One of the smartest flying cameras available is now even smarter. The Skydio R1, which started shipping earlier this year for $2,500, is a “fully autonomous flying camera” that uses its 13 cameras to see in all directions and map its environment in real time using an Nvidia Jetson TX1 processor. Today, the company announced its first …
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Buy a DJI Spark for $399, get a free remote
The DJI Spark is a terrific little drone, notable for packing lots of advanced features into a compact frame. Among those features: gesture-controlled operation, which would seem to obviate the need for a remote. But I strongly recommend getting one, in part because it makes the Spark easier to control and in part because it extends the range. Normally it’s …
Read More »Find lost keys (and phones) with the KeySmart Pro for $40
Yet another update on that uber-popular headphone deal: It quickly sold out again, but the vendor is working to score some additional inventory for Cheapskate readers! It may be a few weeks, but that deal will return. Stay tuned! Today’s deal is a rerun, but my favorite kind of rerun: Same product, lower price. Ever heard of the KeySmart? It’s …
Read More »DHS seeks license to kill drones deemed dangerous
The US Department of Homeland Security wants new legal authority to track drones deemed threatening and destroy them if necessary. DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen told the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday that DHS needs “clear legal authority to identify, track and mitigate drones that could pose a danger to the public and to DHS operations. “Our enemies are exploring …
Read More »Get a Parrot Swing with Flypad controller for $33
Parrot makes some of the most interesting drones on the market. Case in point: the Swing, which looks like an X-wing and can switch between quadcopter and airplane modes midflight. It originally sold for $140, but for a limited time, TechRabbit has the refurbished Parrot Swing with Flypad Controller for $32.99 shipped. That’s after applying promo code CNETFLY7 at checkout. Cheapskate exclusive! Read CNET’s hands-on …
Read More »Criminals’ drone swarm used to obstruct FBI hostage raid
Last winter, as an FBI hostage rescue team took up an elevated position to assess an unfolding crisis, agents heard the buzz of small drones approaching. Soon, the tiny unmanned aircraft had the team surrounded, swooping past in a series of “high-speed low passes at the agents in the observation post to flush them,” Joe Mazel, head of the agency’s …
Read More »Intel’s drones are helping restore the Great Wall of China
One of the most scenic stretches of the Great Wall of China will be getting some drone help from Intel for maintenance. The partnership between the chipmaker and the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation will see the Jiankou section, known for its steep climbs and scenic views, captured by aerial shots from Intel Falcon 8+ drones. With the help …
Read More »Amazon Key In
I visited the Manhattan Classic Car Club along the Hudson River last Friday. But I wasn’t there to gawk at the lime green Lamborghini or vintage orange Bronco. I was there to check out a very sensible red Chevy Equinox. With the help of that Chevy, a team from Amazon put together a demonstration of a new right-to-your-car-trunk delivery service, …
Read More »Two Propel Star Wars drones for $100!
I know I just posted a drone deal a few days ago, but hear me out. This is too good to pass up. Today only, and while supplies last, B&H Photo has the Propel Star Wars Quadcopters Fighting Kit for $99.99 shipped. That’s two drones, mind you. The last time I wrote about these, they were $75 apiece — and not long before …
Read More »Heathrow drone near
Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that’s taken over our lives. Are they a danger? If so, how much of a danger? Roberto Machado Noa/Getty It’s a fear many pilots carry with them every day. At some point, their plane may collide with a drone that’s being flown by someone who thinks they’re just having fun. …
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