When Paris, France-based Parrot launched its AR.Drone helicopter at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, it created quite a stir. Here was a quadricopter that could be controlled by an iPhone and was outfitted with a video camera that could be used to do some neighborly surveillance:
- Camera – The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 ($300) is equipped with a 720p HD camera that can live stream what it sees to your mobile device. You can take videos or pictures and have them instantly sent to your smartphone or tablet with low latency streaming.
- Mobile control – Parrot offers a mobile application, AR.FreeFlight, that is used to fly and pilot the Parrot AR.Drone. Director Mode allows you to program the quadricopter for automatic movements so that you can shoot better videos. You can also utilize the Flight Recorder GPS to improve the stabilization of the Parrot AR.Drone and to view your flights in 3D.
It was only a matter of time for military-like drone functionality to enter the consumer market. And now that technology is available at your local Brookstone.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
