This new device runs off a Lithium-Ion polymer battery, for lighter performance. It's got two cameras setup, one in the front and one on the bottom.
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The first camera, under the structure, is connected to an Inertial Measurement Unit. Thanks to this unit, the AR.Drone is capable of measuring its speed and performing mind-blowing stationary flights. Parrot technology also compensates turbulence's due to the wind during outside flights. These technologies are usually used for professional and military applications, but have been adapted to gaming universe for the first time The second camera, at the front of the quadricopter, broadcasts and streams on the iPhone or iPod touch screen, what the drone is seeing as if the player was in the pilot's position. It plays a major role for video gaming, thats to the use of augmented reality. |
What does all that mean? That means we have an awesome flying device that zooms around while you control it from your iPhone/iPod touch (iPad?). Pretty cool right? Well not only do we have an amazing remote control toy but we can also play games on your actual iPhone/iPod touch through augmented reality.
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AR.Drone front camera streams live video to the iPhone to create an augmented reality environment. It also detects the enemy drone in multiplayer mode. |
Check out how it works!
If you want to see more videos head over to the AR.Drone website. Parrot has said that they want to keep the software open to developers, to let the creative minds do what they will. This could be the next generation of gaming, the future of playing in the real world. With the upcoming release of the iPad, the games that we can expect to see could revolutionize how everyone views gaming.
