The drone
The Bebop Drone, compared to the AR-Drone, delivers better performances, the Bebop Drone navigation computer features a Parrot P7 dual-core CPU, quad-core GPU and 8 GB of Flash Memory. All are fixed on a magnesium shelf that acts as electromagnetics shielding and as a radiator. Runs on Linux with SDK available for Developers. The Bebop weight less than 400gr and will be compatible with iOS and Android at first.
The Sensors
The Bebop features numerous sensors: 3-axes accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer. One ultrasound with a reach of 8 meters, one pressure sensor, and a vertical camera to track the speed. The Bebop features numerous sensors: 3-axes accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer. One ultrasound with a reach up to 8 meters, one pressure sensor, and a vertical camera to track the speed. But The Bebop Drone also offers a GNSS chipset that associates the GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO data. This will allows you to plan your flights on your smartphone/tablet by touching waypoints on your screen and let the drone do the hard part. In addition to increasing the stability in high altitude, it allows autonomous flights and automatics to return to the take-off position.
The Camera
The bebop Drone benefits from an exclusive 3-axes image stabilization system that maintains fixed the angle of the view, whatever the inclination of the drone and its movements caused by wind turbulence.
The video definition is 1920x1080p (30fps) and the photo is definition: 3800×3188 pixels.
The SkyControler
It looks like a dual joystick on which you can mount most of the smartphones and tablets.
With this option, Parrot target the FPV (First Person view) for everyone. Indeed, it is possible to connect FPV glasses to the Parrot Skycontroller with the HDMI. The compatible FPV glasses are Oculus Rift, Zeiss Cinemizer, Epson Moverio, Sony Personal Viewer.
It is interesting to note that the Bebop’s camera will be controllable with the head-tracking technology embedded in the Oculus Rift. The SkyController will also offer a more robust wifi connection, with a range of 2 km (1.3 miles).
The price
No price is currently announced, but I would say that we can bet between 400 and 500 € to which you can add the Skycontroller’s price, plus an oculus, another 300 €. Off course, with Parrot, the advantage is that it’s a well-distributed, represented product with a warranty and after-sales severe service.
On the other hand, the Bebop is still really close to a toy, with low autonomy, a non-interchangeable camera (closed solution), and a small format with low weight (not ideal for a stable platform in turbulent conditions). The question is whether a lot of people will go for this solution or will opt for a more open solution with interchangeable components.
Still, the product is exciting, and after the very first large scale commercial success of a drone (AR-Drone), I can only wish the best to Parrot for this second generation.
More information on the Bebop here
More information on Oculus Rift here
