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Capture your summer adventures and make cinema-worthy memories with the new HOVERAir X1, the world’s first palm-sized autonomous drone designed specifically for hands-free aerial photography and videography. 

Small and portable, the HOVERAir X1 is the perfect on-the-go partner, combining cutting-edge hardware and computer vision technology to fly, track, and record video automatically, without the need for a clunky controller or app. 

Users simply launch the drone from their hand, and it follows them, capturing photos or video with a built-in camera. 

Weighing just 125 grams it’s lighter than your mobile phone. The sleek enclosed design means it’s safe to fly around anyone and the foldable frame slips easily into pockets or handbags – even better it is simple to operate and anyone can use it.

With recording capabilities of 2.7K at 30 frames per second and boasting over five pre-programmed modes, users can simply set up a shot and with a press of a button the HOVERAir X1 will do the rest!  

A series of intuitive flight paths allow the very best in aerial shots with a choice of cinematic modes such as;  Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit and Hover, and Bird’s Eye with unique angles that once required manual control. 

The HOVERAir X1 is able to navigate accurately and maintain stability indoors and outdoors without the need for GPS – providing seamless transitions between diverse environments and altitudes for content creation. 

Users can also opt-in to the companion app which allows access to advanced flight modes, the ability to tweak flight parameters and edit and share content directly to social platforms. The HOVERAir X1 is now available.

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DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today ushers in a new era of aerial creativity with the Mavic Air 2 drone, combining high-grade imaging, intuitive yet advanced flight performance and revolutionary smart and safe technology in the best all-around drone we’ve ever made.

Created to make capturing unique, high-quality content from the air simple, fun, and safe, Mavic Air 2 offers flagship capabilities in a compact and easy to use folding drone that features 8K functionality. A larger 1/2” camera sensor offers high-resolution photos and videos to make content stand out, while advanced programmed flight modes, intelligent features and imaging technology make capturing professional-looking content effortless. Pilots can now stay in the sky longer with an enhanced maximum flight time, capture vivid imagery with completely revamped autonomous capabilities, and wholly transform their content with in-app editing features.

“Mavic Air 2 is another milestone for DJI, demonstrating that our smartest consumer drone does not have to be the largest,” said DJI President Roger Luo. “While the Mavic Air 2 bears all the hallmarks of the Mavic drone family, we had to completely rethink its design and development process. Our goal was to create a drone that offered the best overall experience possible to even the most novice pilot. We hope our drones can help boost creativity and become a fun yet educational experience that can be enjoyed, even at this unprecedented moment in history.”

The new Mavic Air 2 reimagines how quality content can be captured in a portable, folding drone. No matter the skill level of the pilot, Mavic Air 2’s features and technology are sure to appeal to every creative visionary. Mavic Air 2 is the first drone in the Mavic series to offer 4K video at 60 fps and 120 Mbps. Additionally, users can record unique content using HDR video, 4X Slow Motion in 1080p at 120 fps or 8X Slow Motion in 1080p at 240 fps. Pilots can record 12-megapixel images or choose a new high-resolution 48-megapixel feature that photographs in stunning detail, while a mechanical 3-axis gimbal helps compensate for camera shake to create smooth and stable footage, even in unpredictable scenarios. Taking full advantage of the large Quad Bayer 1/2″ sensor, the Mavic Air 2 is the perfect tool to take creativity to the next level with a suite of image capture modes. The newly added SmartPhoto records 12-megapixel photos using advanced scene analysis and deep learning to automatically choose one of three image capture options.

Mavic Air 2 completely rebuilt the basics of drone flight to open up the skies for more exploration for everyone who is passionate about drone technology. Despite only weighing as much as a small water bottle at 570 grams, the Mavic Air 2 features new motors, new electronic speed controllers (ESCs), enhanced battery technology and an aerodynamic design to provide a maximum flight time of up to 34 minutes. DJI’s proprietary OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has been upgraded to deliver an extremely reliable and stable HD video feed from the drone at a maximum distance of 10km. OcuSync 2.0 supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands and uses an auto-switching feature to move between the two based on signal strength, while anti-interference technology blocks unwanted signals to keep the video feed clear.

Mavic Air 2 is equipped with unprecedented new safety features to help make flying as safe as possible. Obstacle sensors on the front and rear of the drone warn pilots when they’re too close to an object and can also be set to stop the drone from moving any closer to avoid collision. Additional sensors and auxiliary lights on the bottom of Mavic Air 2 assist with several functions including smooth, automatic landing even in difficult lighting. Mavic Air 2 also comes equipped with our GEO geofencing solution to help keep drones away from the highest-risk locations, such as busy airports.

Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0 brings the next level of autonomous flying to DJI drones. When users enable APAS 3.0, as obstacles come into the drone’s path, Mavic Air 2 will create a new path around, under or over the object to avoid collision, giving pilots the confidence to fly in more complex situations while focusing on capturing their ideal images. Using 3D mapping, the updated version aids in smooth transitions and more fluid movements around objects even in highly complex environments.

In accordance with DJI’s industry-leading 10-point Elevating Safety vision published last year, Mavic Air 2 is also DJI’s first consumer drone designed to include AirSense technology, which provides enhanced safety by warning drone pilots of other aircraft nearby. AirSense uses aviation technology known as ADS-B to receive signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters, and displays their location on the drone pilot’s control screen. As these other aircraft approach the drone, AirSense will warn the drone pilot with messages, sounds and vibrations, enhancing the pilot’s awareness and ability to move the drone safely away.

“DJI has an unwavering commitment to enhance drone safety with technology, and Mavic Air 2 implements yet another pioneering safety solution for drone operations,” said DJI Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs Brendan Schulman. “Our ambitious commitment to installing ADS-B in our new product models means Mavic Air 2 will be the world’s largest single deployment of ADS-B receiver technology, fulfilling and furthering our vision as the industry’s leader on voluntary safety efforts.”

 Mavic Air 2 is packed with optimized intelligent features allowing users to quickly and easily record images and video that deserves to be shared with the world. FocusTrack is the most advanced tracking feature on any DJI drone and offers three different capture modes:

• ActiveTrack 3.0: Select a subject for Mavic Air 2 to automatically follow. The third iteration of ActiveTrack uses state-of-the-art mapping technology and new flight path algorithms to offer improved subject tracking and obstacle avoidance, along with the ability to quickly re-engage the subject if it temporarily moves behind an object.
• Point of Interest 3.0: Set an automated flight path around a specific subject. The updated iteration improves surface recognition to better dynamically track subjects.
• Spotlight 2.0: Found in professional DJI drones, Spotlight locks a subject in the frame while the user has free operation of the drone’s movement.

A Hyperlapse feature brings the visual appeal of time-lapse but with the added element of the drone physically moving. For the first time, Hyperlapse can be shot in a max resolution of 8K while pilots can choose four flight modes including Free movement, Circle, CourseLock and WayPoints. Pilots can also choose from several pre-programmed flight manoeuvres known as QuickShots, which use a 3-axis mechanical gimbal and electronic image stabilization for unmatched video quality. Simply tap the desired mode and Mavic Air 2 will automatically create stunning, cinematic content. Pilots can choose Rocket, Circle, Dronie, Helix, Boomerang or Asteroid.

An updated version of the DJI Fly app adds more advanced functionality for Mavic Air 2 while maintaining its user-friendly navigation. New tutorials get users familiarized with the drone and quickly in the air to start capturing compelling content. Easy to use in-app editing features make the DJI Fly app a one-stop tool to edit and adjust the footage captured. Mavic Air 2 will be supported by a host of additional useful accessories including a shoulder bag, ND filter sets, propeller guards, protective case, tablet holder for the controller and monitor hood.

The Mavic Air 2 will be available for pre-order today and will start shipping to customers on May 15th, 2020. The Mavic Air 2 will be available in two options: a standard package which includes the Mavic Air 2 aircraft, one battery, a remote controller and all the required wires and cables for AUD $1,499; and the Fly More Combo which includes all items from the standard version as well as a shoulder bag, ND filters, charging hub, and 2 extra batteries for $1,899. The Mavic Air 2 is available for pre-order through DJI authorized retailers in Australia as well as DJI’s online store.

DJI Care Refresh will be available for the Mavic Air 2.

For a small additional charge, DJI Care Refresh offers comprehensive coverage for incidents such as collision and water damage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. DJI Care Refresh also includes VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. For a full list of details and pricing, please visit the official site.

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DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera.

Utilizing DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as it is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

“DJI has always pushed the limits of technology, and the content creators who love our products made clear they wanted us to push the limits of their creative potential too. Osmo Action is our cutting-edge answer to what the creative community demands. Exceptional image quality and stabilization in a unique and durable new form factor, with dual colour screens and seamless software integration. For all types of creators who push their gear to the limits, Osmo Action sets the new standard,” said Roger Luo, DJI President. “Whether you are capturing aerial content with Mavic 2, incredibly smooth content with Osmo Pocket, or heart-racing footage with Osmo Action, DJI offers a full suite of products for your creative needs.”

A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof, waterproof and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures. Osmo Action utilizes colour screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more convenient scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water and fingerprint repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750-nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions including direct sunlight.

Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes. The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunction with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps. Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions. Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

Using the recently released DJI Mimo mobile app, connect Osmo Action to your mobile device with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for added functionality, including a live feed of the camera, multiple story templates, in-app quick editing, and more. An ecosystem of accessories helps unleash all the possibilities of Osmo Action.

DJI Osmo Action is now available at DJI’s Official Store and will be available at DJI authorized dealers in June 2019.

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Woolworth’s discount department store, Big W, is now stocking the amazing little Tello drone. Built with the help of premier drone manufacture, DJI, and featuring Intel technology, the Tello is a lot of drone in a tiny package.

With a 720p/15 MP camera the easy to control Tello is your personal airborne selfie drone. The drone’s downwards-facing cameras enable the drone to keep its position, as long as the area is well lit and indoors/outside with little wind.

The drone doesn’t come with a controller as standard, instead you control it directly from a mobile phone or tablet using the Tello app. You simply connect to the drone using your mobile devices Wi-Fi, turn on the app, and you are away. The drone’s camera view is displayed on your device, enabling you to set up your perfect shot.

Whilst it is aimed at younger pilots, the drone has a 100m horizontal range and a factory set 10m flight ceiling (which you can boost to 25m using an app from the Google Play store). The drone comes with a number of pre-set modes that get is circling, spinning and even bouncing up and down. The 8-way flips are also pretty impressive.

If you want to get the most out of the drone, a GameSir T1d Bluetooth controller give the Tello a professional control system rivaling some of the much more expensive drones. The controller seamlessly connects to your mobile device via the Tello app. The tactile feedback from the joysticks enables precision flight that is impossible to achieve by just using the virtual joysticks on a mobile device. The GameSir T1d also features one-touch video recording and photographing, as well as button combinations to activate flips.

Once the Tello has been mastered, the world of coding using the MIT-developed Scratch visual programming language enables the Tello to be programmed and controlled via a Bluetooth-enabled PC.

The Tello only weighs 80g, so it is exempt from most of Australia’s draconian drone laws. This means, with a bit of common-sense, you can fly the drone practically anywhere without getting into trouble.

In stocking the Ryze DJI Tello, Big W are bringing the world of “proper” drones to a whole new audience, pushing this amazing technology into the mainstream.

Remember to put a Tello on your next shopping list.

Find out more by visiting their OFFICIAL SITE.

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Legendary drone manufacturers DJI and Intel have joined forces with Ryze Robotics to bring us the most sophisticated mini-drone available today.

The Ryze Tello is a tiny quad-copter that weighs in at only 80g and measures a svelte 175mm x 175mm. Despite it’s small size the drone is capable of capturing 5MP images and 720p video at 30fps. It also has a removable battery that gives the drone a very usable flight time of around ten minutes.

The Tello’s light weight puts it in the Australian Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) sub-100g category, exempting it from all the usual regulations such as flying near airports etc. In the eyes of CASA, the Tello is just a toy. Whilst it is easy to fly and designed with young pilots in mind, it’s an amazing device that anyone can have fun with.

The stated range is 100m with a maximum altitude of 10m. Whilst I agree with the 10m, or thereabouts, height, I could only get a 25m range. The Tello is controlled via an Android or Apple mobile device running the Tello app. The mobile device is connected to the Tello via Wi-Fi, controlling the aircraft and displaying a direct video feed from the on-board camera.

The drone can be set up with either a Mode 1 or Mode 2 control scheme. The lack of Mode 3 is a little disappointing, but for a drone the only costs $170 AUD or $200 NZD, you really can’t complain. It’s a shame the kit doesn’t come with a proper controller as standard, but an optional Bluetooth controller is available for more precise maneuvering.

The Tello has two speed settings, with the slower speed aimed at beginners. After a bit of practice most pilots will want to switch to the faster speed, with the most adventurous also adjusting the maximum attitude angle for faster control responses.

Unlike it’s DJI cousins, the Tello doesn’t have GPS for position hold, instead the optical sensors underneath the drone gives it a rock-solid hover. The lightweight drone is perfect for flying indoors and outside on a calm day.

The drone is remarkably robust, able to withstand mild knocks and crashes without damage. The kit comes with some replacement propellers and a removal tool if it takes a big hit. The Tello is light enough that should something go wrong it’s not going to drop like a stone. Whilst the prop guards are removable, I’d recommend that they are left them on, especially for indoor flying.

The little device comes with some built-in flight modes selectable from the Tello app. With one button press you can launch the drone by gently throwing it, get it to record whilst flying away from you, fly in a circle whilst recording, record a video whilst spinning around or just have it bouncing up and down.

If you really want to show the Tello’s abilities of to your friends, the 8D Flips mode is the way to go. A swipe of your finger will have the drone flipping in the direction of your swipe, over the front, back, left, right and over all four diagonals. In the correct light, due to the precision of the optical sensors, it does all this without losing altitude or shifting position.

With the Tello, Ryze Robotics provide full support for STEM learning by making the drone programmable. With the aid of some extra downloadable libraries, the Tello can be controlled via the popular MIT-developed programming app Scratch 2. The easy to understand visual coding tool can be used to generate simple scripts for the Tello.

The Ryze Tello is a fun little drone, perfect for beginners or anyone wishing to fly a drone without the financial outlay of one of DJI’s more feature-packed machines. The sub-100g weight means you can fly it how you want and when you want without breaking Australian CASA regulations. The Tello is easy to fly, surprisingly nimble and packed with a pretty capable camera. Al in all the little drone offers outstanding value for money.

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Gamevice, an approved Apple MFi partner announced today that their direct Lightning connected controller will provide full support to Spark, an easy-to-use, fun-to-fly mini camera drone from DJI, the leading drone and flying camera creators. The Gamevice controller gives Spark users the added benefit of improved precision, control, and ergonomics when flying the drone using their smartphone.

“DJI’s latest innovative drone pairs well with our high-performance controllers,” said Phillip Hyun, CEO, Gamevice, Inc. “We look forward to working with them and other leading consumer electronics creators on future products that will leverage our platform.”

“We designed Spark to be the easiest DJI drone to fly, whether using simple hand gestures, a smartphone or the dedicated remote control,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Gamevice gives Spark pilots another simple, highly intuitive way to control their drone, letting them fly, capture and share life’s moments while on the go.”

The functionality of Gamevice doesn’t stop with the benefits it offers to users of drones like DJI’s. The device serves as an entertainment hub, with ever growing capabilities as new games, apps and hardware that support the controller launch regularly.

Gamevice also supports the SPRK+ robot from Sphero, adding a new layer of connectivity between consumers and their robots. With precision controls, improved ease of use, and comfortable design, Gamevice ensures that when SPRK+ users are struck with creativity, it’s easier than ever to bring their ideas to life.

As part of their Works With Gamevice initiative, the Gamevice team is working closely with consumer electronics manufacturers to bring controller support to a variety of mobile controlled gadgets.

The preferred controller of gamers everywhere, Gamevice creates a console experience on mobile devices to more than 1,000 video games including Street Fighter IV, Minecraft and NBA 2K18. The controller has extended its critically-acclaimed functionality to users of smartphone-controlled devices including robots and drones like DJI’s Spark and Sphero’s SPRK+ robot. By providing precision control and an ergonomic design, Gamevice allows users to achieve a new level of usability and comfort over a mobile device’s touchpad interface, and offers the lowest latency of any mobile controller available.

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Parrot has launched ‘Flight Plan’ for Bebop Drone Pilots which is an in-app purchase to create pre-programmed flight routes.
Pilots can design a flight route on a map and precisely define all flight controls: direction of the Bebop Drone, altitude, speed, angle of the camera, video recording or pictures. An ideal piloting mode for filming like a pro in full HD.

After activating the Flight Plan feature in Parrot’s FreeFlight 3 piloting app, a map showing the flight area is diplayed on the user’s Smartphone or Tablet.

The pilot can select a departure point by simply clicking on the map, then the pilot can create a pre-planned route. Between each of the selected points, the pilot can change the direction, speed or altitude of the Bebop Drone.

Videomakers will also have access to ‘Scenario mode’ which gives users special ‘smart settings’ for all programmed flight sequences. Scenario Mode enables the user to add en-route actions by simply dragging & dropping actions and can also adjust the Bebop Drone’s parameters including video recording; taking photos; take-off; landing; Bebop Drone rotation and tilting the camera.

All flight plans can be saved and excecuted again and again, giving pilots an easy way to capture the scene multiple times to get the perfect take. The in-app Flight Plan module uses the MAV link open source communication for transmitting the flight plan to the Parrot Bebop Drone.

By clicking the play button, the Bebop Drone will take off automatically. Thanks to its GNNS chipset, which associates the GPS and GLONASS data,  the Bebop Drone’s location will be accurately pinpointed within +/- 2m, and will follow the pre-set route exactly.

The app’s map will display the Bebop Drone’s progression along the route via a live video feed. The pilot can manually take the control of the Bebop Drone at any time.

All content captured is saved on the Bebop Drone’s flash memory and can be dowloaded and shared with the pilot community through the Drone Academy.

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