As incidents of drones being shot down with firearms multiply (at least on the other side of the pond) and authorities try to untangle such a mess, the folks at Fotokite have decided to turn to crowdfunding to finance their next product, the Fotokite Phi. At first glance it looks like many other drones compatible with GoPro cameras, but the difference is that the Fotokite Phi has a leash. In other words, the drone is a flying pet.
A drone flies through your backyard, and it’s not yours. What can you do about it? These days the answer to that question is “it depends.” Across the Atlantic, some people willing to protect their privacy with a little help from the Second Amendment have decided to solve the equation by applying “anti-aircraft fire.” Clearly, this is a very hot topic for American media, not only covering each situation but also exploring the legal consequences of shooting down a drone. The FAA’s view is quite simple: a drone weighs on average 400 grams. If those 400 grams fall from a height of 200 feet (almost 61 meters), they could, in the worst case, kill a person. Some have proposed alternatives like signal jammers to block control over drones, but the underlying consequence is the same: the drone becomes a projectile. With all that in mind, what other options are there?
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aglTWdI-4BoHow the Fotokite Phi Works
Fotokite’s idea is quite curious: a leash. Its brand-new drone named Fotokite Phi replaces smartphone, radio, and/or GPS control with a simple leash. From a certain point of view, this makes the Fotokite Phi a sophisticated kite, though others prefer the term “flying pet.” It is very easy to transport thanks to its design (it can be stored in a tube), it has a mount compatible with GoPro cameras, its “soft” propellers reduce the chance of injury, and it allows direct USB charging or a complete battery replacement in a couple of seconds. With just a gesture or two, the leash should be enough to fly the Fotokite Phi, but the option to control it with an Android device is available. Should the leash be cut, the drone will activate its automatic mode and land immediately.
Crowdfunding and Availability
It might seem strange, but the existence of the leash gives the Fotokite Phi an extra air of responsibility, and during public tests, people received the drone much more positively. The Fotokite Phi is making its rounds on Indiegogo, and with a little over three weeks to go, it has already received $211,000 out of a total of $300,000. Its special price is $299, not including shipping or the GoPro camera. The first deliveries will take place in March 2016.
