Zettlab Reimagines Local Storage With Onboard AI

In the world of digital content creation, managing vast amounts of data is a constant challenge. Zettlab, a startup founded by former engineers from tech giants like DJI, Huawei, and ByteDance, is stepping up to solve this with a new generation of smart storage. The company has just announced two new AI-infused Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions, the D6 Ultra and D4, designed specifically for creative professionals.

Following a massively successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $1.4 million, Zettlab is pushing the boundaries of what a NAS can be. Their mission is to combine powerful, cutting-edge AI processing with the security of local data management. The result is a device that empowers users to control their entire digital ecosystem offline, transforming a simple storage box into a private, privacy-focused AI workstation.

Zettlab's innovative approach has already earned them significant recognition, including three major awards at IFA and a Red Dot Design Award for 2025, celebrating their blend of AI integration, intuitive design, and precision engineering.

The Zettlab AI-Powered NAS Family

The new D6 Ultra and D4 models join the company's acclaimed D6 and D8 Ultra devices, which also debuted on Kickstarter earlier this year. This growing lineup offers a range of options for everyone from home users and small teams to demanding professionals who need the latest advancements in AI-powered storage. The original D6 and D8 Ultra are also available again through the new campaign, with prices starting at $849 for the D6 Ultra and $1,199 for the D8 Ultra.

Where AI Meets Local Storage

The core of Zettlab's innovation is private, offline AI. Both the D6 Ultra and D4 feature built-in large language model (LLM) capabilities that run directly on the device. This means you can perform tasks like semantic search (e.g., "find photos of a family picnic two years ago"), visual content recognition, voice-to-text transcription, and even Q&A with your documents—all without an internet connection. This local-first approach guarantees data privacy and delivers lightning-fast performance, a critical advantage for professionals who want AI assistance without cloud dependency.

For photographers and filmmakers, Zettlab's local AI offers a completely streamlined creative workflow. From creating a storyboard to final delivery, every step can happen within the Zettlab ecosystem. As the company explains:

“With one touch, your footage is automatically transferred to the NAS. The system first transcodes the material and leverage AI Clip for seamless editing. Then, you can share and receive frame-by-frame comments directly. A one-stop solution to boost content creators’ efficiency.”

Watch the Zettlab AI NAS workflow in action.

Zettlab D6 Ultra: Engineered for Power and Precision

The D6 Ultra is built for the most demanding creative and professional workloads. It's a powerhouse packed with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor (14 cores, 18 threads), 16GB of DDR5 RAM (expandable to a massive 96GB), dual 10GbE ports for high-speed networking, and PCIe 4.0 expansion.

With two M.2 SSD slots and six hot-swappable drive bays, it can support up to 152TB of total storage capacity. Robust data protection is built-in, featuring RAID encryption, UPS support, and secure transfer protocols to safeguard your valuable content.

See the D6 Ultra showcase.

A 3.49-inch LCD screen provides real-time system metrics, while the sleek, all-aluminum chassis and customizable ambient lighting ensure it looks as good as it performs. The D6 Ultra weighs 11.02 pounds (5 kg) and measures approximately 10.1 × 9.3 × 7.3 inches.

Zettlab D4: Smart NAS for Home and Personal Use

For creators, families, and small offices, the Zettlab D4 offers many of the same AI benefits in a more compact and affordable package. It runs on an efficient RK3588 chip with a 6 TOPS NPU and 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, providing plenty of power for AI-assisted organization and search.

The D4 supports up to 100TB of storage and includes the full suite of AI features like AI Categories, AI Search, and AI Transcription, all processed locally for maximum privacy. It also features a 3.49-inch LCD screen and UPS support, making it a refined and reliable hub for a home office or smart home setup. The D4 weighs 8.8 pounds (4 kg) and measures 8.3 × 9.3 × 7.3 inches.

ZettOS: Simplicity Meets Control

Both NAS systems are powered by ZettOS, a custom Linux-based operating system designed for clarity and performance. It offers real-time monitoring, one-click installation for popular apps like Plex and NextCloud, and full Docker compatibility for advanced users. Zettlab’s philosophy is clear: deliver powerful AI capabilities without cloud dependencies or subscription fees.

Learn more about ZettOS.

By bringing workstation-grade power with the D6 Ultra and accessible AI organization with the D4, Zettlab is setting a new standard for smart, secure, and autonomous storage that operates entirely on your terms.

Pricing and Availability

The Zettlab D6 Ultra is priced at $1,049, and the D4 starts at $429. Both are available for pre-order through the official Zettlab Kickstarter page. Early-bird pricing offers significant discounts compared to the final retail price.

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Image credits: Zettlab

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