And fortunately, it’s not only a DJI various: this $1,599 drone and headset combo is like nothing I’ve tried earlier than.
As I defined in August and as you possibly can see in my embedded video, this 8K drone isn’t about “piloting a drone” or “capturing aerial footage.” It’s designed to maintain you from having to consider flying or filming in any respect.
The 360-degree digital camera and motion-sensing goggles allow you to merely flip your head to look in any course. Inside, you’ll see a line you possibly can transfer along with your arm and level the place you wish to go. Pull a set off, and the drone flies there, whereas your head stays free to absorb the sights from above. And since you’re recording video in each course concurrently, you possibly can rotate and zoom your recorded video while you’re executed.
At $1,599 — $1,899 if you need three batteries, a multi-charger, and a carrying case, or $1,999 for 3 “high-capacity” batteries based on the Finest Purchase itemizing — this drone is costlier than drones with cameras that’ll produce higher-quality conventional rectangular footage.
In my early demo, the Antigravity A1 weighs, flies, and folds like a DJI Mini, not the higher-grade Mavic or Air, regardless that it’s priced nearer to the place these higher-end drones have been priced after they have been broadly out there within the US.
However none of these prosumer DJI drones got here with a 360-degree digital camera system and bundled goggles that make straightforward flying and filming the precedence. (Antigravity’s goggles are extra spectacular, too.) However that might occur with DJI’s personal 360-degree drone, the Avata 360, which simply bought FCC clearance final week. Perhaps it’ll make it to the US earlier than the door closes on future DJI devices.
The Avata 360 is perhaps a special beast than the Antigravity A1, although. Whereas the A1 is a beginner-friendly Mini-style drone that lightly flies round, and is gentle sufficient that it shouldn’t want registration, DJI’s Avata line has been heavier cinewhoop-style FPV drones designed for swooping and hovering at excessive velocity.