Zimaos 1.5 Launches Paid Tier While Preserving Free Core

2025-10-12 05:10:46

(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

IceWhale's ZimaOS has rolled out version 1.5 with a new“Plus” edition behind a one-time $29 licence, while retaining a free Community edition with limited allowances. The upgrade also introduces expanded hardware support, mobile access improvements, and a freshly integrated backup app.

The Plus edition removes caps on users, disks, and apps, whereas the CE edition continues to offer core features but restricts usage to 10 apps, 4 disks, and 3 users. All officially supported Zima hardware-ZimaBoard1, ZimaBoard2, ZimaBlade, ZimaCube-automatically unlock the Plus edition upon upgrade from version 1.4. x or earlier. A free upgrade window for existing users runs until 30 June 2026.

Version 1.5 introduces several software enhancements. A new Zima Backup app centralises backup functions, the dashboard now shows the start/stop status of apps, and users can assign GPU resources to applications. A key improvement lies in mobile handling: clients for iOS, Android, and Windows now permit remote system monitoring, file transfers, and backup management.

The shift has sparked a mix of community responses. Some users voiced disappointment at introducing paid tiers to what had been a free ecosystem. Critics argue the limits in the CE edition may hamstring more ambitious users. Others welcomed the change as pragmatic, noting that the $29 licence is modest compared to competing NAS systems and may support long-term sustainability. IceWhale pledges to allocate one-third of Plus revenue back into community contributors.

IceWhale emphasises that the Plus licence is strictly lifetime, not a subscription, and insists the CE edition will remain free. The company frames this move as necessary for funding ongoing development, infrastructure, and community operations.

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Beyond the licensing change, ZimaOS 1.5 expands driver support across more x86-64 hardware and optimises the cloud-and-disk interaction layers. The platform maintains its zero-telemetry stance and local account architecture, avoiding the need for email or phone registration.

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