After spending a hefty sum on drones, you wish that it does not crash into a tree, moving object or building while flying. Drone maker DJI's Phantom 4 does exactly that and that too without human intervention.
The drone has its own set of eyes that see obstacles in the path and avoid them for safer flights. This feature is called 'Obstacle Sensing System' that uses the two front facing sensors and cameras, that detect anything that comes in its path � allowing it to avoid collisions. To do so, the Phantom 4 captures image using the camera sensor and these images run through the computer vision software that constructs a 3D model of the world around it, so that the it can intelligently navigate.
The Phantom 4 comes with features like ActiveTrack and TapFly. With ActiveTrack, the drone can track a moving subject without a separate GPS tracker. Users will have to tap on the subject on the screen, and the drone will lock on it and automatically start tracking the subject from a distance. The TapFly feature allows users to tell the drone where to go, just double tap on a point on the live video feed in the controller and the Phantom 4 will fly there without bumping into any obstacles. It also has a "Speed Mode" that offers a top speed of 45 miles/ hour.
As for the specs, the Phantom 4 comes with a 4K camera, 1/2.3-inch sensor and can record 4K videos at 30fps and Full HD 1080p videos at 120fps for slow motion. It has a 5350mAh Li-Po battery that could last up to 28 minutes of flight time.
The DJI Phantom 4 costs $1399 and is now up for pre-order through DJI�s website and on Apple.com. Shipping starts March 15. Via
UK based startup FlexEnable at MWC 2016 showcased its prototype flexible display technology which can be wrapped around the wrist. To demonstrate and show the benefits, the display, brings to wearables, FlexEnable integrated the tech onto a prototype smartwatch (or bracelet). FlexEnable's prototype 4.7-inch flexible LCD screen is 0.3mm thick and makes use of flexible plastic transistors to create organic liquid crystal display (OLCD) screens to achieve flexibility. Currently, the screens do not have touch screen function abilities, instead they can be operated by tapping on function buttons that are placed on side of the device.
As per the company, the OLCD display can achieve same resolutions as regular LCD using same amount of power, with added flexibility. FlexEnable's flexible display technology can be wrapped around anything and also has uses outside the wearable devices, as it can be incorportaed in creative smartphone designs, screen displays on automobiles, and even personalized security devices.
FlexEnable also displayed a flexible fingerprint sensors which could be wrapped around door handles to provide users with personalized security.
�Our exceptional technology allows electronics to be put on flexible plastic film, which can get you the thickness of a sheet of paper. The combination stable, high performance organic thin-film transistors with passive elements will create truly flexible and cost-effective electronics over large and small surfaces� said FlexEnable. FlexEnable also said that it has no plans to create a separate new product, instead, the company plans to team up with hardware partner to bring the technology to consumer market.
