Waypoints are finally available on the DJI Mavic Air… Made possible by Litchi!

DJI had decided to remove the Waypoints feature from the Mavic Air. Some people noticed that. So did we. We wrote a post about it and contacted DJI. The company said that with enough requests, they would bring Waypoints back to the Mavic Air. Within a matter of weeks, 2.952 of our readers indicated on our site, that they do want the feature back. That has not happened as of yet. However, what did happen today is this: Litchi added the Waypoints feature for the DJI Mavic Air to their latest version of the popular app for both iOS and Android. Thank you, Litchi!

Litchi brings Waypoints back to the Mavic Air

When DJI first introduced the Mavic Air, Waypoints were included on the list of Intelligent Flight Modes. Some people bought the latest foldable drone from the Chinese drone maker because of this feature. However, on the last day of January, one week after the launch, the Waypoints feature was quietly removed and was no longer available on the Mavic Air.

We posted an article about this and included a poll, asking you if you wanted Waypoints back. Almost 3,000 of our readers voted and almost all of you (98.53%) want Waypoints back on the Mavic Air.

In a written response to DroneDJ, DJI had said that:

“In regards to Waypoints. Currently, the Mavic Air does not feature the WayPoints mode. Based on user feedback, we decided to omit this feature for a few reasons, the main one being that Waypoints was not used as frequently as many of the other modes. Removing it allowed for additional functionality while streamlining the overall experience operating the Mavic Air. However, we will continue to listen to our customers and if the request for Waypoints increases, we have the ability to enable it via a firmware update.“

Unfortunately, That has not happened as of yet, but now something better has happened. Litchi brought Waypoints back to ultimate travel drone. The Litchi app arguably offered a better Waypoints solution for DJI drones anyway, so this is really good news.

The Litchi app sells for $22.99 on iTunes and for $24.99 on Google Play. Not sure why there is a price difference, btw. Of course, if DJI decides to bring the feature back, you wouldn’t have to pay for it. However, Litchi offers you a better Waypoints solution with more functionalities, so for the serious drone photographers or filmmakers who use a DJI Mavic Air, I don’t think the almost $25 will be a problem.

If you still want to let DJI know that they need to bring Waypoints back, then don’t hesitate to let your voice known through our poll. We will be sure to bring it to their attention.

WHAT ARE WAYPOINTS?

Waypoints are a way to record positions (and elevation) ahead of time. This can be very useful when you are trying to create smooth cinematic footage, but you have no second operator to fly your drone. Waypoints allow you to fly the desired path and record waypoints along the way. Then when you are ready to start shooting you can tell the drone to fly the preset route so you can focus on smoothly panning and tilting the camera to get those amazing shots.

Litchi adds support for the Mavic Air. All flight modes are supported including Waypoint and Orbit. Learn more at https://t.co/fPmMpeEtjI

We are also launching a new official Litchi merch store complete with t-shirts, cases, bags and more. Find it all at: https://t.co/rhWEWK6T10 pic.twitter.com/nGrrieljRl

— Litchi (@flylitchi) April 25, 2018

What do you think about Litchi and Waypoints? Let us know in the comments below.

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