Qualcomm, a company most known for building hardware chips, just showed off a prototype for a powerful drone. According to the company, the drone can capture 8K video at 30 FPS and supports 5G connectivity.
Engadget suggests the drone could end up being a part of Qualcomm’s Flight RB5 5G platform. The platform, based around the Snapdragon 865, uses the QRB5165 processor, Kryo 585 CPU and Adreno 650 GPU.
Qualcomm delivers high video shooting capabilities
Inside, the prototype houses a Qualcomm Spectra 480 Image Signal Processor, which can capture 8K video at 30 FPS and 4K at 120 FPS with support for HDR. It can also take 200-megapixel photos. On paper, the prototype has many high-end recording specs, so its technology would be more likely for professionals than standard consumers.
The drone supports 5G
Additionally, the prototype supports 5G connectivity, with mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands, and WiFi 6. According to Qualcomm, the drone is well equipped to handle drone-to-drone communication.
What the prototype could mean for the drone industry
Right now, the prototype of the drone is available for pre-order. You will have to drop a $1,000 deposit to reserve the drone, so it’ll be pricy to get your hands on the prototype.
According to Engadget, Qualcomm hopes this platform will allow them to develop drones much quicker with its current chips. The company is putting many resources into building its drone platform, so this could be a solid base design to make future drones off. Overall, it’s a test for Qualcomm that could result in some pretty impressive projects in the future.
