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DJI Releases The New $999 Air 2S Drone
Minor design and construction tweaks aside, there are 3 main upgrades that differentiate the DJI Air 2S from its predecessor, the Air 2.
The DJI Air 2 was one of the best drones released in 2020, offering everything most drone operators could ever want: a high-resolution camera, excellent battery life, tremendous range, and intelligent obstacle avoidance technology, just to name a few of its selling-points. Now, the Chinese drone powerhouse has released an updated version, calling it the DJI Air 2S.
Minor design and construction tweaks aside, there are three main upgrades that differentiate the DJI Air 2S from its predecessor:
- 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording 5.4K footage at 30 frames per second or 4K footage at 60 frames per second.
- Intelligent obstacle sensing in four directions that makes it possible for the drone to actively avoid obstacles in more complex scenarios and at high speeds.
- Advanced O3 (OcuSync 3.0) image transmission technology capable of delivering an ultra-smooth, clear, and reliable image feed at distances of up to 12 km.
These features alone make the DJI Air 2S a great all-rounder capable of recording professional-grade video footage, covering large distances, and providing aerial views, among other things.
Other noteworthy features include intelligent HDR technology capable of merging multiple shots, automatic hyperlapse and panorama creation, and MasterShots, an advanced intelligent feature that gives you the best shots in any location with just a tap.
Also Read: Sightec Completes First Drone Delivery Without GPS
The DJI Air 2S starts at $999, but the price jumps up to $1,299 if you purchase it two extra batteries, four ND filters, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag.
At this price point, it’s very difficult to find a more capable drone, especially if you’re a traveling videographer and want the best image quality in the smallest package. One possible alternative is the Skydio 2, a self-flying drone released in 2019 that records 4K footage at 60 FPS.
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Microsoft Invests $1.5 Billion In Abu Dhabi AI Tech Firm G42
The collaboration will promote and share the latest AI tech and skills initiatives worldwide and introduce an investment fund for developers.
Abu Dhabi AI and tech firm G42 have announced a partnership with Microsoft that will include a $1.5 billion investment. The huge cash injection will help the collaborating companies bring the latest Microsoft AI tech and skills initiatives to the UAE, as well as the wider Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Over time, G42 and Microsoft aim to empower nations and improve equity by allowing access to services that address vital government and business concerns while promoting the highest privacy and security standards.
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, explained: “Microsoft’s investment in G42 marks a pivotal moment in our company’s journey of growth and innovation, signifying a strategic alignment of vision and execution between the two organizations. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally”.
The partnership will support the creation of a skilled AI workforce and develop a talent pool to drive innovation and boost competitiveness in the UAE and beyond with a $1 billion investment fund for developers.
As part of the newly expanded partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join G42’s board of directors. In a recent statement, Smith said: “Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE, but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations [combining] world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, in close coordination with the governments of both the UAE and the United States”.
Also Read: Getting Started With Google Gemini: A Beginner’s Guide
As part of their regional plans, Microsoft and G42 have firmly committed to complying with US and international trade laws. They will also adhere to responsible AI and business integrity regulations governed by a detailed Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement (IGAA).
Peng Xiao, G42’s Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This partnership significantly enhances our international market presence, combining G42’s unique AI capabilities with Microsoft’s robust global infrastructure. Together, we are not only expanding our operational horizons but also setting new industry standards for innovation”.
The G42 and Microsoft collaboration has passed several significant milestones over the past twelve months. A joint plan to develop AI solutions for industry and the public sector and industry was unveiled in April 2023, and last September, Microsoft and G42 laid out plans to unlock the potential of the Azure public cloud platform. Finally, in November 2023, Microsoft added G42’s Jais Arabic Large Language Model to its Azure AI Cloud Model.