DJI has announced the global release of its Neo 2 selfie drone, which was initially launched exclusively in China last month. The drone will now also be available in countries including Japan, Canada, and the UK; however, it will not be sold in the United States. A DJI spokesperson mentioned that the company remains committed to the U.S. market but has had to adjust its market strategies due to evolving local conditions.
The Neo 2 features several upgrades, including a lidar-based obstacle avoidance system that helps to prevent crashes, improved following speeds of nearly 27 mph, enhanced wind resistance, and a gesture control system for adjusting the drone’s position without a remote control. An optional antenna can be added for pilots who prefer using a controller, but the drone can operate autonomously without it. The drone weighs 151 grams and has a flight time of up to 19 minutes.
In terms of pricing, the Neo 2 starts at 1,499 Chinese yuan, approximately $211. Although there is no official pricing for the U.S. market, it is listed at $229 in Canadian dollars without tax. In Europe, the drone will retail for €239 in the Eurozone and £209 in the UK, both including taxes. Japanese pricing starts at ¥38,390, which is around $248.
Some U.S. retailers may sell the Neo 2, similar to the situation with the Mavic 4 Pro, but DJI has not confirmed if it will honor warranties for purchases made through these outlets. For warranty issues, customers are advised to contact DJI Support to check if their case qualifies for repair.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/819109/dji-neo-2-selfie-drone-global-launch