OK, guys, CES was over yesterday and I waited until now to post so I could get all info I could.
Last question first.
There are no plans to produce or pursue a foldable machine similar to several I saw at this show. There is a new platform in the works that they had as non-working prototypes on display. No release date is scheduled yet but they wanted to give a look at the direction their plans go. It is truly a sleek looking machine. There is a new "attachment" point that looks similar to an DSLR lens mount in place of the open gimbal we now have. Could there be a gimbal stick in the future? The new mount will certainly lend itself to that! I would not be surprised if that was out there somewhere!
First and second question: Hardware first. Yes, the current X-Star will continue to be supported with no "phase out" planned. They realize the numbers out here presently and will support it indefinitely. Two new camera devices were intro'd at this CES. One a new cam with a 1 inch sensor for greatly improved resolution and the second was a dual sensored FLIR camera that gives both the thermal image and the optical image. It works on the display screen much like the current camera view and map with one in the corner and one large image filling the rest of the screen. These will be swappable just like present map/image tap to swap.
One of my favorites is the new controller. Internal screen that folds up above the controls much like the present setup but is roughly the size of my iPad mini but is approximately 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick. The sticks fold to clear the screen for transport. It's the best controller format I've seen and I've flown the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro with its huge ST-16+ controller. This is worth the wait!
A multi-battery charging hub is coming! Use your present charger to charge up to four batteries at a time. It's just downright cute! I did NOT get a release date for it.
Ok, Software/firmware. It's scheduled to be released a bit later during the 1st quarter. They flew it at the show and it's great. I asked to see the slowest yaw and it is smooth and really slow! Exactly what has been asked for. The optical sensors are greatly improved to the point that at 15 to 18 feet inside with NO chance of GPS signal and total hands off the controller, it sat there without dancing an inch in any direction! Phenomenal! I watched several other large drone manufacturers reps Troy to do this same hover and they were without fail, doing a serious finger dance on the sticks to even come close to this stability! This was worth the somewhat frustrating wait! You will like it. It has taken a while for this to be released because it is an almost total rewrite/revision is the entire package.
I spent quite a bit of time kibitzing with the Autel staff and am totally impressed with their dedication and desire to support their users. I did NOT see this dedication to service from the other drone manufacturers. What a great bunch of guys and gals there. You can have confidence in support from them.
If I've left anything out or you have more questions, fire'em back and I'll try to answer if I have the info.
