TechCrunch said Xiaomi collaborated with another Chinese-based company, Flymi, to come up with the drone.
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The battery, 5100mAh, which is has a stated life of around 27 minutes, is also easily chargeable or replaceable.
The Mi Drone is scheduled for shipping later this year, in two models — a low-end, 1080p model; and a high-end model with 4K 30fps configuration.
The cheaper one, priced at 2,499 Chinese Yuan (just over $380), will feature a 1080p camera. However, it has not been specified if this feature will be compatible with Xiaomi devices or will other Android running devices will also be able to possess this function. At this price point, Xiaomi’s first Mi Drone is much cheaper than some of its competitors in the drone segment such as DJI, one of the most popular drone makers. For controlling, you have a handheld remote which can be attached with your smartphone for a direct, livefeed view from the drone.
Though the details about the Xiaomi Mi Drone are presently quite sparse, a teaser video of the drone has emerged on Youku over this past weekend. The drone can also work on autopilot mode which enables automatic take-offs, landings, and returns. Despite these significant difference in price, some are still asking if the drone being offered by Xiaomi can keep up with the existing drones.
There is even a remote control that uses your smartphone as its viewfinder. The Mi Drone‘s position can be traced via Global Positioning System and in case it flies out of the connected range, it will automatically fly back to the original position where it took off.
Do you think fans of quadcopter drone will accept “Mi Drone” price and specs?
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The company’s move to venture into drone manufacturing will be a wakeup call for leading drone manufacturer DJI, as the MI Drone is expected to compete directly against the Phantom 3 4K.
