After teasing what’s about to come back just a few weeks in the past, Antigravity, a brand new drone model incubated by Insta360 and third-party collaborators, has introduced its first product: the Antigravity A1. The corporate positions the A1 because the world’s first all-in-one drone able to capturing 8K 360-degree video with out the necessity for an exterior digital camera attachment. In keeping with the corporate, the Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone is designed to merge high-resolution immersive seize with a simplified, gesture-based flight management expertise.
On the core of the A1 is a dual-lens optical system, with one lens mounted above the fuselage and the opposite beneath. This top-and-bottom configuration permits for full environmental protection with no blind spots. Superior picture stitching know-how processes footage in actual time to take away the drone’s physique from view, producing clear, uninterrupted 360 imagery when seen within the Imaginative and prescient goggles or throughout playback.
This stitching course of is essential to the “invisible drone” impact. It permits pilots and viewers to really feel absolutely immersed within the aerial perspective with out the distraction of propellers or drone construction showing in body.
It’s going to be fascinating to see how “seamless” the stitching will actually be for those who fly nearer to things, since there may be fairly a niche between the 2 lenses.
Antigravity A1 8K 360 drone in flight. Picture credit score: Antigravity
Immersive flight controls
The A1’s flight system has been designed round Antigravity’s “FreeMotion” know-how. This separates the pilot’s viewing route from the drone’s flight path, a departure from conventional FPV methods. Utilizing the included Imaginative and prescient goggles, pilots can freely look in any route through head monitoring, whereas controlling motion by means of the Grip controller.
The Grip controller seems virtually precisely like DJI’s Movement Controller, which I reviewed as a part of the primary look evaluate of the DJI FPV drone in 2021. I count on it to work additionally very equally.
As an alternative of standard dual-stick controls, the Grip responds to pure hand actions, permitting the pilot to direct the drone intuitively. This strategy goals to cut back the educational curve for brand spanking new customers whereas increasing inventive prospects for knowledgeable operators. The separation of view and trajectory means a pilot can, for instance, look to the aspect whereas persevering with to fly ahead — an strategy that may open up new types of aerial storytelling.
The Grip controller for the Antigravity A1 drone. Picture credit score: Antigravity
Put up-production flexibility
The 8K decision seize is meant to provide creators substantial reframing latitude in post-production. Since each angle is recorded, editors can choose a number of views from the identical flight, output in numerous facet ratios, and apply inventive results with out dropping high quality. The function set mirrors Insta360’s X Collection capabilities — comparable to Tiny Planet, horizon flips, and cinematic FPV-style strikes — however now applies them to drone footage.
For content material creators, this implies a single recording session can yield a number of deliverables, optimised for numerous platforms, from widescreen YouTube edits to vertical social media codecs.
I’ve to confess, the launch video is mighty spectacular and actually showcases in an ideal method what’s doable for those who don’t really should get the proper shot in flight already. Let’s see the way it will actually work in observe, we’re undoubtedly curious.
Antigravity A1 drone – you may see one of many two 180 diploma lenses on high. The frontal cameras are probably just for security and ahead impediment avoidance. Picture credit score: AntigravityBottom view of the Antigravity A1 drone with the underside 180 diploma lens seen, alongside additional downward going through sensors. Picture credit score: Antigravity
Light-weight design and security options
With a take-off weight of 249g, the A1 meets sub-250g regulatory thresholds in most areas, usually permitting for license-free operation. Its compact type issue is designed for fast packing, carrying, and deployment, interesting to travelling filmmakers in addition to informal customers.
The A1 consists of a number of built-in security measures. A return-to-home perform can routinely deliver the drone again to its start line, and a payload detection system is designed to stop misuse or unauthorised modifications, in all probability in an effort to stop utilization of the drones in battle zones and probably keep away from comparable points that DJI is at present going through within the US.
The Antigravity Imaginative and prescient Goggles not solely enable the operator immersive view of what the Antigravity A1 drone is capturing, in addition they show the captured picture to their outdoors, so individuals standing by can see what the drone is filming. Picture credit score: Antigravity
Antigravity A1 key specs
- Seize decision: 8K 360-degree video
- Lens configuration: Twin-lens, top-and-bottom mounting for full protection with no blind spots
- Picture processing: Superior stitching for “invisible drone” impact in dwell view and recorded footage
- Flight management: Grip controller with intuitive, gesture-based point-to-fly enter
- Viewing system: Imaginative and prescient goggles with responsive head monitoring for 360-degree dwell view
- Weight: 249g (sub-250g class for license-free operation in most areas)
- Enhancing options: Put up-flight reframing, Tiny Planet, horizon flips, a number of angle exports with out high quality loss
- Security features: Return-to-home, payload detection system
- Launch timeline: World launch deliberate for January 2026 (pricing and bundles TBA)
Early entry program and launch timeline
Antigravity plans to launch the A1 globally in January 2026. Pricing, bundle configurations, and detailed regional availability will probably be confirmed nearer to the discharge date.
Upfront of launch, the corporate has opened purposes for its first co-creation venture. Chosen members will obtain a pre-production A1 unit to check and consider, with the aim of refining the product earlier than it reaches the market. Creators are inspired to submit their concepts for potential integration into the ultimate retail mannequin. A complete reward pool of US$20,000 will probably be shared amongst contributors whose options are adopted.
Purposes for this system are open now on the Antigravity web site.
What’s your tackle the brand new Antigravity A1 8K 360 drone? Will it stand an opportunity towards DJI with its undoubtedly progressive 360 diploma protection? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
