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.

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.

[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.

DJI has released a new firmware update for the Mavic 3 Enterprise drone series. The comprehensive update brings several exciting features including the ability to map vertical and slope missions, manual White Balance camera settings, and real-time view from obstacle avoidance sensor cameras.

DJI has released a new firmware update for the Air 2S drone. The software package brings good news for users who wish to obtain a C1 class identification label for their aircraft under Europe’s new drone regulations.

Today, DJI released its third product of April, DJI Power, a large battery system to replace the need to find outlets while outing the field. However, it’s much bigger than that, it’s truly a new market DJI is entering and as first generation product, is it any good?

Tech giant DJI has officially introduced in the US market its portable charger series that can power common household devices and provide superfast charging for DJI drone batteries.

The Mini 2 SE is one of the most popular travel-friendly camera drones from tech giant DJI. However, it is capable of shooting only 2.7K videos, and those looking for 4K have to turn to the pricier Mini 3 series or the Mini 4 Pro. But that could change with DJI planning to upgrade the camera chip in the new Mini 2 SE models it manufactures. And in preparation for that, the company has slashed the price of the current Mini 2 SE from $299 to $279!

Montana-based avionics solutions provider uAvionix says it has been awarded a contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to scale C-Band frequency management for regional drone communications. The initiative will enable multiple drones from different manufacturers to operate near each other while maintaining reliable and deconflicted command and control (C2) within the limited range of spectrum available for low-altitude operations.

Insta360 has taken the wraps off its highest resolution ever 360-degree action cam, the X4. Capable of capturing immensely detailed and sharp videos in 8K, the new Insta360 X4 doubles as both a 360-degree camera and a regular wide-angle action camera.

UK drone delivery and services startup Inteliports is looking to facilitate the movement of goods between the Isle of Wight and English mainland with proposed UAV services, starting with a six-month trial.

Australian vertiport developer Skyportz is undertaking a major expansion from its advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure activity by launching its Wilbur Air cargo and passenger airline, using battery-powered next generation aircraft.

Tech giant DJI has released new firmware updates for two of its latest and most popular drones, the travel-friendly sub-250-gram Mini 4 Pro and the dual-camera powerhouse Air 3.

The newly released DJI Avata 2 is meant for those who want to add an element of excitement to their flying sessions. Promising safety, sharp imaging, and immersive flight experience, DJI’s latest first-person view (FPV) drone is designed to be paired with the new DJI Goggles 3 video headset and DJI RC Motion 3 joystick remote controller. But how exactly is Avata 2 different from DJI Avata? Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand just that…

Swiss drone delivery company RigiTech has taken another step closer to its objective to unleashing scalable aerial solutions across the planet with its Eiger UAV receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval as remote ID compliant in the US.

A landmark case on public access to video shot by law enforcement drones has taken a decisive turn, with the California Supreme Court’s denial of a Chula Vista Police Department motion seeking to keep its aerial footage confidential.

The Board of Directors of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has named Michael Robbins as the association’s new president and chief executive officer. AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems and robotics.

Switzerland’s Flyability has released a new software extension for Elios 3, a drone developed especially for indoor and confined-space inspections. The Asset Management extension simplifies Elios 3’s processing and reporting workflows by merging data from subsequent flights into a single digital twin of the asset — with no additional post-processing.

Today, DJI released its second generation FPV/Cinewhoop style drone, the Avata 2. Packing improvements within both the new drone and paired Goggle 3, is it the best FPV drone on the market?

Specialized UAV public safety and emergency program consultancy Skyfire has announced the opening of its dedicated facility for drone first responder (DFR) training, covering a wide range of scenarios for existing and adopting operators.

Enterprise drone autonomy software company FlytBase is joining forces with drone reality capture platform SkyeBrowse to help users generate centimeter-accurate 3D models in near real-time.

In their boundless technological and economic wisdom, US legislators responsible for blacklisting DJI drones from use by federal agencies are now preparing a de facto ban of private companies and individuals flying them, too. If that happens, the only option would be what a Wall Street Journal report today calls “drones from American startups (that) have been deemed glitchy and expensive” in their disappointing deployment in Ukraine.

Wingcopter, a German developer and operator of delivery drones, says it has applied and received acceptance for opening the type certification process of its Wingcopter 198 delivery drone in Japan. The development is important because it is the first time a foreign company’s drone has been accepted for type certification by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Successful approval would allow for commercial drone delivery missions in populated areas.