Now selfie drones can fly inside Apple stores
It's a camera that hovers. (Get it?!) (Image: ZeroZero Robotics)
Just in case selfie sticks weren't enough, flying robots are now equipped to take photos.
Starting April 12, you can see one fly right inside an Apple store. Zero Zero Robots announced that its autonomous camera drone, the Hover Camera Passport, is now available exclusively on Apple.com and in Apple stores in several countries.
"We're thrilled to bring autonomous flying photography into the hands of consumers who are excited by truly innovative technology that impact their everyday lives," said MQ Wang, founder and CEO of Zero Zero Robotics, in a statement. "We want more customers to capture their memories in a near-effortless way through breathtaking perspectives that can only be achieved through Hover Camera Passport."
While other drones have been sold through the Apple store in the past, this is the first one that will fly right in the store. An Apple employee will assist demonstrations with customers to show how the drone works with a paired smartphone app to fly throughout the store. The Passport is a safe bet, since its propellers are completely enclosed and flight is managed by proprietary artificial intelligence.
The Hover Camera Passport is now available exclusively on Apple.com and Apple stores in select countries. (Image: Zero Zero Robotics)
The Passport package will be available in Apple stores across the US, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and the UK for USD $499. It includes the drone, two batteries, a charger, an adapter, and a bag. There are also some new updates to Passport's user interface and editing capabilities. Passport is now compatible with Apple Video and Final Cut Pro X. With an app, Passport can also use machine learning to instantly select and edit the best photos and videos.
A companion app called "Owner Mode" allows gesture-enabled snaps and a variation of shot angles. (Image: ZeroZero Robotics)
"These critical updates that make Hover Camera Passport even easier to use, will guide users to a truly out-of-the-box flying robot through Hover Camera Passport," said Wang. "Our team has been working hard to continue to give consumers the most user-friendly experience with a flying camera."
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that customers could fly the Hover Camera Passport in stores with the assistance of an Apple Genius. This article has been corrected to reflect the fact that demos are actually conducted by an Apple employee.
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