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FAA accepting new applications for drone airspace service suppliers
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it is now accepting applications from potential drone service suppliers for the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon Prime Air brings in new drone safety partner
Drone autopilot and component manufacturer Embention says it has entered into a strategic partnership with Amazon to support the Prime Air drone delivery initiative. More specifically, Embention will provide essential safety hardware and software for Prime Air drones.
Expand Expanding CloseDrone Harmony merges all app versions into one platform
Automated drone inspection software company Drone Harmony has announced a major app update. The company has combined all versions of its app into one streamlined platform, enabling both enterprise and professional users to access the features most relevant to their projects easily.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI Mic 2 can now connect to Sony cameras
DJI’s latest audio recording solution, Mic 2, now supports connection with select Sony cameras. The feature has been made possible via a firmware update and the release of a new camera adaptor accessory for the DJI wireless microphone.
Expand Expanding CloseBest mini camera drone to buy in 2024
Creating a smaller, less fancy product usually means making sacrifices in terms of performance. But, today, even mini drones — that fit into your pocket and weigh less than 250 g — can capture stunning cinematic shots and photos, and that too at a fraction of the cost of larger, more advanced models. Here are the best mini drones on the market right now, based on price, ease of use, camera quality, and flight time.
Expand Expanding CloseThe new DJI Mini 4K drone is only $299
DJI’s latest sub-250-gram camera drone, Mini 4K, is now available to buy at an incredible price of $299. Despite being highly affordable, this beginner drone can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps with 2x digital zoom and 2.7K footage at up to 60fps. The new DJI Mini 4K further supports video bitrates of up to 100Mbps. All these are significant upgrades compared to the Mini 2 SE, the cheapest-ever camera drone by DJI.
Expand Expanding CloseInsta360 Ace Pro camera now compatible with DJI Mic
Insta360 has released a new firmware update for its AI-enhanced action camera, Insta360 Ace Pro. The camera, which recently saw its price drop to $400, now supports in-camera 360º Horizon Lock and DJI Mic wireless microphone devices.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI stops support for drone flying app on iOS 12
Tech giant DJI has begun informing users that it will no longer support future updates of its drone flying app on devices running iOS 12. DJI’s Fly app lets users fly drones with a simplified UI, flight tutorials, and an intuitive editor.
Expand Expanding CloseNAAA cautions drone pilots not to interfere with agricultural aircraft
As the farming season starts in the US, the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is urging drone operators to be extra careful near low-flying crewed agricultural aircraft. The safety of ag aviators is crucial because they help farmers on over 127 million acres of land to increase productivity and protect crops.
Expand Expanding CloseAsylon bags new FAA approval for BVLOS drone operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given security robotics company Asylon new approval for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations using the US-made DroneSentry drone-in-a-box system. The waiver removes the requirement for on-site personnel.
Expand Expanding CloseNew firmware for DJI Power 1000 superfast portable charger
Tech giant DJI has released a new firmware update for the newly-released Power 1000 portable charger that can power common household devices and provide superfast charging for DJI drone batteries.
Expand Expanding CloseNew DJI Mini 4K camera drone arrives on April 29
[Update, April 29]: The new DJI Mini 4K drone is now released and available to buy.
DJI has quietly announced the release date of a new 4K mini camera drone for beginners: DJI Mini 4K.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI launches Agras T50 and T25 drones globally with upgraded SmartFarm app
The DJI Agras T50 and Agras T25 agriculture drones are now available for purchase in the US and other international markets. Building on the popular Agras drone line, the T50 is built for larger-scale growing operations while the lightweight T25 is designed to be more portable for smaller fields. Both drones are compatible with the DJI SmartFarm app which has been upgraded for comprehensive aerial application management.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI RSC 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer lands at new $359 low (Reg. $499)
Amazon is now offering the DJI RSC 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for $358.99 shipped. This is a new all-time low as a discount from its usual $499 going rate. This is an extra $41 under the previous price cut and the first real discount of 2024. It was last on sale back in October of last year when the newer RSC 3 launched, but now Amazon is clearing out stock even more with the best discount yet.
Expand Expanding CloseNew AUVSI, DIU initiative to enhance drone cybersecurity
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) says it has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The agreement establishes a pathway for drone component manufacturers with Green UAS certification to directly share their data with DIU. The goal is to potentially incorporate Green-certified components onto DIU’s Blue UAS Framework list.
Expand Expanding CloseRobinson Helicopter scoops up drone maker Ascent AeroSystems
America’s biggest non-military helicopter manufacturer, Robinson Helicopter Company, has acquired Ascent AeroSystems, a company that designs and manufactures rugged “coaxial” drones for the industrial, public safety, and defense markets. Through this acquisition, Ascent can now build its drones at Robinson’s cost-effective, vertically integrated manufacturing unit in California.
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon ends California drone delivery, shifts focus to Arizona
Amazon is calling it quits on Prime Air services in one of the two cities where they launched their drone delivery program back in 2022. The news of the Lockeford, California, delivery site shutdown comes on the same day the company announced a new aerial initiative in Arizona’s West Valley area.
Expand Expanding CloseBETA hits its latest eVTOL milestone, transitioning mid-air with a pilot onboard [Video]
Electric aircraft developer BETA Technologies has shared video footage of its ALIA eVTOL transitioning from vertical takeoff to forward propulsion and back in its latest test video. This is a key milestone as the company seeks certification for the aircraft ahead of several use cases.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI Mini 4 Pro gets new firmware — its second in two weeks
Less than two weeks since the last update, DJI is rolling out a new firmware version for the Mini 4 Pro drone users today.
Expand Expanding CloseZipline hits 1,000,000 commercial drone delivery milestone
Autonomous drone delivery startup Zipline says it has made one million commercial deliveries to customers. It’s a feat that would have taken a human pilot 120 years of flying! In addition, the company has announced new partnerships with Panera Bread, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Jet’s Pizza starting in the greater Seattle, Houston, and Detroit metro areas respectively.
Expand Expanding CloseAloft launches live UTM telemetry for Skydio drones
Drone fleet management and airspace data specialist Aloft Technologies is joining forces with US drone maker Skydio to integrate live UTM (Uncrewed Traffic Management) telemetry. Available today for all enterprise, government, and public safety customers, you can now see your Skydio aircraft flying in real-time within the full context of the Aloft airspace maps and applications.
Expand Expanding CloseA2Z Drone Delivery releases new safety features, hardware for smart winch
Commercial aerial logistics solutions provider A2Z Drone Delivery has released several new safety features for its popular smart drone winch RDS2. And alongside the software-enabled features, that can be accessed via a firmware update, the company is also releasing a new weatherproof cover for the winch as well as a new auto-releasing bag hook able to deposit packages without a recipient awaiting the delivery.
Expand Expanding CloseAnzu Robotics launches Raptor drone series as DJI alternative
[Updated April 21 with DJI’s response]
Texas-based Anzu Robotics has announced its entrance into the US drone market with the launch of Raptor and Raptor T industrial aircraft. These drones have all the qualities of a great DJI alternative because they have been developed through a strategic licensing agreement with DJI itself but in a way that satisfies key geopolitical and cybersecurity concerns for most enterprise and public safety users.
Expand Expanding CloseNew all-time low drops DJI Mini 3 with DJI RC controller to $549 (Reg. $699), more
Amazon is now offering the DJI Mini 3 with DJI RC at $549 shipped. This drops from the usual $699 price tag and is a new all-time low. It’s an extra $50 below our previous spring discount. Also on sale today, the Fly More Combo bundle drops to $719. This one is an extra $80 under our previous mention and marks the second-best price yet. Spending the extra $170 gets you a pair of extra batteries, a charging cradle, carrying case, and some other gear.
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