"Hi, folks: The new firmware that will enable USB disk playback function will come on Tuesday (25th November). The version number will be 1.10, please be prepared for the update!
Yes, it wont (sic) be named as V2.0. Our software team have decided to reserve the major version number ‘2’ for a coming version, a version with much bigger change in functionality and usability. It is coming on January 2015, a totally redesigned firmware and Lightning DS software structure. Cheers!
From Xuanqian Wang
~Yes, this is the FW that allows direct USB>HD connection to the Aries - no LAN/no Computer~
Auralic Aries Fact Sheet (English): http://www.auralic.com/download/LightningServerFAQ.pdf
or in German: http://www.audionext.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/FAQ_USB-Wiedergabe_LightningDS-Server.pdf