Pilot a 'copter with your iPhone

Image courtesy of GadgetReview.com

by John Davis

Guam - If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, life gets better and if you don't own one or the other it's really time you get one thanks to the Parrot AR Drone.  The Drone is the first remote control WiFi quadricopter that can be flown by your iPhone and iPod Touch.

What makes the drone so special is its Micro-Electro-Mechanical System that allows for intuitive and user-friendly piloting.  Ultra sound sensors allow you to monitor and control your altitude levels while the vertical camera helps you measure your speed and enable static flight.  The Drone can be flown in a light wind too, so gone are the days of only being able to fly your remote controlled helicopter in the house, especially with an automatic take-off and landing feature.

To go along with the Drone's fully electronic heart, there are two videocameras.  The first camera is designed for measuring speed and performing stationary flights.  The second camera  is designed for the ability to stream exactly what the Drone is seeing to your iPhone or iTouch as if you were in the pilot's position, how cool is that?

The Drone uses lithium-ion batteries, which are stored under the opening cockpit hood. A Drone can be airborne for up to 15 minutes; but don't worry, the batteries are rechargeable so you won't have to purchase a new set every time the batteries die out.

I bet now you're wondering when you can get your hands on one? 

Well, Parrot does not have an exact release date for the AR Drone, but they did indicate the quadricopter will be released this year.