A new drone called Hover Camera is a different type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The small Wi-Fi-enabled drone with carbon-fiber casing folds up and follows its user around to take photos and video. Instead of using expensive cameras to take aerial shots like most UAVs the new hovering drone from Zero Zero Robotics tries to stay level and still after it is unfolded and let loose.
After Hover starts flying it can take 13-megapixel and 4K resolution video, according to PetaPixel. Drone owners can use a smartphone app to control the drone.
The fold-up drone also uses facial recognition technology to follow its owner. It can then hover at one altitude or follow a person.
Zero Zero claims that anyone can use Hover right out of box because its artificial intelligence (AI) and flight algorithms will make sure the drone stay up in the air.
In a demo video the small quadcopter shows its fortes. For example, a bottom-facing camera helps the drone to hover at a set height from the ground. It is also quieter than other drones due to its small size.
However, the video also shows some limits of the UAV. For example, it struggled to fly outdoors with a mild wind, and no side-facing cameras prevent it from automatically avoiding obstacles beside it.
Hover Camera's battery only allows it to fly for 8-minute sessions. However, the company will probably ship many replaceable batteries with the flying device.
Hover uses Qualcomm's drone tech, but Foxconn will manufacture the UAV. The light weight of 238 grams (8.4 ounces) means that drone owners will not have to register Hover Camera with federal regulators.
The drone's manufacturer has raised about $25 million from investors, according to Re/code. It also has a batch of 2,000 Hover Cameras for a new beta program that a few hundred people can participate in. People who want to qualify for the program must visit the Get Hover website and report how they would use a free drone.
Zero Zero has not announced any pricing details. When pre-orders start this summer the company hopes to keep the final product under $600.