The AR.Drone 2.0, a high-tech quadricopter from Parrot, which can be controlled by WiFi using a smartphone or tablet, is coming to SA in August, and features a high-definition camera and an updated piloting mode.
The AR.Drone 2.0's camera, with a 1280x720-pixel resolution, transmits what the quadricopter 'sees' in real-time to the pilot's smartphone screen. The camera can also recognise specific shapes and colours to show augmented reality elements for gaming purposes.
Images and videos can be stored on the onboard memory, and users can later share these with others via YouTube or Picasa. The pilot can also save images or videos onto a USB using a port located under the hull.
AR.FreeFlight 2.0 offers players a new interface and is available to download for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Once the app has been downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet, the AR.Drone 2.0 connects to the device via WiFi. All onboard instruments will then appear on the smartphone screen and one can start flying. The tilt-to-control flight interface means the drone will tilt as users tilt their phones.
Stunts
For the first time, the AR.Drone 2.0 is equipped with a 'Flip' feature, enabling it to perform loops. The AR.Drone 2.0 also has a 3D magnetometer, which measures the strength or direction of magnetic fields. This will enable the pilot to accurately track the motion and tilt of the quadricopter. Those up for a challenge can disable the magnetometer and manage the orientation of the device without assistance.
The drone has two hulls made of light and highly resistant EPP (used in car bumpers). Light-emitting diodes (green for the front, red for the rear), positioned on the landing gear, assist the pilot in tracking the orientation for easier flying.
Apple and Android users will be provided with a software development kit to develop new flying games and applications. By visiting https://projects.ardrone.org and accepting the terms of the licence, developers can access the source code used to fly the AR.Drone 2.0.
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 will be distributed by SMAC in SA, and will be available at leading IT stores for R3 499.
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