Remember the Lily drone, announced in 2015 and never produced? Well, although they got into all sorts of trouble, they seem determined to rise after the crash. Mota Group, Inc. acquired assets of Lily Robotics this year. They are now introducing Lily Next-Gen, a drone that brings the fun spirit of the original Lily drone but with improved features. The biggest improvement, I’d say, is that the drone seems to be actually produced. But other than that, Mota Group, Inc. announces that the Lily Next-Gen will shoot 4K video, 13MP stills and 120 fps slo-mo at 720p.
As sUAS news writes, Mota Group President Michael Faro expressed the company’s passion for the Lily Robotics’ vision of a simple and fun selfie drone: “Strong pre-orders for Lily Next-Gen helped convince us to offer a stock incentive to carry the dream into the future.” Since more than 60,000 people had backed the Lily drone, the company has developed The Lily Reward Program. This offers up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock for all the customers who preordered the original Lily Drone. As Mota Group, Inc. writer, there will be no other payment in addition to the product order. They also promise promotional discounts to the Lily Drone customers, which goes up to $400. Finally, the customers will have their names on the “Lily Friends” web page. If it means anything to you. Considering the Lily Robotics’ history, I guess they need many resources to gain back the trust of the old customers and attract the new ones. But there’s yet to see if they’ll deliver.
As for the Lily Next-Gen drone itself, it reportedly offers what Lily promised, and more than that. The Original Lily drone was supposed to shoot 1080p 60 fps video and 12MP photos. Lily Next-Gen will shoot 4K video and 13MP photos. Other improved features will be offered as well, such as One-touch takeoff and landing and Smart Hover. Take a look at the comparison chart of the two drones and the full specs of the Lily Next-Gen:
Camera Video
Video Resolution: 4KIntelligent Image StabilizationLive Video Transmission Range: Up to 400 ft.Fully Digital GimbalVideo Format: MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
Still Photos
Resolution: 13 MPField of View: 190.6° 1.81 mm f/2.2ISO Range: 100~3200Auto Electronic ShutterImage Size: 2880 x 1620Photo Format: JPEG
App
Included in Lily Next-Gen Android / iOS AppStream to Facebook LiveVideo EditingCreate Custom ShotsAdjust Camera Settings
Flight
GeofencingHelps prevent flight into restricted areas.Smart Hover™Lily Next-Gen returns to last known position and autolands if GPS signal lost or battery critically lowSatellite Positioning Systems: GPS/GLONASS Dual ModeVertical Hover Accuracy:+/- .3 ft. indoors (Vision Positioning active) and +/- 1.6 ft. outdoorsHorizontal Hover Accuracy:+/- 1 ft. indoors (Vision Positioning active) and +/- 8.2 ft. outdoorsWifi (Phone Operated)Max Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)Min Altitude Above Head: 5ft (1.75m)Altitude Above Head: 50ft ( 15m )Min Distance from User: 5ft. (1.75m)Max Distance from User: 100ft. (30m)RC (Remote Control Operated)Max Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)Min Altitude Above Head: 5ft (1.75m)Min Distance from User: 5ft. (1.75m)Max Distance: Radius 3300 ft. ( 0.65 miles , 1000 meters, 1 KM )
Battery and Power
Includes Two Intelligent Flight BatteriesCapacity: 1650 mAhVoltage: 11.4 VBattery Type: LiPo 3SEnergy: 18.8 WhNet Weight: 3.9 oz.Charging via Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 HubCharging Temperature Range: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)Battery Charger InputDC 5-12 V; Current range 1.3 ABattery Charger Output05 V; Current range 1.3 A; Power 16.9 WUp to 18 minutes of flight time
Size and weight
Folded: L 8.74 inches x W 3.9 inches x H 2 inchesTakeoff Weight: 14.6 oz.
After a lot of controversies over the failed production and delivery, Lily Robotics was shut down and even sued. However, it seems that Mota Group is determined to resurrect the Lily drone. If you are willing to give another chance to Lily, the Lily Next-Gen is ready for preorders at $600 and it will be shipping in November. Although I’d probably wait til November and see how this unfolds, and whether the delivery will start on time. [via sUAS News]
