DJI updates its drone software
DJI has announced it is updating its software from September 7 available for the Phantom 3 and Inspire 1. The update will include: waypoints, where the drone flies automatically to a series of set waypoints at a customisable speed; point of interest, where the drone will circle a specified point for filming; follow me mode, where the drone will follow a beacon signal emitted by a smartphone; course lock, where the controls are relative to the user and not the drone; and home lock, where the orientation of the drone is locked relative to the person controlling it, improving control at greater distances. 
DJI pleased Phantom owners recently when it announced that much-needed autopilot features would be coming to its most popular series of quadcopters, and the Inspire 1. Today, we learn when (September 7th) and how (via a good ole' firmware update). The new flight features include Waypoints (map out a path in advance, and the quad will follow it), Point of Interest (the quad flies around a set object with the camera remaining fixed on it) and Follow Me (you can guess what that does -- only coming to Phantom 3, not Inspire 1). There are also two features specific for the Phantom 3 Standard which make it easier to fly the quadcopter back to you should you lose your orientation -- these are already available on DJI's other craft. Finally, Phantom 3 Advance owners get a nice bonus, with the addition of a 2.7K (2704x1520) camera recording option -- a solid bump up from 1080p.

DJI may be the dominant name in consumer-friendly quadcopters (we loved its Phantom 3 Professional ), but it's facing more competition for that top spot than ever before . DJI's weakest area with the Phantom line was its autopilot features, or lack of, that many rival craft came with as standard (and some even made their main selling point ). Advanced flight modes have been available in the company's higher end craft, or as a pricey after-market upgrade for the older Phantoms for a while, but only those without a built-in camera. For many, me included, it was always a glaring hole in the spec-sheet, one we're glad to see finally getting plugged. Below is our Phantom 3 footage without autopilot, so we're looking forward to testing out the new features when they land.