Synology has taken a step beyond its traditional role as a storage solutions manufacturer: now it wants its devices not only to store data but also to help understand and protect it better. The company has introduced Deep Search, an AI-powered search engine integrated into BeeDrive, and has announced a partnership with Acronis to include backup and cyber-protection licenses in its Bee lineup.
The idea is clear: combine intelligent local search with advanced backup so that home users and small offices can manage their files more quickly… and sleep a little easier.
Deep Search: AI to find “that photo” or “that report” without going crazy
Anyone who has wasted time rummaging through folders to locate a PDF invoice or a specific vacation photo will understand the problem Synology aims to address. Deep Search integrates with BeeDrive and adds an AI layer over stored files without needing to upload anything to the cloud.
According to the company, the system allows searching in various ways:
- Text search: locate screenshots, receipts, business cards, or documents based on their content.
- Description search: users can type natural phrases like “kids playing in the snow” or “sunset at the beach,” and Deep Search will find images matching that description.
- Time or location search: terms like “Yosemite” or “Christmas” help narrow results by date and place, making it easier to find photos from specific trips or events.
In documents, the approach is similar but goes beyond simple text:
- Content and embedded image search: the system analyzes both text and graphics, screenshots, or scanned pages within presentations, PDFs, or reports.
- Semantic understanding: no need to remember the exact phrase; an inquiry like “contribution to the benefit of subscription services” can retrieve the relevant table across multiple files.
- Immediate preview: from the results, you can jump directly to the slide, paragraph, or section where the content appears, without reviewing the entire document.
The goal is for BeeDrive to function as a kind of “AI personal searcher,” but completely local, designed for people who generate increasing amounts of data but want to maintain control over where it’s processed.
Local AI, without uploading files to the cloud
One aspect that Synology emphasizes is privacy: Deep Search runs on the user’s own computer and does not upload file contents to Synology or external cloud services. Some optional features, like filtering photos by location or searching across languages, may rely on external databases or OS translation services (macOS), but users can disable these features.
In exchange for processing locally, Deep Search requires certain hardware capabilities:
- On macOS: macOS 15 or higher, Apple Silicon chip (M1 or later), and at least 16 GB of RAM.
- On Windows: an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, an NVIDIA GPU with at least 6 GB VRAM (RTX 2060 or higher), and 16 GB of RAM.
- Synology mentions that soon it will also be available on PCs with Copilot+, leveraging the new local AI capabilities of these systems.
The feature arrives as a free software update for BeeDrive on macOS and Windows, turning this small storage device into an advanced search tool at no extra cost for current users.
Acronis True Image: Backup and Cyber Protection Included for Three Years
Alongside Deep Search, Synology has announced a collaboration with Acronis to strengthen data protection within its Bee range. All BeeDrive, BeeStation, and BeeStation Plus devices now include a three-year license for Acronis True Image Essentials for one computer, in certain regions.
This Acronis solution goes beyond file copying: it enables complete system backups (operating system, applications, settings) and integrates features of cybersecurity and ransomware protection, designed to facilitate recovery after a security incident or critical failure.
The idea is for users to have, with one device, both a smart local storage space (BeeDrive or BeeStation) and a professional backup and recovery tool that relies on the same hardware.
Some important notes:
- The license is valid for one computer and must be redeemed within 90 days of first login to BeeDrive with a Synology account, or before September 2028, whichever comes first.
- The promotion is available only in selected regions; Synology recommends checking eligibility prior to purchase.
- Both Synology and Acronis reserve the right to modify or discontinue the promotion according to applicable regulations.
BeeDrive and the Bee Series: From Simple Storage to “Data Experience”
With these announcements, Synology emphasizes that its Bee series (BeeDrive, BeeStation, and BeeStation Plus) is more than just “pretty external drives.” The company aims to position them as a middle ground between traditional storage and advanced NAS systems: easy-to-use devices designed for home users or small offices, offering:
- Simple backup of computers and mobile devices.
- Centralized access to files.
- Now also local AI-powered smart search.
- And, through Acronis, system backup and integrated cyber-protection.
In a context where many AI services depend on the cloud, Synology champions a different approach: harnessing the power of current hardware to process data locally, reducing privacy concerns and giving users more control over their information, while still offering advanced search and protection features.
Frequently Asked Questions about Synology Deep Search and the Acronis Partnership
Does Deep Search send my files to the cloud or to Synology?
No. Deep Search processes file contents on your own computer. Synology states that it does not upload content to its servers or external cloud services. Some optional features may use external databases or OS services, but these can be disabled.
What do I need to use Deep Search with BeeDrive?
macOS 15 or higher, Apple Silicon chip (M1 or later), and 16 GB RAM on Mac. On Windows, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, an NVIDIA GPU with at least 6 GB VRAM, and 16 GB RAM. Additionally, you need a BeeDrive with the latest software version that includes Deep Search.
Does the Acronis True Image Essentials license work for multiple devices?
No. Each Bee device includes a three-year license for one computer. For protecting more devices, additional licenses are required.
Can I use BeeDrive and Acronis just for “classic” backups?
Yes. While Deep Search and other AI features add value, they are optional. You can use BeeDrive or BeeStation as targets for traditional backups with Acronis True Image Essentials or other tools, enabling or ignoring smart features as needed.
via: synology