Xiaomi takes the wraps off its 4K-capable Mi Drone

• Andrew
• 8 years ago

When you think about Xiaomi, you usually don’t think about much else other than smartphones, and maybe that Android TV device that was announced last week. But they’ve been working on a couple of drones as well. Xiaomi has finally taken the wraps off its latest creation, the Mi Drone.

The company held a streaming event earlier this morning where it unveiled the new drone and everything we need to know about it. The Xiaomi Mi Drone will come in two different options, a 4K model costing about $460, and a 1080p model which will be priced at about $380. Both drones will feature a 5,100mAh battery, which is not only replaceable but will also get you almost 30 minutes of fly-time.

Specs/Features: 

• 4-propeller system with detachable shields
  
• 17.4V battery 5100mAh, 27 minutes non-stop flying
  
• 1080p or 4K UHD camera, with 104° wide-angle lens
  
• 4K camera at 3840 x 2160 pixels; supports recording of stills in RAW format
  
• 720p live video with low latency from up to 2km distance
  
• Camera attached to a 3-axis gimbal, stabilizes up to 2000 vibrations per second
  
• Unbelievably lightweight design
  
• GPS + GLONASS + vision-based positioning for max precision
  
• Autopilot options: automatic take-off + landing, waypoint flight path planning, tap to fly on map, circle an object on the ground
  
• Intelligently detects low battery and returns home automatically
  
• Real-time location tracking for easy retrieval even post crash
  
• Hovers automatically at the edge of no-fly zones
  
• Built-in PCB antenna array in remote control for maximum reach
  
• Modular design and foldable landing gear

The 1080p Mi Drone will be crowdfunded through Xiaomi’s Mi Home app starting tomorrow, with the 4K model being entered into an “Open Beta Programme” in late July. However, there has been no mention as whether either version of the Mi Drone will make its way to the States. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled on this one because at this price point, with 4K video recording in tow, it feels like a steal.

[via Mi Store]