HoverAir has quietly unveiled two new successors to its amazing X1 drone: the aptly named X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max. From what we can see in this preview, the two devices offer numerous software updates and design improvements. However, the extent of their upgrades is different for each.
Their appearance comes at an interesting time, as a recent leak revealed that competitor DJI is about to launch its new Neo drone. The Neo is a lightweight machine that seems to be aimed at beginners, while HoverAir goes in the opposite direction. It focuses more on performance.
The X1 Pro features a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and a 17mm wide-angle lens. Together, the camera can record video in 4K resolution at 60 FPS or 1080p at 120 FPS. It’s also faster than the previous model, capable of auto-follow speeds of up to 42 km/h (about 26 mph). DIY Photography points out in their review that this is a good speed for following users on a bike or while jogging.
Introducing the HOVERAir X1 PROOmni-Terrain that flies over water, snow and cliffs and captures stunning footage in low light. Active rear collision detection ensures worry-free dolly track and zoom-out shots. 42km/h follow speed, 4K/60fps, wind resistance level 5 – perfect for any adventure! pic.twitter.com/Ti0SCHES8X13 August 2024
Hardware upgrades
In terms of design, the drone is not as boxy as the old X1. It has a sleeker design but is larger at 149 x 173 x 39 mm and weighs 192 grams. In addition to the bulkier body, HoverAir has given the design active collision detectors on the back and, most importantly, the ability to fly over water, snow and over cliff edges.
As TheVerge explains, one of the X1’s problems is its VIO (Visual Inertial Odometry) system. It uses this technology to position itself above the ground, but the sensors have trouble detecting “moving textures” like rippling water, so the drone could fall out of the sky.
If you look closely at the top of the drone, you’ll notice a button above a screen. It’s unknown what this is for, as the function isn’t mentioned in the preview. Online speculation suggests it’s for selecting unique flight paths.
8K recording
The X1 Pro Max shares many similarities with the Pro model, sharing the same dimensions, features, and 16-minute flight time. There’s only one noticeable design difference in the pictures: the company logo is written in gold instead of silver. Most of the major changes are internal.
Thanks to its 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 16mm wide-angle lens, the Pro Max can record 8K resolution video at 30 FPS, as well as 4K video at 60 FPS or 120 FPS for slow-motion content. Footage is saved in 10-bit HLG format, which gives users “enough detail and color information to fix many problems” during editing. In addition, it features a “vision-based” collision detection system and supports Wi-Fi 6.
That’s pretty much all the important information we can gather at the moment. There’s still a lot we don’t know, like how much each model will cost, when it’ll launch, and what the blurry accessories on HoverAir’s preview page are. If we had to take a wild guess on some of these, we’d probably see carrying cases, spare batteries, and a charging dock.
We’ll just have to wait to find out more, and by the looks of things, it won’t be long now. While you’re there, be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best drones for beginners in 2024.
