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What Is Skydio 2?
Skydio 2, also known as S2, is a self-flying drone that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to duck objects in its path, including dead posts, tree branches, and canopies. The drone is incredibly easy to use, making it beginner-friendly.
But what truly makes Skydio 2 worth investing in is that the drone can fly itself while filming high-quality footage automatically. Which makes it a go-to gadget for extreme sports enthusiasts or nature lovers looking for a camera to film their experiences in real time.
Here’s Why You Should Buy Skydio 2
1. Enhanced Tracking Distance
Skydio 2’s most outstanding feature is its incredible tracking distance. The drone was initially intended to track a maximum distance of 10 meters (32.8 feet) with the beacon.
But after a series of upgrades on its AI engine, the flying camera’s tracking distance with the beacon increased to 40 meters (130 feet). Similarly, maximum tracking distance with the phone doubled from the original distance of 10 meters.
However, the company advises users to sync the device with a strong GPS signal while tracking at long distance.
2. Improved Beacon Specifications
Skydio 2 comes with a slew of beacon modifications, including the incorporation of Orbit and Hover in the Beacon mode selector.
The ‘Orbit’ feature makes it possible to orbit with the beacon. And while you’re at it, you can accelerate/decelerate and even change direction of the orbit using the beacon controls or a Drag & Drop functionality. But just like tracking, ensure you sync your drone with a powerful GPS signal while orbiting from a long range.
Besides the ‘Orbit’ functionality, ‘Hover’ is another welcome modification in the Skydio 2’s beacon. The function is also available in the Beacon mode selector.
Unlike previous versions of Skydio 2, GPS is now enabled in Hover. Therefore, you can locate and track objects that are not necessarily within the drone’s line of vision. Drag & Drop also works in Hover, allowing you to change the drone’s position automatically.
3. Crash-proof Landing
Skydio 2 comes with a crash-proof landing feature known as Case Landing. Basically, this feature lets you hone in on a clean and secure area to land your drone.
When you activate ‘Safe Landing,’ the drone will perform a safe landing search on the logo of the case and allow you to see an augmented reality target directly on the phone. With this feature, you can safely land on uneven terrain, dusty area, or rocky ground without subjecting your drone to undue mechanical shock or dirt/debris.
But that’s not all. You can also enjoy higher control over the drone’s maneuverability by implementing the new ‘Nudging’ feature to nudge the device sideways while scanning for the best landing spot.
Plus, you can change LEDs from blue to yellow as well as take advantage of an on-screen notification for optimal obstacle avoidance during flight and while landing.
Company Behind
Skydio 2 is a product by Skydio, a drone startup co-founded by former Google and MIT unmanned aircraft scientists, and based out of Redwood City, California.
The company designs and assembles top-of-the-range drones with a view to raising the bar for flying security cameras.