Exciting Announcement

In an exciting announcement that has sent shockwaves through the drone community, DJI has added the two most-requested features to its budget-friendly $199 Neo selfie drone. Back in September, we noted that the Neo faced stiff competition from the $350 Hover X1, primarily due to its inability to record vertical video—an essential capability for today’s TikTok and Instagram Reels influencers. Additionally, its tracking speed left much to be desired, but that’s all about to change!

New Features from Firmware Update

Thanks to a recent firmware update, the Neo now not only shoots vertical video but has dramatically improved tracking capabilities. Reports suggest that the drone can now keep pace with cyclists, boasting a tracking speed that surpasses even the manual controls.

Improved Tracking Speeds

Before this revolutionary update, the Neo struggled to track a cyclist pedaling at just 13 miles per hour (21 kph). Fast forward to the current capabilities, and users have reported tracking speeds of around 20 miles per hour (32 kph). This is a game-changer, making the Neo faster in tracking mode than when operated manually, even in Sport mode. Drone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further updates that may allow access to these speed enhancements for first-person view (FPV) flying as well.

Vertical Video Capabilities

The addition of vertical video will surely excite content creators. However, there are a few caveats to mention. The vertical mode supports a maximum resolution of 1080p, a step down from the coveted 4K quality, but it does allow for frame rates up to 60fps. Despite the resolution limitations, many users find that the vertical footage captures as much detail as the Neo's existing horizontal mode.

Update Your DJI Fly App

To ensure you can fully utilize these exciting new features, make sure to update your DJI Fly app, in addition to the drone itself. Failing to do so may prevent the vertical video option from appearing in several flight modes. Android users should be particularly aware that the DJI Fly app has not featured on the Google Play Store for some time, which may require manual installation and permission adjustments on your device.

Conclusion

In a rapidly evolving world where aerial photography and videography play a crucial role in branding and content creation, these improvements solidify the Neo's place as a leading choice for aspiring creators on a budget. With the enhanced features now at their disposal, it’s safe to say that the DJI Neo selfie drone is poised to become ubiquitous in the skies. Don't miss out on capturing breathtaking content with this innovative aerial device!