3D Robotics(3DR) announced Solo, an all-in-one personal drone whose ease of use and powerful new features kick off a new aerial age. Solo delivers several world-first technologies, such as unfettered in-flight access to GoPro controls, including wireless HD streaming straight to mobile devices, and effortless computer-assisted Smart Shot flight features that allow even new pilots to capture professional aerial video from day one.
“Solo is a breakthrough in intelligent flight. It’s not just smarter so that it can do more; it’s smarter so that you have to do less. We’ve turned the Hollywood toolkit into software, and allowed everyone to experience epic video, both behind and in front of the camera.” — Chris Anderson, CEO 3D Robotics
Computer-assisted cinematography and Stream HD GoPro video to mobile devices or through HDMI:
Solo makes flying easier than it’s ever been with smooth and authoritative GPS satellite-guided flight, which also features auto takeoff and land, return home and the ability to instantly hit an e-brake and pause your flight midair.Cable cam and Orbit allow you to create a known and safe flight path along a virtual track in space, freeing you to shift your focus to getting the shot you want; or simply hit “play” and let Solo fly itself while simultaneously working the camera for you, as smooth and even as an expert cameraman. Solo is the world’s first drone to wirelessly deliver HD video from your GoPro to your iOS or Android mobile device, at ranges of up to half a mile.
Solo app:
The Solo app lets you control your GoPro, choose between a live view from the camera or a satellite view of your selected shot and even change how the controller responds to commands. Solo’s app allows for automatic cloud-based logging of your flights, instant access to technical support, on-device recording of the live HD video stream and even support for future web-based control of Solo.
User-friendly wireless updates:
Solo only gets more advanced over time. Thanks to the foundation of the dual 1GHz computers, a simple mobile app update includes updates for Solo’s computer, the controller’s computer, the autopilot system and even the Solo gimbal—all delivered wirelessly with on-screen feedback so you can see exactly what’s happening along the way. Gone are the days of using USB cables to update your drone.
Purpose-built aerial photography controller:
The aerial photography-optimized Solo Controller feels natural even to new users. It simplifies flight and puts control of both the vehicle and the camera at your fingertips, with dedicated buttons on its face for Takeoff, Land, Return Home and Pause, in addition to two user-definable A/B buttons. Clicking the tilt paddle starts or stops recording on the GoPro and pressing both presets at the same time snaps a photo.
The Solo Smart Battery:
The Solo Smart Battery not only monitors Solo’s remaining battery charge but also helps to account for location, so that the mobile app can give you relevant warnings about when to start heading home based on Solo’s distance from you.
Specs:
Flight time: up to 25 min without payload, or up to 20 min with GoPro and Solo GimbalController battery life of up to 4 hours; built-in rechargeable battery (8 hours with optional extended battery)
Weight: 1500 g; 1800 g with Solo Gimbal and GoPro
Autopilot: Pixhawk 2
Video latency: 180 ms
Wifi range: up to half a mile, depending on environment
Solo will launch starting at $999 in over 400 Best Buy stores across the U.S., with immediate in-store availability on May 31st. Customers can take home Solo and immediately experience the thrill of capturing stunning HD aerial photography and videography with simple, out-of-the-box setup.