The truth about drones: fun to fly but expensive if you want a full feature packed model. Take DJI’s latest release for example, which features 4K, auto-pilot and its own Wi-Fi connection, it will set you back more than $1,000. Even if you’re going to provide your own camera, those options still cost upwards of $600, if not more.
So what are your options if you need something a little more fiscally sound? A new Kickstarter project is attempting to bring an affordable drone to market that puts your iPhone right in the air…
The PhoneDrone from xCraft is built around users providing a device that actually goes up in the sky with the apparatus to take pictures and video. That’s right, if you’re daring enough you’ll send your iPhone or Android right up with the drone. While this might not be particularly comforting to some, it does help to cut down on costs and puts a high-quality camera up in the sky.
It can fly autonomously or with another connected device directing the path of the drone. This isn’t xCraft’s first drone project either, it previously had a successful Kickstarter campaign with its X PlusOne. What the company has done, which is fairly brilliant thinking, has taken the power and sensor laden technology that you carry everyday and turned it into a potentially potent drone. Aside from the technical specs of your own phone, it has a collapsable design, a mirror system to allow shots from “any” angle and can be recharged from any powered USB source.
Ultimately, while the design is pretty clever, you’ll need two phones to get the most out of this product. But there is quite a bit of potential here, especially at a price point that will be attractive to many. Of course, if you are going to send you’re phone up for a ride you may want to opt for some AppleCare in advance. xCraft has raised nearly $70,000 dollars of its $250,000 goal with 34 days to go. You’ll be able to get in on the project for $229 at this point, although that pricing is limited to a certain number of backers. The PhoneDrone is slated to ship in November if it meets its funding goal.
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