Tech
FCC listing: Could the new DJI Air 2S be FPV-capable? – DroneDJ
The new FCC listing contains some tidbits, as noted by colleague Josh Spires, about an upcoming Mavic Air 2s. There’s not much information yet, but it does open the door to informed speculation on what that product might include.
When the FCC listings are released, everyone in the biz starts mining them for clues. What do the labels tell us? Are there any supporting documents that hint at features? In short, what is this thing going to be? All good questions, and the FCC filing offers only a few answers. We know, for example, that it will include an upgraded camera sensor.
And this got us thinking. What else might this signal for an upcoming Mavic Air 2 successor?
The name
Well, “Mavic” has been stripped out. And that’s consistent with a shift DJI began taking in 2020 when it comes to product lines. It has started removing those familiar names. So the successor to the Mavic Mini was the Mini 2. The latest Ronin gimbals are simply called RS 2 and RSC 2. And the new DJI FPV drone? Well, that’s its name. No Flash (that was the company’s internal, pre-release code name), no product name.
We kind of miss the old naming scheme, to be honest. But DJI must have its reasons. And so the successor to the Mavic Air 2 will be the DJI Air 2S, or so it appears.
The sensor
As noted by Josh, there’s an upgraded camera sensor in the new drone. It’s the Sony IMX686, which contains a significantly larger 64MP sensor, compared with the 48MP IMX585 contained in the Mavic Air 2. We’ve only found a couple of online comparisons between the two chips, with one of them using two different cellphones to compare the image quality. That’s not an ideal way to compare, given that optics and processing can vary significantly between devices and especially between different brands of device. In theory, though, this sensor will provide not only greater resolution but also better low-light sensitivity.
FPV?
Now, let’s preface this section by saying this is purely informed speculation. But what if the new Air 2S were FPV capable? It’s not a stretch to imagine. And it’s even less of a stretch when we think back to the photo of an apparent prototype we saw:
Take a good look at the image above. It looks almost identical to the existing Mavic Air 2, except for those additional sensors on top. Assuming those might be for obstacle avoidance or detection, could they be a sign this is destined for an FPV option? Well, given that drones in fast forward flight have a nose-down pitch to them, that’s not an unreasonable guess. The gimbal in this prototype, as far as we can tell, is still a three-axis gimbal, indicating that this prototype, at least, could be something of a hybrid.
A couple of caveats here: This is just speculation, based on a photo. And a source close to DJI tells us more than one prototype has been kicking around. Will it be FPV-capable? We asked our source.
“That depends solely on DJI engineers,” he said. “It’s definitely capable… but whether it would be added as a bonus feature would depend on DJI.”
Not acro, of course
We don’t mean a fully-manual capable FPV here, and this is just speculation based on the prototype photo. But really, it wouldn’t be that hard for DJI to pop in OcuSync 3.0 and any other tweak required for V2 Goggles to pick up the signal.
And, really, given that DJI is now selling V2 goggles like hotcakes – either alone or with the DJI FPV combo – this isn’t really that far-fetched. I mean, who as a pilot wouldn’t want that option were it available? Most, right? And it’s also a sales channel to further V2 goggle sales.
Should you wait?
Well, that’s always the question when there’s a product somewhere around the corner. If you’re considering buying the Mavic Air 2, you can still rest assured it’s a great product. But if there’s no immediate and pressing need… you might consider waiting, at least until more information becomes available.
What we can say with confidence is that the model will, at the very least, contain an improved camera sensor. And since many if not most pilots want to be able to capture great stills and video from the air… that alone might be enough.
But we’re hoping there’s more.
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Tech
Nothing customer data leaked after apparent breach – MobileSyrup
The personal information of some Nothing customers has hit the web.
As discovered by Android Authority, a file on a text file-sharing website contains a bunch of Nothing Community profiles. While some of the data is here public information, like usernames, comments and join dates, private information, namely emails, are also visible.
Digging into it further, Android Authority says it couldn’t find any evidence of passwords being leaked. It also notes that the data appears to be from 2022 and affects roughly 2,250 Nothing Community profiles, including some for community managers.
Of course, despite Android Authority‘s investigation, there’s always the chance that other info could have been leaked. Therefore, you might want to keep an eye on your info for any strange activity on top of changing your password.
Android Authority says it’s still awaiting comment from Nothing.
Source: Android Authority
Tech
BikeRadar Podcast | Sea Otter 2024 mountain bike round-up | BikeRadar – BikeRadar
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, George Scott and Jack Luke look back over the best MTB tech they sniffed out at Sea Otter 2024.
Neko Mulally’s bonded DH frame is discussed, alongside the much anticipated Maxxis Aspen ST tyres, which have been teased by professional riders over the past couple of years.
George and Jack also share their thoughts on Atherton’s new S-Range alloy bikes, with the S.170 making its trade show debut after being released in February.
We’ve also put together an article on all the new and oh-so-shiny MTB tech from the show, so be sure to check that out.
How to subscribe to the BikeRadar Podcast
The BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you’re a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.
From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.
To make sure you don’t miss a future episode, you can subscribe via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tech
Apple's FineWoven cases rumored to get one final release – AppleInsider
Apple has probably stopped production of its poorly-received FineWoven cases for the iPhone, but a new report from the same herald of its death says there is one last set of seasonal colorways coming.
Now according to leaker Kosutami, who first reported the cancellation, there could still be one more push for the FineWoven cases.
Pressed on the rumor, Kosutami emphasizes later in the same thread that if this is correct, it will be for only one more season. It’s now almost eight months since the launch of the iPhone 15 range, so it’s unlikely that there is to be a new mid-cycle color of the iPhone, but perhaps there can yet be new colors for the FineWoven cases.
Consequently, this rumor can at best be said to be possible, especially if Apple had already committed resources to the new colors. However, since FineWoven has proven to be startlingly poor at stain resistance or even just durability, it’s more believable that it is gone for good than it is that FineWoven will get a last hoorah.
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