The festive cheer of Orlando’s Lake Eola Park turned to shock and fear on December 21 when drones from a Sky Elements light show malfunctioned, colliding mid-air and plummeting into the crowd below. The incident, which left multiple people shaken and a 7-year-old boy requiring emergency heart surgery, has triggered widespread cancellations of drone shows nationwide and intense regulatory scrutiny.
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Ishveena Singh is a versatile journalist and writer with a passion for drones and location technologies. She has been named as one of the 50 Rising Stars of the geospatial industry for the year 2021 by Geospatial World magazine.
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Flying your DJI drone in winter can open the door to stunning snowy landscapes, but cold weather introduces unique challenges. Understanding how low temperatures impact your drone’s battery, performance, and camera settings can help ensure safe flights and preserve your drone’s longevity.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI Power 1000 hits all-time low price of $379
DJI’s Power 1000 portable power station is now available for $379, marking its lowest price ever. This limited-time offer makes the DJI device an irresistible option for anyone needing reliable off-grid or emergency power solutions.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat to know about Amazon’s 60-minute drone delivery
Amazon Prime Air recently launched its most advanced delivery drone in the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area of Arizona and College Station, Texas. The MK30 — promising faster, quieter, and safer deliveries — is now delivering items (weighing five pounds or less) in under an hour to eligible customers. The aircraft is part of Amazon’s ambitious vision to deliver 500 million packages globally by the end of the decade. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Amazon delivery drone.
Expand Expanding CloseDrone captures White House Christmas glow in stunning tour [Video]
In a festive video shared on social media channels Tuesday, US President Joe Biden combined technology and tradition to unveil a breathtaking drone-guided tour of the White House’s Christmas décor. Narrated with a heartfelt message, the video illuminates the holiday spirit with glowing lights, whimsical decorations, and a reminder of the unity that defines the season.
Expand Expanding CloseSanta with drone sleigh delivers holiday thrills at French ski resort
In a festive fusion of technology and tradition, freestyle skiing icon Antoine Adelisse has reimagined Santa’s journey through the Alps. At La Rosière resort, Adelisse, clad in a Santa suit, swapped reindeer for a drone-powered sleigh, delighting onlookers with his innovative holiday spectacle.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI releases new firmware updates for Matrice drones
DJI, the global leader in drone technology, has rolled out new firmware updates for its flagship enterprise drones, including the Matrice 30, M300 RTK, and M350 RTK series. This latest release focuses on improving flight stability and ensuring seamless operation for professionals relying on DJI’s advanced systems.
Expand Expanding CloseFalling drones at holiday show force boy into emergency surgery
What began as a magical evening of holiday cheer turned into a nightmare for thousands gathered at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, when several drones fell from the sky during a light show. Among the injured was a 7-year-old boy, Alezander Edgerton, who required emergency heart surgery after being struck by a drone.
Expand Expanding CloseDrone blood delivery trial succeeds in Japan’s remote islands
German drone maker Wingcopter and Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation and have successfully tested the delivery of research blood using drones in Okinawa, Japan. Partnering with ANA Holdings and the Japanese Red Cross, the trial spanned the 53-kilometer route between the cities of Urasoe and Nago, highlighting the promise of drone technology in improving medical logistics.
Expand Expanding CloseTexas Christmas drone show shatters world record [Video]
In a dazzling display of holiday spirit and technological prowess, Sky Elements Drone Shows has set a new Guinness World Record for the “Longest Animation Performed by Drones.” The North Texas-based company orchestrated a 30-minute aerial narrative featuring 2,500 drones, surpassing the previous record of 26 minutes and 26 seconds held by a Chinese firm.
Expand Expanding CloseDrone maker DJI dodges US ban — is 2025 the real test?
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Expand Expanding CloseDrone crash in SC leaves $1,200 damage to truck
A DJI drone has crashed into a delivery truck in Georgetown, South Carolina, reportedly after striking a bird mid-flight. The incident, which caused approximately $1,200 in damage to the vehicle, has left local authorities puzzled about the drone’s ownership and purpose.
Expand Expanding CloseFBI warns: Stop pointing lasers, shooting at suspected drones
As reports of unusual drone sightings in New Jersey refuse to wane, the FBI’s Newark office has issued a stern warning to the public: avoid pointing lasers at aircraft or using firearms against suspected drones. These actions, the agency emphasized, could lead to severe consequences, including endangering lives and breaking federal laws.
Expand Expanding CloseBYD bets on DJI’s drone expertise for smarter EVs
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is doubling down on its intelligent driving ambitions by investing in Zhuoyu Technology, a spinoff of drone powerhouse DJI. This strategic move underscores DJI’s expanding influence beyond drones, with its cutting-edge technology now making waves in the automotive industry.
Expand Expanding Close7 DJI drones you can still get before Christmas
The holidays are about making memories, and there’s no better way to capture every magical moment than with a DJI drone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie craving immersive flights or a content creator looking for the perfect aerial shot, DJI has something for everyone. With fast delivery options, these drones can be under your tree just in time for Christmas. Let’s dive into the top DJI drones you can gift your loved ones — or yourself — right now!
Expand Expanding CloseFeds sending drone detection system to New York amid mystery sightings
A wave of mysterious drone sightings has ignited swift federal action in New York, with Gov. Kathy Hochul announcing the deployment of a cutting-edge drone detection system to the state. This move comes after reports of unidentified aerial activity disrupted operations at Stewart International Airport and stirred public concern across the East Coast.
Expand Expanding CloseFormer DJI exec reveals the truth behind New Jersey drone mystery
In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey, particularly around sensitive military areas like Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. These sightings have stirred up a great deal of concern, with local law enforcement and elected officials demanding answers. Various theories have emerged, including speculation about the drones being used for nefarious purposes or originating from foreign actors. However, the situation is complex, and many of the reports may be based on misidentifications.
Expand Expanding CloseTwo arrested after dangerous drone flight near Logan International
Boston police acted swiftly this weekend to stop a dangerous drone operation perilously close to Logan International Airport. Officers arrested two men, Robert Duffy, 42, of Charlestown, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, of Bridgewater, after a tense chase on Long Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands.
Expand Expanding CloseRetiree shoots down drone, faces legal fallout and $5,000 fine
Can you legally shoot down a drone if it’s “bothering” you? For Dennis Winn, a 72-year-old Florida retiree, the answer has come with a $5,000 restitution order and criminal charges after he shot down a Walmart delivery drone hovering near his Lake County home.
Expand Expanding CloseExperts address New Jersey drone sightings to ease public anxiety
Amid growing public concern over mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, experts are stepping forward to provide clarity and promote balanced discourse around the technology. Reports of drones, some described as car-sized clusters, flying at night have sparked alarm, particularly in areas near sensitive locations like Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal. While these sightings have prompted an FBI investigation, drone technology leaders stress the importance of separating fact from fiction to prevent undue fear and overregulation.
Expand Expanding CloseCurious about drones above? This app tracks them instantly
In recent months, US residents have expressed increasing curiosity about drones buzzing in their skies. Reports of mysterious drones have surfaced in states like New Jersey, with many residents concerned about their purpose and origins even as authorities assure the reported sightings do not pose any “national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”
Expand Expanding CloseHow does drone tracking app Air Sentinel work?
A flurry of reports of unidentified drones buzzing above US cities has sparked a mix of intrigue and concern. In states like New Jersey, where mysterious lights in the sky have been described as drones, some sightings have turned out to be ordinary aircraft. Despite these reassurances, the rise of drone technology has left many residents wondering how to monitor the airspace around their homes and businesses.
Expand Expanding CloseNew DJI Flip leak reveals pricing: A budget drone contender
DJI’s much-anticipated Flip drone is causing a buzz, with fresh leaks revealing key pricing details and positioning in DJI’s expansive drone lineup.
Expand Expanding CloseCanada eyeing more drones for border security after US tariff threats
Canada is ramping up its border surveillance efforts with plans to expand its use of drones and other technologies, addressing security concerns raised by US President-elect Donald Trump. This move comes as Trump threatens to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, citing issues such as illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
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