Last week, Americans across the country went to the polls to vote for their local and national representatives. The result was concise: the Democratic Party was out and the Republicans in. Anti-China regulation has been widely bipartisan for the last few years; however, DJI’s ban here in the States has been championed mostly by the right. With them now in nearly full power, what does this mean?
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Editor-in-Chief of DroneDJ
Two new drones are making big plays for Ukraine
At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its country, Ukraine has been innovating on how drone technology can give it an upper hand. Before, it was modified DJI drones donated to it by the worldwide community, but now the country has moved to purpose-built drones, foreign and domestic, to better keep Russia on its toes.
Expand Expanding CloseSkydio forced to ration batteries due to Chinese sanctions
In a note to customers made public through the company’s blog, Skydio CEO Adam Bry announced the need to ration batteries in the wake of Chinese sanctions he says are focused on “eliminating the leading American drone company and deepening the world’s dependence on Chinese drone suppliers.”
Expand Expanding CloseDJI drones held by US customs, including the Air 3S
DJI has shared that Customs and Border Protection has been holding its drones from entering the US due to believed forced labor by Chinese Uyghurs. This may mean customers who purchased the recently released Air 3S could likely see delayed deliveries in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI announces ‘Chase the View’ event for next week Tuesday
DJI has announced its next product launch event for next Tuesday, October 15, called Chase the View. This is believed to be the announcement of the new DJI Air 3S, a major refresh of one of DJI’s most popular and powerful drones.
DJI Neo: A hands free, budget friendly drone to capture every moment
DJI released its newest drone offering, Neo, an ultra-light, hands-free, and budget drone that still packs everything you need to capture the moment without compromises. A first-of-its-kind drone for the company, it will compete directly with Hover Air’s X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max.
Expand Expanding CloseLooking for custom prescription DJI goggle inserts? Here are a few options
With the DJI Avata, the company has brought FPV flight to a much larger audience than ever before. However, with that larger audience comes accommodating for a larger set of eyes, including those with not so perfect eyesight. If this is you, then listed below are several options for custom prescription lenses for most of DJI’s FPV goggles.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI Neo: Everything we know so far
We’ve been patiently waiting for the announcement of DJI‘s new product line, Neo. With the rumored date coming up tomorrow and a ground breaking leak by Jasper Ellens, here’s a round up of everything we know thus far about the DJI Neo drone.
Expand Expanding CloseThe US Army held its first anti-drone shoot out
The US Army held an anti-drone shoot out at Fort Drum, New York earlier this month to test out various systems for taking down drone attacks. This comes as every nation seems to be increasing its drone war plans as continued use of them in battle aren’t slowing down.
Expand Expanding CloseFast FPV drones are now taking on crewed aircraft in Ukraine
Ukraine’s defense department released its first video of a home built FPV drone making an attack on the much larger and way more expensive attack helicopters on the battlefield. This gives Ukraine new targets to attack as drones continue to change the way we look at war.
Expand Expanding CloseEvent38 adding SpaceX Starlink to drones for BVLOS flights
An Event38 employee shared on LinkedIn a tease of an upcoming addition to its E455 drones, SpaceX’s Starlink internet. This use would be linked to its BVLOS variant and would allow higher data rates over long distances with low latency and high reliability.
Expand Expanding ClosePilot uses DJI Avata 2 to assist rescue of a sinking boat
Stefan Ceciu, a new drone owner, took part in a rescue using his DJI Avata 2 to spot a sinking boat on Utah Lake on August 3. Using his FPV drone, he was able to pin point the boat and help direct rescuers to the location, saving the family’s lives.
Expand Expanding CloseInside NASA’s booth and mission at EAA Oshkosh 2024 – X-59, drones, and more
With the week wrapping up, here’s what NASA is presenting to the public at EAA Oshkosh 2024. Full of research and development, NASA’s Bob Pearce, Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, gave us some background into ongoing and upcoming projects.
Expand Expanding CloseShould GoPro and Skydio return to making consumer drones?
With the House passing the ban on new DJI drones here in the US and the possibility of a similar bill passing the Senate, is it time US companies try to enter the market? Are there even any companies left that could make it work?
Expand Expanding CloseThe Buzz Podcast: Possible DJI ban loophole, drone shot down, more
This week Yifei and Seth discussing DJI’s possible loophole for getting around the possible ban, another drone is shot down, and more news from the week.
Enjoy the podcast? Shop DJI, Autel, or other drones at Amazon to support The Buzz!
Expand Expanding CloseDJI ban loophole? Meet the SPECTA and SPECTA Mini
It seems likely that if a ban on DJI drones is made law, that DJI would do everything in its power to get around or fight it. A loophole might have already been found by the drone giant, introducing the SEPCTA and SPECTA Mini by Cogito. Drones that just seem a little too close to ignore them not being DJI clones.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Buzz Podcast: US Drone Ban Mavic 4 Leak and more
Yifei and Seth discuss updates to the DJI drone ban (it was passed by the house shortly after this recording), a possible leak of the Mavic 4, and more news.
Enjoy the podcast? Shop DJI, Autel, or other drones at Amazon to support The Buzz!
Expand Expanding CloseDJI ban passes the House and moves on to the Senate
In a vote along party lines, the National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass bill that funds the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year, was passed by the House of Representatives. Within that bill is a small section that bans DJI from using the FCC frequencies.
Expand Expanding CloseInsta360 GO 3S: Unboxing and first impressions
Today Insta360 announced the GO 3S, an upgrade to the existing GO 3 action camera that offers improvements in usability and video specs (now shooting 4K). Here’s what comes inside the box and our first impressions of using the camera for the last week.
Expand Expanding CloseFirst DJI Mavic 4 leak? Will it be worth the upgrade?
Jasper Ellens might just be the first to leak information on the Mavic 4 drone that will hopefully be released soon. It looks like beta testers are out in China getting the product ready for launch.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI ban moves forward for vote by the House tomorrow [U: Passes]
In a late night vote, the House Rules Committee voted 9-4 for the National Defense Authorization Act to be voted on by the full House of Representatives tomorrow, June 12. Attached to this bill is the “Countering CCP Drone Act,” which will ban the use of FCC communication infrastructure by DJI drones.
Expand Expanding CloseDrone identifies and saves injured Ukrainian soldier after Russian ambush
A wounded Ukrainian warrior found himself in a bad spot, and with no way to get off a battlefield after his unit was attacked by Russian forces. Meanwhile, drones above scanned the field for intel and inspecting anything they saw. Dmytro had an idea: show his military ID to a passing drone, and hope it’s friendly so someone can send for help.
Expand Expanding CloseDJI FlyCart 30 makes first Mount Everest drone delivery
DJI’s FlyCart 30 made history by flying the first drone mission to a camp on Mount Everest, the company revealed. The test sparked a movement by Nepal to encompass more drones in delivering equipment and removing trash, saving lives.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Buzz Podcast: Avata 2 Update Amazon Delivery and more
This week Yifei and Seth discuss Amazon’s BVLOS approval by the FAA, a big firmware update to the Avata 2, and more drone news.
Enjoy the podcast? Shop DJI, Autel, or other drones at Amazon to support The Buzz!
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