Anyone who’s tried filming themselves in winter knows the problem: gloves on, phone buried in layers, and a drone that’s supposed to “just follow you” but doesn’t always get the memo. For people using small, hands-free drones to capture skiing, snow trips, or fast outdoor movement, consistency matters more than specs, and that’s exactly what HoverAir is quietly tuning with its latest software update for the 8K flying camera X1 Pro Max.
HoverAir has begun rolling out firmware v8.3.8 for both the HoverAir X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max, along with updates for the Beacon (v3.0.7) and the Hover X1 app (v2.37.1). The update is arriving gradually via OTA, so if it hasn’t hit your device yet, it should show up within a few days.
Dolly Track gets steadier
At the heart of this update is a noticeable improvement to Dolly Track, one of HoverAir’s most-used follow modes. The company says tracking performance and smoothness have been improved, which is especially important in winter scenarios where uneven terrain, bulky clothing, and fast directional changes can trip up less-refined tracking systems.
In real-world terms, this means more fluid footage and fewer moments where the drone feels like it’s struggling to keep you centered — whether you’re skiing downhill or just moving quickly through an open, snowy landscape.
More control inside Ski Mode
Winter sports are clearly a priority here. With firmware v8.3.8, Ski Mode now includes a Follow Position option, letting users choose between Dolly Track or Back follow angles. That small change opens up more creative freedom, allowing users to capture front-facing cinematic shots or classic chase-style footage without touching a controller.
HoverAir has also added Ski Environment options, giving users the choice between Open Areas and Narrow Environments. This helps the drone adapt its tracking logic depending on whether you’re skiing on a wide, open slope or navigating tighter paths where precision matters more than distance.
To round it out, the Back Follow Position in Ski Mode has been optimized for better performance, promising more reliable tracking when the drone is flying behind you at speed.
Beacon update mirrors the changes
The HoverAir Beacon — a key accessory for users who want more reliable tracking — gets its own meaningful upgrade with version v3.0.7. The Beacon now supports the same Follow Position choices and Ski Environment options added to the drone firmware.
That consistency matters. When the drone, Beacon, and app all interpret your environment the same way, setup becomes faster, and the chances of missed shots drop significantly, especially in cold conditions where you want to get moving quickly.
Meanwhile, the Hover X1 app v2.37.1 focuses on bug fixes and overall performance optimizations. While there are no flashy new features here, these updates often make the biggest difference in day-to-day use, improving stability and keeping everything responsive when you’re outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions.
What stands out is how this update reinforces HoverAir’s core pitch: hands-free drones that actually work in real-world scenarios. If you already own the X1 Pro or the X1 Pro Max, this update makes your drone more capable than it was yesterday. And if you’re shopping for a compact camera drone that prioritizes ease of use and smart tracking over complex manual flying, this steady stream of improvements makes the X1 Pro lineup hard to ignore.
More: How to safely operate DJI Dock 3 during harsh winter conditions
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