WIFI HD is an application for the iPhone and iPod Touch, developed by Savy Soda, to be a portable hard drive accessed through Wi-Fi via an internet connection. Basically, WIFI HD works on the concept that once you enable the program, you’re given a URL to enter into your browser. Once that is accomplished a very simplistic website shows the contents stored on your iPhone, which can be downloaded. As a user you are also allowed to upload data from your computer. In essence, WIFI HD does work with what it sets out do initially. However, as I was reviewing this product I experienced many problems trying to organize, and find my media via WIFI HD’s web interface. Sadly this is where most problems occurred with this app. Furthermore we’ll look at the Design, Usability and Organization, and Functionality of WIFI HD.
Design
The design of WIFI HD is minimal. The app itself has one menu, which lists all of the files and media stored on the iPhone for access only to the app. However, if you create a folder, the menu will switch to another screen to show what is stored in that specific menu. There is really nothing elaborate about WIFI HD’s design; it’s very simple and self-explanatory, which would work to its advantage if it were better at organizing your media.
The design of the web interface is also very simple, but not very pleasing to the eye. There are no icons or graphics of any sort, because the entire user-interface is text based with clickable links to access, and download different areas of the menu; depending on how you organize it.
Usability and Organization
The usability of WIFI HD is questionable, and depends largely on the user-interface. Despite its simple design, there were several problems that I encountered when trying to upload, and organize the media I had stored on the iPhone for the app. The main function of WIFI HD is to upload and store media via a web browser. Now in all fairness the application does work. I was mostly able to upload data and download it via the web interface without many problems. However, I had more difficulty with the way WIFI HD stored my files.
In the web interface, you’re allowed to create folders, and create your own organizational system. You are also “supposedly” allowed to upload any data within an actual folder. Yet, when I did this, the WIFI HD web interface uploaded my data to the main menu instead of the folder I originally uploaded it to. The inability to upload to a location I had chosen was very frustrating because I had specifically created folders, and assigned them to certain categories. What was more disappointing was that I tried to correct the problem by deleting the file, and then uploading it a second time. Sure enough, it repeated the same problem. When I tried to upload a document into another folder then it worked. I was able to view that document within the folder I had assigned it to. Nonetheless, if I tried to upload a music video or a song it repeated the same error, and uploaded it to the main menu, instead of the folder I had initially chosen, thus making it difficult to find my files. Yet, the few times WIFI HD stored a file in the correct location; it would store it twice: in the main menu and the folder, while rapidly degrading the user experience.
The last problem I encountered while reviewing WIFI HD was the way the application allowed you to delete files in the web browser. In the web interface, there is an “X” located right next the file name, which you click when you want to delete a file. However, if you are not careful, any file that you click on will delete even if you did not click on the “X” next to it. When you click on an “X” to delete a file the application’s web interface literally places a “delete” command within the URL window. If you don’t go back, and manually erase the “delete” command, than any file you want to download will automatically be deleted when you click on its name. This error is another gigantic obstacle for the app’s usability.
The app itself on the iPhone and iPod Touch is basically used to enable the Wi-Fi hard drive and to list the files stored on it. As a user, you can only access the files via the web interface. However, what is good about WIFI HD is that you can access your data from any computer with a Wi-Fi connection. WIFI HD will always give you the correct URL to access your data. Now just keep in mind that the URL will change depending on which Wi-Fi connection you are accessing at the moment. Also, note that you can only access your files when the WIFI HD app is opened on the iPhone or iPod Touch.
Functionality
Overall, WIFI HD does work on the most basic terms, but its functionality is severely hindered by the web interface, and difficulty uploading data into certain folders, and listing files where they don’t belong. Uploading files can at times be bothersome, and take forever. However, I might not be able to blame this entirely on WIFI HD; it’s possible that my internet connection could have played a role as well. Nevertheless, if organization does not matter that much to you then WIFI HD works when it comes to just storing, downloading and uploading files. Yet, if you want to organize and personalize your files than I sincerely recommend that you try another app. Savy Soda’s program still has a long way to go. However if you are curious you can try the ad-supported version for free or pay $1.99 for the app. I give WIFI HD a 2.5/5.0.
Related Posts
- Review: mSecure
- Review: FolderBuddy
- Review: Kindle for iPhone
- Review: Clipstart
- Review: Dropzone “The Ultimate drag and drop experience”
Categories: TheMacFeed Reviews:, iPhone Apps
