DroneDJ

A cutting-edge UK laser defense asset has been successfully tested against simulated enemy aircraft – which, in a reflection of the swiftly changing nature of conflict these days, cast drones in the supporting role of the doomed invader.

Air taxi developer Archer Aviation has announced a new partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which will initiate their mutual research into future advanced air mobility (AAM) applications with what they see as the lynchpin of the new tech’s performance – powerful but safe batteries.

If you can do with some savings right now, there are quite a few deals available on some of the best DJI drones and cameras. From the travel-friendly Mini 2 SE coming down to its lowest-ever price to the Osmo Action 4 camera seeing its first discount since launch, DJI’s January 2024 sale is a great opportunity to save on purchases both big and small. Here’s the complete lowdown…

So, the second generation of DJI’s audio recording solution, Mic 2, is now available to buy with prices starting at $219. But how is this new offering by the tech giant different from the original DJI Mic? And if you’re a content creator, vlogger, podcaster, or filmmaker, should you invest in one?

Drone services company DroneUp has announced reception of what’s currently considered the brass ring of UAV operational capabilities with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to make beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) deliveries without the obligation of ground observers.

Tech giant DJI has unveiled the company’s first intelligent 3D model editing software, DJI Modify. The solution is meant to be used with DJI Terra drone mapping software to repair common 3D model defects.

The walls appear to be steadily closing in on DJI in the US – and perhaps, users of its drones as well – following official warnings issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency over alleged security threats China-produced drones pose to operators.

The DJI Inspire 3 professional aerial cinematography drone has received its first new firmware update of the year. Those who use the DJI High-Bright Remote Monitor with their Inspire 3 will find this update particularly exciting.

German UAV craft manufacturer and transport company Wingcopter has announced the extension and expansion of its delivery project providing groceries to small, remote villages using drones and e-bikes.

Today DJI announced standalone versions of its Mic 2 wireless audio system, an overall upgrade from the previous generation that release just a few years ago. While we already saw this initially release along side the Pocket 3, the new standalone version comes with a lot more great changes.

Hot off the news it will be supporting Walmart’s sweeping aerial expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, drone delivery company Wing has unveiled another way it’s moving to enlarge its footprint in the skies: the introduction of a new UAV with a doubled payload capacity.

Autel Robotics has released a new firmware update for EVO II drones using the V3 chipset. The software bundle packs in several new features, as well as bug fixes and optimizations.

Drone management specialist DroneDeploy has announced open beta support for the DJI Dock drone-in-a-box solution. Meaning, you’ll now be able to plan and execute your DJI Dock flights directly in the DroneDeploy platform.

While most of us have barely pulled ourselves out of the post-holiday slump, tech giant DJI is moving full steam ahead into 2024. Last week, the company announced the global rollout of its first-ever delivery drone FlyCart 30. And you likely know by now that a new pro audio product launch is slated for later today. But DJI doesn’t want to stop there. Another new teaser has dropped now to let us know that on Thursday, Jan. 18, the drone maker will unveil a solution that might just help to “shape” our world. Here are the deets…

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) plane manufacturer Archer has announced a deal to outfit a host of airports across the US run by aeronautical fixed-base operator Atlantic Aviation with charging equipment for electric ground transport vehicles and future air taxis.

Chinese auto maker BYD is taking to the skies with DJI drones in its continued effort to best Tesla for the title of the world’s biggest electric car manufacturer.

DJI announced Monday that a new product will be announced this Wednesday at 8:00 A.M. ET. Like with all of the company’s releases some of the details have leaked, so here’s everything we know so far.

Enterprise drone automation software specialist FlytBase has announced the third edition of NestGen, a global virtual summit that puts the spotlight on the latest drone-in-a-box tech and solutions enabling drone autonomy.

European aviation and aerospace giant Airbus has announced its expansion in the booming security and defense UAV sector with the acquisition of US tech company Aerovel, maker of the innovative Flexrotor intelligence and reconnaissance data collection drone.

Skyports Drone Services has announced what it called breakthrough aerial testing of remote water quality monitoring, in partnership with fellow UK tech startup Makutu and the Northumbrian Water utility.

A funny thing happened the on the way to the conclusion of an otherwise convincing editorial about the self-defeating consequences of the recently passed anti-China American Security Drone Act of 2023 (ASDA): The author associated himself with a lobby supported by same DJI targeted by the law’s federal blacklisting, thus undermining the effectiveness of what had been a very compelling argument.

This week Yifei and Seth talk about drones at CES, or lack there of, and touched base on the biggest news stories of the week.

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