Users of the Parrot Bebop drone can now sit back and relax while their drone flies itself.
A new feature called Flight Plan allows users to set waypoints on their phone for their drone. Flight Plan is available as an in-app purchase for $20.
Users are able to set things like trajectory and drone height using simple drag and drop markers. It's very easy and effective, with users even being able to tell the drone which way to point its camera as it flies.
Flight Path uses the MAVlink communication system to transmit flight path, and once the drone is flying autonomously, users can take control of it at any time. The location of the drone is accurate to within six feet, according to Parrot. Users can also save, reload and edit routes and individual waypoints whenever they want.
The new features comes only one day after the Transportation Department announced that drones would soon need to be registered with the government in order to be flown within the U.S. The department is working to finalize these new rules by Nov. 20, with the hopes of implementing them sometime in December.
Of course, there are plenty of rules surrounding drones already in place. Operators should make sure to take a look at local laws and regulations, and drones still always need to stay in sight of the operator.
The Bebop itself is one of the more affordable drones that comes with a camera, sitting at $500. The camera has a 14 MP sensor and enables users to capture some pretty breathtaking photos. It offers a light ABS reinforced structure and is even able to create its own Wi-Fi hotspot. As far as options on the market go, the Bebop is a great way for users to conduct first-person flying and now autonomous flying as well.
Via: TechCrunch
