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Parrot Launch Second Generation AR. Drone Quadcopter
Parrot, experts in wireless devices for mobile phones, have launched the second generation AR. Drone, a toy helicopter piloted using smart phones and iPads.
First demoed at the Los Angeles Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year, the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 quadcopter is said to have superior navigational control than its predecessor, and is even able to perform barrel rolls.
The streamlined flying machine is also fitted with an upgraded HD camera that can shoot 720p footage. Owners can record all of their piloting manoeuvres directly on to their phone for later viewing, whilst footage also automatically records on to a built-in USB hard-drive.
Roughly a foot-and-a-bit square, the 2.0 model has four rotating blades and comes with two different hulls – an outdoor tube and an indoor foam shell. It can be controlled up to 160ft away and 20ft high – all without looking up from the screen
The new quadcopter also comes with a selection of games – including a two-player pursuit mode, an AR combat game, a racing app and a cooperative mode.
The Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 is available at select HMV and Apple stores, priced at $280.