HoverAir has officially launched its featherweight X1 Smart drone in the UK, bringing a 99g AI-powered aerial camera to British riders.
The brand says the HoverAir X1 Smart is designed to remove many of the barriers associated with traditional drones.
The palm-sized X1 Smart sits below key UK drone registration thresholds, according to HoverAir, and can take off directly from a user's hand.
AI subject tracking and one-touch flight modes are featured, with the brand claiming that capturing aerial footage is as simple as pressing a button.
The HoverAir X1 Smart is priced at £359 and completes the brand's UK rollout, with the full product range now available through retailers including Very, AO, Jessops and Park Cameras.
A lighter take on aerial filming
At the heart of the X1 Smart is its ultra-light, enclosed design. HoverAir says this makes it easier for first-time users to get airborne without the complexity often associated with conventional drones.
With the propellers being caged, the drone is said to be safer for everyday use, and the small form factor is likely to come under less stress when packed into a bag for use on the trails, HoverAir claims.
The camera uses autonomous tracking technology to follow riders, while modes such as Follow, Orbit and Hover are intended to create smooth footage with minimal user input.
The launch joins a growing HoverAir line-up that includes the X1 ProMax and recently-introduced Aqua waterproof flying camera.
The brand has already found favour with action sports athletes, including Danny MacAskill and Sam Pilgrim, who use HoverAir's self-flying cameras to capture hands-free riding footage.
