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Parrot’s Bebop Drone boasts 1080p video, range over a mile, Oculus compatability

By Drew Prindle May 12, 2014

Updated November 20: The Bebop kits will sell for $499 for the basic kit and $899 for the SkyController kit. Both include the Bebop drone, of course.

Camera-equipped quadcopter drones are fairly commonplace at this point, but today Parrot (arguably one of the biggest names in the industry) raised the bar by announcing its most advanced model yet.

The Bebop, as it’s called, comes equipped with all manner of next-gen technology, including a 180-degree fisheye lens that shoots high-definition 1080p video, 3-axis image stabilization, built-in GPS, and even compatibility with the Oculus Rift VR headset.

Furthermore, Parrot also introduced a new product called SkyController that greatly extends the range capabilities of the drone. This controller is outfitted with a four-antenna Wi-Fi radio based on the latest 802.11ac standard, so it can stay in contact with Bebop and (unlike Parrot’s previous models) stream real-time high-def video to your phone or tablet from distances up to 1.2 miles.

In other words, you can finally get a real-time drones-eye view of the world straight out of the box. Drone rigs with real-time video streaming capabilities were definitely possible before this, but you typically had to build them yourself, which was a fairly complicated endeavor. Parrot has essentially condensed all the technology into a simple, easily-accessible package that doesn’t require any technical knowledge to start using.

Both the Bebop Drone and range-extending SkyController aren’t quite for sale just yet, but Parrot plans to release them sometime in the fourth quarter or 2014. As such, there’s also no word yet on what the price will be for either device, but Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux hinted at the fact that the price for hte total package will be higher than the company’s original AR Drone, which sold for $300.

We’ll keep you posted on availability, but for the time being you can find out more on Parrot’s website.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…

Cars

Nissan launches charging network, gives Ariya access to Tesla SuperChargers

nissan charging ariya superchargers at station

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Emerging Tech

Juiced Bikes sold at auction for $1.2 million, report says

The Juiced Bikes Scorpion X2 adds more power, upgraded tires, and an improved battery to the popular moped style e-bike.

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Cars

Rivian gets Knight Rider spooky for Halloween

Michael Knight sitting on the hood of his car KITT in a scene from Knight Rider.

Rivian vehicles are known for giving drivers the chance to take the party on the road, whether it’s stowing a travel kitchen onboard or using its elaborate software systems to spice things up.With Halloween just around the corner, the automaker based in Plymouth, Michigan, is pulling out some treats from its bag of tricks: Rivian owners are getting a number of options to turn their vehicles into traditional spooky or full-on sci-fi entertainment hubs.A software update available on the Rivian Mobile App until November 4 provides Car Costumes, which take over the vehicle’s screen, lighting, and sound systems while in park to transform it into three different cars.Nostalgic fans of the Knight Rider TV series will be pleased with the option to turn their Rivians into the famous K.I.T.T. crime-fighting car. After choosing the option on the app, the car’s interior display system features K.I.T.T.’s diagnostics on screen while playing the original show intro music. Here's an extra treat for Rivian Gen 2 owners: The exterior light bar will feature K.I.T.T.’s iconic beaming red light while playing its scanner sound effect.No-less nostalgic fans of Back to the Future movies will also get their treat with a chance to turn their vehicle into the DeLorean Time Machine. With this option, the screen turns into the classic time-traveling interface while the audio system plays the movie’s music and acceleration sound effects. Once again, Rivian Gen 2 owners get an extra treat. Hitting the key 88 mph button will engage the car’s lighting and sound effects in the front and back of the car to whizz you through the sound barrier.For a more traditional spooky time, you can opt for the Haunted Rivian car costume, featuring eight different sound effects and three different color themes. Static and ghosts will take over your interior display.Rivian Gen 1 owners get a green animation on the outside of the vehicle. Gen 2 owners can turn the exterior light bar into whichever color option they find most frightful.