Zero Zero Robotics will release the HOVERAir X1 Smart, a camera drone weighing less than 100 grams, in the first half of 2024. We had a chance to try out the actual device early, and here are our first impressions.
In Japan, the Civil Aeronautics Law was partially amended in 2015, introducing rules for unmanned aircraft such as drones. No-fly zones have been established, flight permits are required over urban areas and around airports, and from 2022, aircraft weighing 100 g or more will be subject to a registration system.
Zero Zero Robotics has been selling a 125g HOVERAir X1 product overseas, but it has not been readily available because Japanese law requires aircraft registration. The new HOVERAir X1 Smart weighs a nominal 99g including batteries, less than 100g, and although there are still restrictions on no-fly zones, there is no need to pay a fee to register the aircraft.
In the case of the HOVERAir X1 Smart, it is not a drone that is remotely controlled using a radio controller, but rather a type of product that, when the user selects one of several pre-installed flight modes, the camera recognizes the user’s image and takes a picture. In this sense, it is a “flying” product. In this sense, a “flying selfie stick” may be the perfect description.
To use the camera, it must be paired with a smartphone (iOS 12.1 or later/Android 9.0 or later), and the user can make detailed settings and play back captured data using a dedicated application.
The four propellers are guarded by a cage-like body to prevent injury and soften the impact in the event of a fall.
A power button and a button for switching flight modes are provided on the top of the aircraft. The user turns on the power, selects the flight mode, and presses the power button again to start the flight.
Five flight modes are available: “hovering,” in which the camera follows the user’s movements while hovering at the same location; “follow,” in which the camera follows the user and takes pictures; “zoom out,” in which the camera takes pictures from diagonally above; “orbit,” in which the camera takes pictures while circling around the user; and “bird’s-eye view,” in which the camera rises directly above the user. In addition, there is a custom mode that allows users to change settings in detail.
In both modes, the aircraft lands in the palm of your hand when you hold your hand about 20 cm directly below the aircraft.
When actually using the camera, it is fun to see that although it is a small, toy drone-like aircraft, it flies stably and can take pictures from powerful angles that are not possible with a selfie stick. Also, the small and lightweight aircraft is easy to carry, and it is great to be able to take it along on a trip without it being bulky.
The battery can be charged via the USB Type-C port on the main unit, allowing you to use the AC adapter or mobile battery of your smartphone and eliminating the need to carry a dedicated charger, so you can easily take it with you on your travels.
It is a matter of course to obtain permission from the facility’s administrator and to fly with caution and safety even outside the national no-fly zone, but the advantages are great: no need to register the aircraft, and it is lightweight and compact. While observing the rules, let’s challenge ourselves to create images that others cannot duplicate.
© Source travel watch