DJI introduces the DJI Flip, a foldable drone equipped with hand launch capabilities and AI features.

      DJI currently holds a dominant position, representing more than half of all commercial drone sales in the United States.

      On Tuesday, the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI introduced the DJI Flip, a foldable drone featuring a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that is capable of recording 4K/60fps HDR videos. Weighing under 249 grams, this foldable model is equipped with a protective cover, offers a flight time of 31 minutes, has AI smart tracking, and can be hand-launched without the need for a remote.

      Significance: The DJI Flip merges portability, sophisticated imaging capabilities, and AI technology, making it an accessible option for vloggers and hobbyists who want to capture aerial footage with ease.

      Details: According to DJI, the protective cover of the Flip employs a carbon fiber support structure that is only 1/60th the weight of standard engineering plastic (PC) yet retains the same level of stiffness. The DJI Flip is the company's first aerial drone with a foldable, fully enclosed propeller guard. Its weight, comparable to that of an apple, allows it to be flown in most countries without requiring training or certification.

      The drone features AI-powered smart tracking, which enables it to automatically keep subjects centered. DJI asserts that the 3D infrared sensing system of the DJI Flip allows it to halt automatically in dim lighting conditions when encountering obstacles.

      Control options include easy takeoff without a remote, single-handed operation through the DJI Fly app, and voice control activated by the phrase “Hey Fly.” When linked to a smartphone, it captures audio with advanced noise reduction for vlog recordings.

      The new drone is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch image sensor featuring 2.4μm Quad Bayer pixels, enabling up to 4x zoom, dual native ISO fusion, and 48MP photo capture. It supports 4K/60fps HDR video recording, 100fps slow motion in 4K, 2.7K vertical shooting, and a 10-bit D-Log M color mode.

      Context: The US Commerce Department is contemplating new regulations that may limit or prohibit Chinese drones in the country due to national security issues, as reported by Reuters. Public feedback on these measures will be accepted until March 4, with a decision from the incoming administration anticipated soon thereafter. In December 2024, President Joe Biden signed legislation that could prevent China-based companies like DJI and Autel Robotics from launching new drone models in the US. A designated US agency has been assigned to assess whether drones from these companies pose significant national security risks, with a report expected within one year.

      DJI, as the global leader in drones, currently represents over half of all commercial drone sales in the United States.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can reach her via e-mail: [email protected].