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Parrot AR.Drone now available for pre-order, shipping September 3rd

Been itching to get your hands on the Parrot AR.Drone ever since it first took flight at CES way back in January? Well, you can now finally get your $299 pre-order in to ensure it ships to you on the September 3rd launch date. What's more, Parrot has also announced that the Drone will be exclusively available at Brookstone stores in the U.S., where you'll be able to try it out first-hand through October 31st. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and be sure to check out our recent hands-on if you need a reminder of the iPhone-controlled shenanigans possible with the device.

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Parrot AR.Drone U.S. Invasion Begins:

The first quadricopter for video games and piloted by Wi-Fi now available for pre-order exclusively through Brookstone


SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Parrot, leader in wireless peripherals for mobile phones, and Brookstone, specialty retailer of unique gifts, today announce the pre-launch availability in the U.S. of the Parrot AR.Drone, a unique quadricopter using augmented reality and piloted with an iPod touch®, an iPhone® or an iPad™. U.S. fans of the AR.Drone can now place orders exclusively at Brookstone.com or by calling 800-926-7000.

The AR.Drone, which will retail for $299, will begin shipping to customers Sept. 3. It will also be available exclusively in Brookstone stores through October 31, where consumers will be able to experience the one-of-a-kind quadricopter in-person.

Content of the box

AR.Drone with internal hull
1 external hull
1 battery
1 battery charger and 4-pin mains adapter
1 set of stickers
1 quick start guide

The AR.Drone combines real and virtual worlds to offer an unparalleled gaming experience. A front camera broadcasts and streams what the AR.Drone is seeing onto the iPod touch, iPhone or iPad screen and provides the opportunity for augmented reality games.

"The Parrot AR.Drone offers an entirely new flight and gaming experience," said Brookstone CEO Ron Boire. "It's the first flying vehicle you can control with your iPod, iPhone or iPad. Brookstone is proud to be the first store in the U.S. where customers can purchase the AR.Drone. We're going to make a lot of pilots very happy throughout the fall and holiday season."

About the Parrot® AR.Drone Quadricopter

The Parrot AR.Drone is a one-of-a-kind quadricopter, extremely easy to fly in both indoor and outdoor settings. The AR.Drone generates its own Wi-Fi network at which you simply connect an iPod touch or iPhone. The AR.FreeFlight application is a free app in the App Store and allows for the AR.Drone to be piloted via the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad. Once in-flight, the accelerometer of the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad detects all of the movements and the AR.Drone will mirror all movements made by the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad while the pilot's left thumb is on the control button.

The AR.Drone uses MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanicals Systems), three axes accelerometer, two gyrometers [one axe & two axes], one ultrasound sensor and one vertical camera to automatically stabilize once it takes off. This allows for very stable flights for even beginner pilots.

The AR.Drone combines the worlds of video gaming and radio-controlled models, enabling consumers to recreate a large number of single and multi-player video games in the real world. One game, AR.FlyingAce will be available for download in the App Store.

The AR.Drone-Pilot Academy at www.ardrone.com provides multiple videos and instructions that prepare aspiring AR.Drone pilots for flight. It also connects AR.Drone fans from around the world. More information about the AR.Drone can be found at http://www.parrot.com/facebook or www.twitter.com/ardrone.

About Parrot

Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

www.parrot.com

Euronext Paris – FR0004038263 – PARRO

About Brookstone

Brookstone, Inc., is an innovative product development company and specialty retailer of unique gifts. Brookstone operates 310 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates a Direct Marketing business that includes the Brookstone catalog and an e-commerce Web site at Brookstone.com.

iPhone and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

SOURCE Parrot

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