Tested Insta360's debut drone featuring 360-degree camera, potentially stirring up unease in DJI's ranks
Prepare for a groundbreaking leap in drone technology, as Antigravity is set to release the A1 drone globally in January 2026 [1][2][3][5]. With an expected price range between $1,300 and $1,700, this innovative device promises to redefine the way we capture and experience aerial footage [1][2][5].
Unprecedented 8K 360-Degree Camera System
The A1 drone's most notable feature is its dual-lens camera setup, capturing full 360-degree, immersive video at 8K resolution or 5.7K at 60fps [1][2][4]. Advanced stitching technology ensures a seamless video experience, with the drone itself being rendered invisible [1][2][4]. This innovative approach offers a unique opportunity to capture the surrounding environment, regardless of the user's viewing direction [1].
Immersive Flight Experience with Intuitive Controls
The A1 drone offers an immersive flying experience, integrating Vision goggles, a Grip controller, and FreeMotion technology [1][4]. This combination allows pilots to look around independently of the drone’s flight direction, creating a virtual reality-like experience [1][4]. The Grip controller enables intuitive hand gestures for flight control, while the headset's responsive head tracking further enhances the immersion [1][4].
Additional Key Features
- Flight time: Up to 29 minutes
- Transmission range: Around 4.35 miles
- Safety features: Obstacle avoidance, return-to-home
- Weather resistance: Light rain and impact resistant
- Storage: Internal and expandable
The Antigravity A1 drone is comparable in size and weight to the DJI Air 3S [6]. Its controller features a handle with buttons and a trigger, and the user sees a reticule in the headset that corresponds to where they point the controller [6]. However, the unique camera sensor shape can cause a warped effect in the footage, requiring post-processing and professional editing [7].
The A1 drone's flight speed in Sports mode is not as fast as high-end FPV drones, but it offers a different and equally exciting flying experience [8]. The drone is controlled differently than typical drones, with the user holding the controller over their shoulder to fly backwards while looking forwards [8]. The controller has a button to change to Sports mode, unlocking faster speeds, but finding this button can be challenging [8].
In conclusion, the Antigravity A1 drone, set for release in January 2026, offers an exciting blend of 8K 360-degree video capture, a VR-like immersive flying experience, and innovative gesture-based controls, setting it apart from conventional drone control and camera setups [1][2][4][5]. Antigravity is currently accepting applications for a co-creation project, allowing users to check out the A1 and offer feedback [9].
[1] https://www.antigravity.io/a1-drone [2] https://www.engadget.com/antigravity-a1-drone-360-video-vr-headset-130148118.html [3] https://www.techradar.com/news/antigravity-a1-drone-announced-with-360-camera-and-vr-headset [4] https://www.digitaltrends.com/drone-reviews/antigravity-a1-drone-review/ [5] https://www.dronexl.co/antigravity-a1-drone-release-date-price-specs-features/ [6] https://www.dronegenius.com/antigravity-a1-drone-review/ [7] https://www.dronesdirect.co.uk/blog/antigravity-a1-drone-review [8] https://www.dronesite.co.uk/antigravity-a1-drone-review/ [9] https://www.antigravity.io/pages/co-creation-project
- The Antigravity A1 drone, due for release in January 2026, stands out in the tech world with its 8K 360-degree camera system and immersive VR-like flying experience, as reported by Gizmodo [2].
- With Grip controllers equipped with intuitive hand gestures and Vision goggles for a unique viewpoint, the Antigravity A1 drone promises to revolutionize the future of tech gadgets, according to statements from the technology company [1].
- The Antigravity A1 drone's innovative features have caught the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide, who are eagerly awaiting its arrival in January 2026, as it could potentially redefine the market for consumer drone technology [5].