Nearly six years after the announcement of Spectacles’ first hardware product, Snapchat Expand your technology portfolio with Pixy, a small drone that flies and takes photos and videos of you. Snapchat’s evolution into the camera room has been fascinating. When Snapchat launched in 2011, it was a highly rated no-photo-sharing app. You’ve downloaded Snapchat, sent photos to friends, and you’re done.
But Snapchat grew Side then. The Snapchat app is more unrecognizable today than it was a few years ago. It now supports video sharing, live video calling, powerful AR effects and more. The same goes for performances. While the first-generation model was dumb, the current Spectacles 3 is even better. Furthermore, Snap is trying to penetrate further into the AR space with its “next-gen eyewear”.
Now it’s time for Snap to do the next big thing. On April 28, at the company’s Snap Partner Summit, Snap announced Pixy. Pixy marks Snap’s first foray into the world of drones, and like Spectacles, Pixy is designed to bring a new camera perspective to all your Snapchat photos and videos. Compared to drones like the DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mini 2, the Pixy is significantly smaller. It has a slender square body, four small helices and a nice yellow dye. While DJI drones look like professional video equipment, Pixy feels like a friendly toy.
Pixy Drone is specially designed for Snapchat
In addition to the fun design, Snap also tries to do something different with the way you use Pixy. There is no control to speak of, neither the physical nor the virtual control app on your phone. Instead, Pixy will run and land outside your hand. When you’re ready to fly with Pixy, simply use the button at the top to select one of four flight modes, including Hover, Reveal, Follow, and Orbit. Press the Start button and hold the Pixy wrist with the camera at eye level. Pixy sends out a signal several times, goes through the air and immediately starts recording. When you’re ready to sit on the leprechaun, just put your hand under it. Using a downward-facing camera, Pixy recognizes your hand and lands safely on top of it.
As with Spectacles, videos recorded on Pixy are sent wirelessly by the Snapchat app to your Snapchat memory library. You can edit Pixy videos as well as videos recorded on your phone, including tools for lenses, stickers, sounds and more. You can also use the Snapchat app to edit Pixy’s flight modes, activate lost mode, and more.
Where Pixy really stands out is the price. For just $229, you get a Pixy drone, bumper, carrying handle, USB-C charger, and a single battery (5-8 flights per charge). Alternatively, you can get the Pixy Flight Pack for $249 and upgrade to two batteries and a dual Snap battery charger. ესოThe best part? Pixy is now for sale. Shipments aren’t expected in 11-12 weeks, but that’s still a huge improvement over the weird vending machines Snap used to launch the Spectacles. While we don’t expect revolutionary video quality from Pixy, Snap could be something interesting here. The Pixy is fun, affordable and significantly cheaper than other popular camera drones on the market. Pix’s quick run has yet to be discovered, but on paper, Pixy still seems like a favorite item. Snapchat World.
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
