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Drone footage has revolutionised the broadcasting of mountain bike events. The most recent impressive example: the broadcast of the Red Bull Hardline from Tasmania in February. You could literally hold your breath as the camera drones swooped down on the riders from above, breathing down their necks until the finish line in pursuit of the best time. Thrills, goosebumps - every mega jump, every bend, every monster drop felt like you were sitting in the saddle yourself. Perspectives that could never be captured with normal cameras.
High-tech from Beijing
Of course, high-tech drones and experienced drone pilots are used for such productions. Nevertheless, it is no longer the exclusive privilege of professionals to create cool drone clips. The handling of drones has simplified enormously in recent years, most recently through the use of AI. Zero Zero Robotics, a company founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MG Wang and Tony Zang and specialising in the development of intelligent flying robots, is now proving this. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign in autumn 2024, the Beijing-based tech company is now launching the Hover Air, a flying action camera. Special feature: the self-flying devices are not only designed to enable spectacular aerial shots, they can also be operated without prior knowledge and without a controller, according to the manufacturer.
High-quality camera technology for 4K and 8K
So: simply take them out of your pocket, unfold them and start automatic flight mode at the touch of a button - the cameras are ready for use in just a few seconds. The compact drones follow the user autonomously thanks to artificial intelligence and deliver the images directly to the smartphone. The Hover Air X1 Pro records videos in 4K resolution, while the X1 ProMax with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and a 7-layer lens enables 8K recordings. Both models have customisable ND filters for different lighting conditions. At 191.5 grams (X1 Pro) and 192.5 grams (X1 ProMax), the drones remain under the 250-gram limit of EU drone regulations. The frame is made of a robust HEM material (Hyper-Elastic Material), which is designed to ensure high durability.
Autonomous flight functions and safety features
The maximum tracking speed of the drones is 42 km/h. Although this would not be enough for the high-speed descents in the Downhill World Cup or the Red Bull Hardline, it would certainly be enough for the vast majority of hobby bikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. The hover drone can also withstand wind speeds of up to five Beaufort or 40 km/h. The flight time is 16 minutes at a maximum altitude of 120 metres. With the Thermo Smart Battery, operations at temperatures down to -20°C are possible - important for winter sports enthusiasts. To avoid collisions, the X1 Pro has rear proximity sensors, while the X1 ProMax also has a computer vision sensor. According to the manufacturer, this enables safe flying over various terrains such as water, snow and cliffs.
Extended accessories for more control
As a new accessory, Zero Zero Robotics is presenting the Beacon - a module with a 1.78-inch OLED screen that serves as a real-time video display, one-hand control and signalling device for more precise tracking. The JoyStick elements can also be used to create a remote control for two-handed control. From April 2025, the Beacon and JoyStick will also be compatible with the predecessor model X1. The PowerCase acts as a protective cover and additional battery, which is intended to extend the flight time by 40 minutes.
Versatile application possibilities
The HOVERAir products are aimed at sports enthusiasts and content creators who want to realise spectacular aerial shots without complex controls. According to the manufacturer, the drones are the perfect companion for solo adventurers to document unique moments. More than 10 customisable flight modes can be used via the associated app. Wi-Fi 6 enables fast downloads of up to 1.2 Gbit/s.
Availability and prices
The Hover Air X1 Pro and X1 ProMax are now available in stores and via the manufacturer's website. The RRP for the X1 Pro is 549 euros, for the X1 ProMax 759 euros.
Technical specifications:
Hover Air X1 Pro:
- Camera: 4K resolution
- Weight: 191.5 g
- Flight time: 16 minutes
- Maximum flight altitude: 120 m
- Maximum tracking speed: 42 km/h
- Wind resistance: 5 Bft (up to 40 km/h)
- Operating temperature: down to -20°C
- Collision avoidance: rear proximity sensors
- RRP: 549 Euro
Hover Air X1 Pro Max:
- Camera: 8K resolution, 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 7-layer lens
- Weight: 192.5 g
- Flight time: 16 minutes
- Maximum flight altitude: 120 m
- Maximum tracking speed: 42 km/h
- Wind resistance: Level 5 (up to 40 km/h)
- Operating temperature: down to -20°C
- Collision avoidance: rear proximity sensors, computer vision sensor
- RRP: 759 Euro >> available here
Accessories:
- Beacon: 1.78-inch OLED screen, real-time video display, one-hand control
- JoyStick: Elements for two-handed remote control
- PowerCase: protective case and additional battery, extends flight time by 40 minutes
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
