Tag: ZimaOS

September 24, 2025
ZimaOS 1.5.0 Becomes Paid: Community Disappointment Grows
Key Takeaways
1. CasaOS started as an open-source project for a user-friendly home cloud solution, allowing easy deployment of applications in a Docker environment.
2. IceWhale transitioned from CasaOS to create ZimaOS, which offers more features while maintaining ease of use.
3. ZimaOS v1.4.4 introduced new capabilities, but version 1.5.0 will have a paid tier: the free CE-Edition and a new Plus Edition costing $29 for a lifetime license.
4. The free CE-Edition has limitations, including a cap on the number of apps, disks, and users, while the Plus Edition offers expanded functionality.
5. IceWhale justifies the pricing by comparing it to other costly NAS operating systems and plans to reinvest a portion of revenue back into community support and development.
CasaOS began as an open-source initiative aimed at building a straightforward, user-friendly, and attractive home cloud solution. With its sleek web interface, users can conveniently deploy applications like Nextcloud, Jellyfin, or AdGuard Home in a Docker-based setting.
Evolution of ZimaOS
IceWhale originally integrated CasaOS into its early offerings, such as the ZimaBoard (review), ZimaBoard 2 (review), ZimaBlade (review), and ZimaCube. However, over time, the company diverged and created ZimaOS, which is based on CasaOS but comes with a wider array of features while still being easy to use.
New Features and Pricing
Recently, ZimaOS v1.4.4 was launched, which introduced multiple new capabilities. Up until now, every iteration of ZimaOS has been completely free, and most users believed this would continue indefinitely.
This is why many were surprised when IceWhale revealed that from version 1.5.0 onward, ZimaOS would incorporate a paid tier. The operating system will now be divided into two versions: a free, limited CE-Edition, and a new Plus Edition. The Plus Edition will initially be available for a one-time cost of $29, providing a lifetime license.
Limitations of the Free Edition
The free CE-Edition has some limitations: it includes all core functionalities but restricts usage to 10 apps, 4 disks, and 3 users. While unlimited cloud services and UDisks will still be on hand, the rest of the system will face restrictions compared to the paid version.
Naturally, the community’s reaction was one of surprise and disappointment. In reply, IceWhale put out a clarification to ease concerns. The company expressed appreciation for the community’s backing and highlighted that all officially supported devices—including the ZimaBoard 1/2, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube—will automatically get the Plus Edition when they upgrade from version 1.4.x or earlier to 1.5.0.
In simpler terms, existing users can upgrade for free—as long as they do so before the deadline of June 30, 2026. IceWhale has provided a generous timeframe for users to transition.
Justification for Pricing
Regarding the pricing choice, IceWhale notes that other NAS operating systems typically cost “hundreds of dollars,” and the $29 lifetime license aids in covering ongoing development, upkeep, and community management expenses—ensuring ZimaOS’s long-term viability. The company also mentions plans to reinvest 33% of the revenue from ZimaOS Plus back into community contributors. Conversations are already in progress with community members to determine the optimal approach for implementing this initiative.
press release
ZimaOS is gearing up to unveil version 1.5.0. From this version onward, ZimaOS will be split into two editions: the free CE Edition and the Plus Edition priced at a $29 lifetime license.
Source:
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Tags: ZimaOS
September 5, 2025
ZimaBoard 2 Launches with New Features in ZimaOS v1.4.4
Key Takeaways
1. IceWhale announced the start of shipments for the ZimaBoard 2 on September 2, with the first batch of 1,000 units being sent to pre-order customers.
2. Significant software improvements have been made to ZimaOS, the lightweight home server operating system, enhancing stability, reliability, and user experience.
3. The latest version of ZimaOS (v1.4.4) introduces features like One-Tap Reset and RAID1 Repair, improving data security and system management.
4. Recent updates added a 3-2-1 backup system, support for various storage configurations (JBOD and RAID6), and performance enhancements that reduce resource use and increase app download speeds.
5. IceWhale is committed to ongoing software updates for ZimaOS, driven by community feedback, with a growing user base and significant downloads.
We were fortunate to be among the select few who got to test the ZimaBoard 2 prior to its official release. Previously, we had also examined the original ZimaBoard, along with the ZimaBlade and the much larger ZimaCube.
Shipping Announcement
On September 2, IceWhale, the company behind ZimaBoard, joyfully announced the start of shipments for the ZimaBoard 2 to customers. They expressed gratitude to the community for their support throughout the project and revealed that the initial batch of 1,000 units of the ZimaBoard 2 1664 is on its way.
For those who pre-ordered the compact x86 SBC home server and are part of the first 1,000 customers, it’s a good idea to check your email. IceWhale has sent tracking numbers to these buyers. All subsequent orders are expected to be shipped by early October.
Software Improvements
While the hardware has been fine-tuned for this launch, significant improvements have also been made to the software. The team is consistently enhancing their lightweight home server OS, ZimaOS, which is based on CasaOS. The new version offers much greater functionality than the original CasaOS while keeping the lightweight nature intact.
Just recently, ZimaOS v1.4.4 was launched, focusing on aspects like stability, reliability, and ease of use. This update fixes several bugs, boosts performance, and introduces handy features like One-Tap Reset (which resets the system and apps while keeping data safe) and RAID1 Repair (a new method to fix corrupted RAID1 arrays, enhancing data security), thus making the NAS experience more solid and user-friendly.
Recent Updates and Features
The earlier update in early August brought a wealth of new features, including the 3-2-1 backup system, which allows backups to LAN storage, cloud drives, USB devices, and Zima products. Since then, incremental backups, version control, and support for parallel tasks have been added. Additional features include support for JBOD and RAID6, a fresh interface for storage creation, visible device information in settings, SSL certificates for secure access, and apps that now launch with helpful tips and password prompts.
The last update included numerous performance enhancements: app management was refined to lower resource use by 20%, app downloads are now up to 58% quicker, and app startup after a restart is much faster.
IceWhale is putting a lot of effort into ZimaOS: users can look forward to ongoing updates, many of which are driven by community feedback. The operating system has seen over 900,000 downloads, and their Discord community has grown to more than 29,000 members. If you’re interested, you can order the ZimaBoard 2 here.
Source:
Link

Tags: ZimaOS