Tech – Parrot AR Drone 2.0

Now, generally speaking the word ‘Parrot’ does not inspire confidence in people. Parrots are for pirates and rainforests. They repeat things and bite David Attenborough (a case for extinction if ever there was one!). In essence they are nippy, thieving, unreliable recorders who say ‘aarrrgh’ a lot. Thus putting it in combination with Drone is a bit like naming a child Rambo Smallman. It does not make sense on so many levels.

Fortunately, there are several things that make up for it: the HD camera for starters, seated securely in a manner that allows this to perform flips – allowing for some very cool images to be taken. However, the really cool thing about this camera is that you can guide the drone from your smart phone or tablet. Even android users can get in on this which is quite an achievement from software whose mascot looks like a green recycling bin. The signal is then boosted by the drone being its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which is quite an intelligent innovation. The App you need for this will even let you stream games over the top of your live video feed. This is very cool, but can lead to friendship testing issues when challenge other AR Drones to an aerial dogfight. However, it is a superb device (despite the name) and will provide great fun. We thoroughly recommend it.

The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 costs £243 from amazon.co.uk . For more information visit ardrone2.parrot.com

By Edward Hambro Rabben