HEXO+ Flying Drone Automatically Follows and Films Users, Approaches $1 Million Mark on Kickstarter

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- On June 15, 2014 the team behind the new autonomous aerial camera, HEXO+, launched a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter with the goal of raising $50,000. Within 72 hours of the campaign's launch, HEXO+ had reached over $500,000 in funding from early adopters, GoPro owners, gadget collectors, extreme sports enthusiasts and others who think it's just plain cool.

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Users simply use the HEXO+ app on their smartphone — first, launch the drone and, as it hovers in a default position, users can frame themselves on a live video feed of what the camera actually sees in the smartphone. Once filming settings are selected, the drone will automatically take off, fly to its specified position and hover there until the subject starts moving – no pilot, no camera operator necessary.

HEXO+ knows where to go because it's backed by trajectory anticipation algorithms that process data from the sensors on the drone and a user's smartphone to predict the next, most likely position of the subject.

"You might think this is borderline magic, but it's actually all orchestrated by a smart and lean use of technology," says Antoine Level from HEXO+'s design team. "Our team has strong roots in critical aeronautic software development at Airbus and that made HEXO+ possible."

Once the campaign reached its initial $50,000 funding goal, creators behind the project announced two new stretch goals that were both quickly met. After the campaign reached $250,000 in funding, a live video feedback feature was added to the project and once $500,000 in funding was reached, the director's toolkit was added to the project. This toolkit includes an intuitive drag and drop editor of filming scenarios to program HEXO+ to perform crane, dolly, pan, revolving and many other shots in a set sequence. A new, mysterious stretch goal of $1,000,000 has been announced, but the new feature remains a secret until the project raises $1,000,000 in funding.

Those interested can pre-order HEXO+ today on Kickstarter at http://bit.ly/HEXOKS in exchange for a plethora of rewards – from the DIY Kit to Ready to Fly Kits that come equipped with a GoPro camera and exclusive trips with the HEXO+ team to skate, surf, snowboard or whatever backers choose, there are reward options for everyone.

Like HEXO+ on Facebook and follow HEXO+ on Twitter @hexopluslive to stay up to date with campaign updates, learn about contests and more.

ABOUT HEXO+

Founded in 2014, HEXO+ is transforming how people use drones in a safe and autonomous way, and the team behind the project has developed the first autonomous drone system with unrivalled filming ability, making it possible to film in the most remote locations around the world. The HEXO+ team consists of individuals with over 15 years of experience in their respective domains, from aeronautics software development to action-sports movie-making to drone building to startup management. To learn more, visit www.hexoplus.com.

Media Contact: Jessica Chesney, Command Partners, (845)821-3728, [email protected]

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SOURCE HEXO+