Parrot’s new BeBop drone lets you control 14-megapixel camera via Oculus Rift

Parrot is working on the new BeBop drone, a quadricopter that includes a much improved camera and more storage memory. With a controller, the flight range is considerably increased and the cameras of the drone can be controlled via an Oculus Rift helmet.

The Bebop On the front, it features a 14-megapixel camera with a fisheye lens that has an angle of view of 180 degrees. In addition to taking high-resolution photos, the camera can also transfer 1080p images to a smartphone. Improved software allows Parrot’s new quadricopter to stabilize itself better, especially outdoors in windy weather. This should also provide more stable video images. However, the battery life is still limited with a flight time of 12 minutes.

In addition to a new drone, Parrot has also designed a special controller into which an iPhone or iPad can be inserted. The SkyController thanks to its WiFi booster, it offers the option of extending the WiFi range from a few hundred meters via a smartphone to approximately 2 kilometers. For example, the flying range of the drone, which can be controlled at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, significantly increases compared to previous Parrot drones. An Oculus Rift can also be connected to the controller via HDMI. For example, the ‘pilot’ can control the camera via the VR helmet. There is internal 8GB flash memory for storing images and photos.

The development of the BeBop, which can also fly autonomously thanks to GPS and glonass support, has not yet been completed, but the new drone should be in stores by the end of this year, according to Parrot. It is not yet clear how much the drone and the optional controller will cost.