14 DAY TRIAL // At CES 2012, Parrot launched the second version of its popular AR.Drone quadricopter that can be controlled by Wi-Fi using an iPhone or iPad.
The Parrot 'AR.Drone 2.0' features a new high-definition (HD) camera, video recording, flight data sharing, a new piloting mode, and increased stability.
Best of all, it has a brand new design that makes it look like the Arch rival of AR.Drone 1. According to the makers, it offers an experience like no other.
The improved version of the AR.Drone offers surprising stability at any altitude thanks to its MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) that lie at the heart of the AR.Drone 2.0.
Flight is also aided by a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor. Here’s the fact sheet:
• 2 ultrasound sensors, which analyze flight altitude up to 6 meters. • New! A pressure sensor completes the device and provides great vertical stability. • 4 blades, specially designed for the AR.Drone 2.0, make it possible to carry out smooth flights. • A second camera, placed beneath the quadricopter and connected to the central inertial unit, measures the craft's speed using an image comparison system.
There are 2 hulls made for two types of flight. These are made of EPP (a material used in designing car bumpers) so that it doesn’t add too much weight to the quadricopter.
For outdoor flight, the contoured hull is available in three colors (orange/yellow; orange/green; orange/blue). This feature not only preserves the AR.Drone 2.0's handling and stability, it also reduces wind resistance, according to Parrot.
And now the sellers want developers to make video games for it.
“In order to expand the use of the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and its compatibility with other operating systems and to develop new flying games and applications, Parrot is providing developers and members of the Apple and Android communities with a software development kit,” the company said today.
The iOS app has been updated as well. It contains a new firmware update for the AR.Drone to play with new games that Parrot hopes to see emerging soon.
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 will be available for purchase in Q2-2012 in the United States for $299.