Control Your DJI Drone From Your Apple Watch
▼ Summary
– DJI has released an update for its Fly mobile app (version 1.19.4) that adds Apple Watch compatibility for monitoring and controlling certain drones.
– The three supported drone models are the DJI Neo, Neo 2, and Flip, which are small, affordable, and designed for controller-free flight.
– Using the Apple Watch, owners can view a live camera feed, monitor battery life, and issue voice commands, but manual flight control via the touchscreen is not supported.
– The update requires an Apple Watch Series 8 or newer, though some users report success with older models like the Series 7.
– Despite a potential US ban, DJI continues to innovate, with rumored upcoming products like the Avata 360 drone and the Osmo Pocket 4 camera.
DJI has introduced a significant update to its Fly mobile app, bringing Apple Watch compatibility for monitoring and controlling select drone models. This enhancement arrives even as the company navigates potential regulatory challenges in the United States, demonstrating a continued focus on refining the user experience for existing products. The feature is specifically designed for three of DJI’s compact, beginner-friendly drones: the DJI Neo, Neo 2, and Flip.
These models are ideal candidates for smartwatch control, as they are built for straightforward, smartphone-guided flight without a traditional remote controller. The update, version 1.19.4, enables users to connect their Apple Watch to the drone via Wi-Fi. Once paired, wearers can view a live video feed from the drone’s camera, check the remaining battery level, and even issue voice commands for automated flight maneuvers.
Manual piloting using the Apple Watch’s touchscreen is not supported, a practical limitation given the small display size and the one-handed operation required while wearing the device. DJI states that an Apple Watch Series 8 or newer is necessary for functionality, though some users with older models, like the Series 7, have reported success in testing the feature.
These particular drones are perfectly suited for this type of simplified control. Unlike larger DJI models that demand precise twin-stick remotes for extended flights, the Neo and Flip series excel at short, autonomous missions. They can launch from your hand, fly a preset pattern to capture a photo or video, and then return to land on your palm, making smartwatch integration a natural fit for their operation.
Looking beyond this update, DJI continues to develop new products for markets outside the U.S. Two highly anticipated items are rumored to be on the horizon. The first is the DJI Avata 360, which could be the company’s inaugural drone equipped with a full 360-degree camera. The second is the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, an expected refresh of the popular, ultra-compact stabilized camera designed for vloggers and content creators. More announcements regarding these and other launches are expected in the near future.
(Source: TechRadar)
