Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 [Hands-on][CES 2012][HD]

If you'll recall, it was just yesterday that we spied the Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0 banners here at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the run-up to CES, followed today by a leak of what appeared to be the official press release. So, it's not like the cat -- or in this case quadricopter -- wasn't already partially out of the bag, but now at least, it's officially, well, official. The new Drone touts much improved 720p HD video-recording capability, a revamped app with updated flight controls and features, along with revised hardware and reinforced hulls. We recently spent a few minutes with the smartphone-controlled UAV, so head on past the break for our brief impressions and a quick video overview.

Off the bat, it's clear that the AR.Drone 2.0 is more aggressively styled, with sharper edges and streamlined curves. The new indoor hull has also be re-enforced, for even more protection against any accidental floor-dives. Parrot's also aimed to streamline the user experience, starting with its Freeflight 2.0 app for Android and iOS, which acts as a portal to all of the AR's various flight modes and related games and software. Notably, unlike it's predecessor, you can now capture videos and photos straight from your device and then share them to site like YouTube. Better yet, it also features a new "traveling" mode, which allows for autonomous video recording along a pre-determined flight path -- perfect for budding filmmakers who'd like some aerial pizzaz. The Drone's HD camera is notably smoother looking during flight, with much less video-stutter than what could be achieved with the original. While we weren't able to take out our own clip, we were shown some previously recorded videos loaded on the iPad being used to control it, and they certainly looked very good.

When it comes to flying, Parrot has made two notable additions to the UAV itself, which allows for more easier control. Along with the previous array of sensors, it now has a 3D magnetometer which allows it to auto-orient based on it's front camera and the position of the smartphone you're using. Furthermore, thanks to an added "pressure sensor," pilots will be able to fly higher than the previous model, in upwards of six meters. Impressively, having all of these new updates and features, we're told the AR.Drone 2.0 will manage the same amount of flying time as its predecessor. If you're flying bug is getting the best of you, you'll be pleased to know that the AR.Drone 2.0 is set to ship is "Q2 of this year," at the same $300 price point of its older sibling. Via engadget

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ar dron 2.0
• ar drone
• ar.drone
• ArDron2.0
• ArDrone
• hands-on
• parrot
• uav
• video

[cougarmanification]

But will it blend?

[kampot2012]

I want this toy)

[MrNncon]

Why would they send someone with such broken engrish lol

[droneace1]

@cougarmanification first off the first drone which i own takes plenty of video and with the video quality upgrade in the firmware its much better and if you use the real drone ace software is endorsed by parrot on thier website this new system is to compete with that i have many vids made with software put out by drone ace if you look up a user on here sc400pilot ck his videos under drone crash the drone before the video upgrade and that works fine even after being upoloaded at lower quality

[rlv006]

15 min of battery, sucks.



[yoshark99]

what is q2

[heyjoguysss]

quartal 2 the ,months april may june

[dirkrocks123]

WHat does Q2 mean?

[heyjoguysss]

@dirkrocks123 in Q2 this year

[yoshark99]

did she say keechoo?

[dirkrocks123]

WHEN WILL IT COME OUT?

[SanGlyn]

When does she say it will be available in the us...... Sounds like she say key choo