Seagate through its Maxtor label late Wednesday launched the Central Axis as its entry into network-attached storage for home use. The 1TB device serves as both group storage space for Mac OS X and Windows systems on the same local network but also as a remote storage server over the web. It also serves as an automatic media server for certain devices: any DLNA- or UPnP-based device, including the PS3, Xbox 360, and some Nokia Nseries phones will automatically find the Central Axis and can stream content directly from its hard drive.

The storage maker bundles software to automate backup for Windows PCs, lets users password-protect certain folders, and gives the drive two USB ports that can be used both for a direct connection as well as printer sharing or the addition of extra space. Maxtor has the Central Axis arriving in July for $330. [via SlashGear]