The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 lands in SA

The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is now available in South Africa. The new quadricopter features a high-definition camera, the ability to share recorded images and videos and an option for users to perform stunts.

The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0, the new generation of Parrot’s high-tech quadricopter that can be controlled by Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet, will land in South Africa in August 2012.

The new AR.Drone features a high-definition camera to take photos or record videos and the ability to easily share them. Users will also experience a new piloting mode, increased stability and a brand-new look.

Whilst in flight, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0’s front camera transmits what the quadricopter sees in real-time on the pilot’s device screen.

For the first time the AR.Drone 2.0 camera, with a 1280x720 resolution, shows a view from the sky in high definition with smooth and unbelievable images.

Thanks to the new AR.FreeFlight 2.0 piloting application, players can record their own HD flight videos and pictures on the device’s memory and share them with the AR.Drone community using YouTube or Picasa.

The pilot can also save images or videos on a USB key (not included) using the dedicated USB port located under the hull.

After the AR.FreeFlight 2.0 pilot application has been loaded onto an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 connects to the device via Wi-Fi. After connection, all the on-board instruments appear on the device’s screen.

Press the Take Off button briefly and the four brushless motors turn on and the AR.Drone 2.0 takes off.

Flying is very simple. With your thumbs placed on either side of the screen, a control button automatically forms beneath:

·         Press and hold the left button and the AR.Drone 2.0 follows the movement of the pilot's device: it moves forward, backwards or sideways when you tilt the device forward, towards you or to the left or right.

·         Slide your finger over the right button, and the quadricopter rises, descends or rotates right or left.

Thanks to Parrot's new patented ‘Absolute Control’ mode, the player has access to an even more intuitive piloting system.

With a 3D magnetometer, the AR.Drone 2.0 knows its precise orientation with respect to the device, which becomes the reference point. The pilot no longer needs to think about the orientation of the AR.Drone 2.0 and it will continue to accurately track the device's motion and tilt, regardless of which way the AR.Drone 2.0 is facing e.g. if you tilt your device to the left, the AR.Drone will always fly to the left, making piloting extremely easy.

Experienced players will select ‘Relative Flight’ mode, which is the conventional flight mode. This disables the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0's magnetometer allowing the pilot to manage the quadricopter's orientation with no assistance.

For exciting flights, the AR.Drone 2.0 is equipped with a ‘Flip’ feature.

Double tap the button on the right side of the piloting device screen and the AR.Drone 2.0 will perform a loop. Both experts and novices can now be a stunt pilot.

The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is distributed in South Africa by SMAC. The AR.Drone 2.0 can be purchased online at www.smac.co.za or at leading IT stores for R3 499.

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