zettlab AI NAS when it launches later this year.
