GDU's Byrd quadcopter can (almost) deliver a baby
Leaf through the pages of the tech press of 2015, and you'll see the consumer-friendly camera drone slowly evolving. GDU Byrd is the latest frame in that flip book: a foldable quadcopter with up to 25 minutes of flight time, and an enough power for an impressive 4.5-pound payload (enough for a DSLR). It also looks a bit like a PSone.
Other features include the option for two controllers/transmitters to fly it, which seems as much a recipe for confusion as it does a safety feature, plus the option to swap out cameras, with GDU hinting at 4K, 1080p, and infrared options (plus support for GoPro). As is becoming the norm, features like follow-me/GPS flying, and HD video streaming are also included, along with DJI-like interior positioning (though no details on how that will work). Looks-wise, if the oh-so-sweet Lily had an evil sibling, it'd be the Byrd.
To give an idea on how much more payload the Byrd will reportedly lift (4.5lbs) compared to rivals, DJI's Phantom 2 states just 0.66 lbs (300g) as its safe maximum load. 3DR's Solo does a little better, suggesting you don't add anything more than one pound. So, while this Byrd won't quite deliver (most) babies, it looks like it can lift more than its main competition. GDU unveiled the Byrd at IBC in Amsterdam today, and will cost between $800 and $3,000 depending on configuration. More details of which, when it becomes available later this year.
