Skydio unveils the Skydio 2

DJI might be the current drone king, but that doesn’t mean they will be forever — especially if the Skydio 2 performs as promised.

A followup to the original Skydio R1 drone, this second generation is (to quote Daft Punk) “Harder, better, faster, stronger”. It can fly for longer, has more onboard processing and more — all for the cheaper price of $999.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the new Skydio 2:

Incredibly precise AI autonomous flying

The original Skydio R1 was already incredibly impressive at evading trees, buildings, and other large objects. However, smaller branches and powerlines could often be missed by its 12 low-res, black and white navigation cameras.

Interestingly, while the Skydio 2 has half the navigational cameras, they are higher-resolution and full color, giving the drone an unprecedented 45mp view of its surrounding environment. Processing all of that data is the onboard NVIDIA Tegra X2 SOC with 256 cores of processing power. This tandem of new hardware, as well as the improved algorithms, allows the Skydio 2 to follow you while weaving through objects like a ballerina.

4K/60fps video with improved image quality

The Skydio 2’s main camera matches the new iPhone 11 Pro and the GoPro 8 on resolution and framerate with 4K/60fps recording capability. It can also do HDR video with a max bit rate of 100mbps (the same as the Mavic 2 Pro).

If still, photos are more your thing — this drone probably isn’t for you, but that’s neither here nor there — the Skydio 2 can satisfy your needs with 12mp HDR picture taking.

New forms of control

It looks like Skydio heard the outcry of first-gen users who wanted the option to control the drone with something more than their phone. The Skydio 2 still doesn’t come with a controller out of the box, but both a traditional 3.5km range controller and new Skydio Beacon are available to add-on for $149 each.

First off, the controller is nothing special. Basically a reskinned Parrot Anafi controller, it offers the longest range and a more conventional control device for drone pilots.

The Skydio Beacon, on the other hand, is something pretty special. It features a 1.5km range and a built-in GPS, allowing the drone to track you from afar even in cases when it can’t physically see you. Beginner drone users will find this device very useful with its “point-and-go” flight controls and easy access to the pre-planned shot types.

Standing behind their product

While the Skydio 2 also offers better battery life, a slimmer design, and a 36mph autonomous top speed, the biggest new feature of the drone isn’t part of the drone itself.

With the announcement of their new drone, Skydio has stated that “If you’re operating your Skydio 2 within our Safe Flight guidelines, and it crashes, we’ll repair or replace it for free”. This is quite a bold warranty but goes lengths to show just how much they stand behind their product. In the long run, it also might very well be the key to helping convince DJI flyers to give the Skydio 2 a try.

Price and availability

One of the biggest negative about the Skydio’s original drone was its $2000+ price tag. The new drone will be a lot more competitive in price, starting at just $999. For the price, the Skydio 2 will come with: one battery, two additional propellers (one of each type beyond the four required to fly), one USB type C cable for charging and data transfer, and one USB type C wall adapter for charging – all in a custom-fit hardshell case. And like previously mentioned, both the controller and Beacon will cost an extra $149.

Preorders are open now with a $100 deposit through Skydio’s website. First orders for the drone are expected to begin shipping in November with most orders going out in time for the holidays.