The new updates mark an evolutionary step forward for the Solo® smart drone

Jan. 6, Las Vegas — Today 3D Robotics, Americas largest drone maker, announced a suite of new software that will make their flagship Solo smart drone more useful, more safe, more powerful and an overall more advanced drone for its users. The updates will include new Smart Shot functionality along with fully integrated airspace safety information and a Solo flight simulator app. This set of software, which will be delivered free to all Solo users through wireless app updates, will expand the storytelling possibilities for a single user with a creative mind, and will give even new users information and tools to help them fly with more confidence.

"This is Solo, season two," said Colin Guinn, Chief Revenue Officer of 3DR. "Weve continued to create features that will surprise and empower drone users and moviemakers of every experience level and interest. Solo is all about helping you quickly and easily capture exactly the content you want, with whatever sensor suits your needs, whether thats a dynamic cinema shot or the industrial inspection of a complex structure. Even after years of operating drones on Hollywood film sets with a dedicated camera operator, Ive never seen shots like this — theyre simply way beyond what can be achieved by the best drone pilots and camera operators in the world. Instead of being limited by the dexterity of your fingers, your shots are now only bound by your imagination and creativity. Weve always known the potential; now were about to feel it."

The new Smart Shot functionality — Multipoint cable cam and Follow with Freelook — builds on the Solo platforms four existing Smart Shots, 3DRs breakthrough computer-assisted cinema technology that enables even beginners to capture the kind of video from the sky that was previously relegated to Hollywood film sets. It will be available this spring to all Solo users in a free wireless update.

Multipoint cable cam
Multipoint cable cam revamps cable cams original automated beginning-to-end design. Now the user can design cables that run between an unlimited number of keyframes. This allows the user to take time to set shots perfectly, looking in any direction from any point in space. The Solo companion computer has a photographic memory that takes a snapshot of each of these frames exactly as set, then connects the dots with a virtual cable. Engage in three ways: Work the camera freely while Solo flies on the cable from frame to frame; fly Solo on the cable while Solo does what no other drone can, automatically handling camera pointing and tilt to capture a smooth narrative from one frame to the next; or press "play" and let Solo handle the flying and the camerawork simultaneously, perfectly capturing a complex, twisting, tunneling multi-keyframe shot. Solo smooths its approach and exit to each keyframe by automatically adding spline curves.

The cable cam update will also include new interior features. First, Solo will save every cable shot you create right to your app. Browse shots by date, location or names you give them. Return to fly your favorites at any time, or quickly and easily switch between shots at the same location. This gives even beginners confidence and creative control over their shots that they cant get with any other drone. Additionally, cable cams new Timed Travel feature offers even more control. Adjust the time of your cable flight in the app to put the camera exactly where you want it, when you want it there, allowing you to turn your attention to directing and synchronizing your shots and scenes.
Multipoint cable cam:

Follow with Free Look
The new Follow with Free Look feature turns Follow — technology first developed by 3DR — into an interactive filming experience. With Free Look, the camera is no longer exclusively pegged to your Follow subject; instead, you can take control of the camera when you want, panning and tilting to look around freely while remaining completely confident in the copters position and directional heading. Its similar to the Hollywood motion control of a camera boom on the back of a truck: Virtually leash Solo to one subject moving at a steady pace, and swivel and tilt the camera manually to track even the most spontaneous movements of another subject.
Free Look:

Updated Safety Features
New software will also include air safety zone information integrated with the Solo app. 3DR was the first drone company to announce a collaboration with an airspace information company — AirMap.io — so that the Solo app will be able pull flight zone information in real time. This helps users make knowledgeable and safe decisions about where they fly. In addition, 3DR will launch another educational software tool, the Solo flight simulator app. The app connects your mobile device (iOS or Android) to your controller so that the "sim Solo" you see on your screen responds to your control stick inputs just like the copter would in flight. This allows you to get a good feel for the flight controls as well as the camera controls without putting your Solo in the air. You dont need to connect to Solo to use the simulator; all you need is the app and the controller. Practice flying anywhere.
Solo Flight Simulator:

To check out 3DR's new features in more depth, please visit http://youtu.be/G4HrwddGRCM.

About 3DR
3DR is the smartest and most technologically advanced drone company in the world. Led by New York Times bestselling author and Editor-and-Chief of WIRED magazine, Chris Anderson, 3DR creates technologies and professional tools specifically designed to make drone photography easy for beginners and pros alike. With a Series C round of V.C. funding led by Qualcomm, 3DR is the first company to fully integrate drone and smartphone technology. For more information on 3DR, please visit http://www.3drobotics.com/.