Tracking users through a small GPS remote kept in their hand or clothing, Lily knows exactly where they are at all times. A surfer might use the drone to track them as they ride a wave, or a mountain biker to follow them downhill, according to CNN.
Drone follows subject taking photos
“It’s all about getting the shot. Lily takes care of all the flight,” said company co-founder Henry Bradlow, who founded Lily in 2013 with Antoine Balaresque while the pair where studying at Berkeley. The company will be going head-to-head with a number of other consumer drone manufacturers, like DJI, as well as action camera makers such as GoPro, but its founders are hoping that it Lily will prove popular with those who enjoy using selfie sticks and partaking in extreme sports.
The drone is capable of flying between 2-50 feet off the ground, and does not need any real-time control from the user. Once you have tossed it into the air to start the motor, simply carry on with your planned activity before pressing a button which will make the drone return to your hand.
To control the drone simply choose from a set of pre-programmed movements or program your own shots on the mobile app which accompanies the drone. Lily is able to take cinematic tracking shots, perform slow zooms, make a slow circle around the subject or simply hover over a set area. Users are able to see a live feed of the view using the app.
Technical specifications
The drone itself is just over 10 inches wide, and three inches tall. Its four motors propel it to speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and can keep it in the air for 20 minutes before it needs to be charged. The camera records 1080p video and takes 12 megapixel photos.
Lily can also be programmed to take smart shots, using a series of sensors to detect when an athlete makes a jump, and making the camera switch to slow motion, for example. The remote control can be used to zoom or pan shots, as well as recording audio.
You can place an order for Lily this week, although the drone will not become available until February 2016. Pre-sale units carry a price tag of $499, while the final retail price will be $999.
