Sony has released a free firmware update for the Airpeak S1 drone. This update is primarily aimed at industrial enterprise and high-end users.
Sony's Airpeak S1 has a new significant firmware update that's tailored to meet the evolving needs of industrial enterprise and high-end users.
— Sony Professional | US & Canada (@SonyProUSA) December 18, 2023
Learn more: https://t.co/gzX0UmOoCj
Download: https://t.co/ma4UG1HGbd pic.twitter.com/zPyagbiWKr
Enhanced Mapping Mission (New)
This new capability simplifies the surveying workflow by enabling automatic flight for mapping missions through the mobile app (Airpeak Flight app). This feature, utilizing the RTK kit (RTK-1) and GBL-PX1 Gimbal allows users to create 2D ortho maps, 3D models, and point clouds. Mission planning is also possible both manually and via KML format imports. The update also includes the addition of high-precision positioning data to captured images. This data, recorded on an SD card in the RTK interface unit, can then be linked with corresponding images from the same mission using the Airpeak Flight app, with images organized into separate folders per flight for streamlined file management and project execution.
Automatic Return to Home (Enhanced)
The new Automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature on the Airpeak drone is claimed to enhance safety and efficiency in various flight scenarios. This feature is designed to automatically activate and guide the aircraft back to its home point in situations such as low battery or signal loss. The way it works is that it intelligently calculates and navigates bypass routes to avoid restricted airspace or obstacles along the return path. Users have the option to choose between Basic and Advanced modes for the RTH feature. While the Basic mode enables the aircraft to avoid obstacles in an upward direction, the Advanced mode offers additional capability to evade obstacles horizontally. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring the safe retrieval of the aircraft after completing aerial imaging tasks.
Precision in Flight Path Recreation
The new “Direct Repeat Flight” feature for the Airpeak drone offers a significant advancement in flight path replication. This mode enables users to accurately recreate a previously flown path, including specific gimbal and camera movements, which is particularly useful for continuous capturing of a fixed point or repeated flights over the same route. Moreover, this mode extends its capabilities to the recreation of precise shooting timings for still images and movies, enhancing the consistency and quality of aerial photography.
Expanded Camera Compatibility
This update broadens the spectrum of compatible high-end cameras, providing users with more choices for their imaging needs.
Extended iPad/iPhone Compatibility
Supported Models: The firmware now supports additional iPad and iPhone models, and this expansion ensures a more inclusive user experience, catering to a wider array of Apple device users.
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14
- iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (6th generation), iPad (10th generation)
Strategic Industry Partnerships
Sony has also formed key partnerships with leading players in the drone industry, together enjoying great success. These partnerships aim to enhance the capabilities of the Airpeak S1 and those of our partners, further solidifying its status as a top choice for professionals in various industries. These partners include AirData UAV, HEXAGON Smart Net, and Inertial Labs.
