Freefly Systems recently announced the Astro drone, which is compatible with Sony’s Alpha 7R IV DSLR camera. Now Sony plans on fully entering the consumer drone market with a brand called “Airpeak.” In a pared down announcement, Sony states it “will support the creativity of video creators to the fullest extent possible” and “will also promote this project to enable drone-use with the highest level of safety and reliability in the environments where this has been difficult in the past.”
Earlier this year, an updated patent displaying what the drone may look like was uncovered. However, there isn’t any confirmation that it will be based on that design. Currently, the world’s third largest camera brand has an enterprise division of drones that specialize in mapping, surveying, and live events footage.
Breaking into the consumer drone industry, especially with a competitor as substantial as DJI will be a challenge. Just ask GoPro. Sony will need to leverage its expertise in the camera field if it hopes to lure DJI aerial photography and videography customers toward its products.
While Sony hasn’t shared anything substantial about Airpeak, which is set to debut this Spring, they state that drones will be built on its “3R technology.” It is merely described as “reality, real-time and remote.” For now we have this teaser trailer that doesn’t reveal much of anything, but will have to suffice.