HoverAirs ingenious self-flying drone can transform into a pocket gimbal camera and unlike DJI, it just got FCC approval

Date:
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:30:13 +0000

Description:
HoverAir, makers of the original self-flying drone, have launched Versa on Indiegogo, and it's set for US availability. It's 3-axis gimbal camera shoots 4K 60p video with up to 17.5EV dynamic range

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Versa is the world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone It launched on Indiegogo on August 18, with prices starting at $499 HoverAir says Versa has FCC approval, so should be available in the US DJI dominates the drone space, leaving precious little room for others. However, HoverAir has repeatedly given the market a crack, innovating in gaps left by the leading drone maker.

First we had the X1 , the first self-flying drone that took off from the palm of your hand for easy aerial 4K selfies, which was followed up by HoverAir's X1 Pro with beefier 8K video. DJI acted swiftly, answering with the Neo (and consequently Neo 2 ), which cost much less than HoverAir's, too. Then there was HoverAir's Aqua , the world's first waterproof drone, which remains
unique today. Now, we have the new Versa the first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone making a trio of firsts. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Versa looks like HoverAir's previous X1 series efforts, only its wings can be removed in a simple motion, leaving the drone body as a DJI Pocket-like
pocket gimbal camera. Drones and gimbal cameras are two popular camera categories, yet Versa can be both of those things.

It seems like an obvious move when you think about it. After all, both camera types feature a camera unit supported with a 3-axis gimbal. Can the Versa genuinely serve both jobs? We will find out very soon once our Versa review sample lands. You may like HoverAir Aqua review: a groundbreaking waterproof self-flying drone Exclusive: Zero Zero Robotics CEO on inventing the world's first waterproof drone DJI Pocket 4P fully revealed here are 3 ways it beats the Pocket 4 and Insta360 Luna Ultra

HoverAir has, it seems, another advantage over DJI, saying it's new Versa has FCC certification. This means Versa can go on sale in the US, meanwhile DJI
is still banned from selling its new products in the US.

There could be light at the end of the US ban tunnel for DJI, mind you, with recent news that a judge is set to review evidence that has categorized DJI
as a Chinese military company . It's a decision that DJI described as 'a significant step toward correcting an unjustified designation'. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

For now, however, DJI's US ban remains, and it's a huge headache for the leading drone maker that was just compounded by fresh competition, especially with its access to the US. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) Image 1 of 5 View Original Image 2 of 5 View Original Image 3 of 5 View Original Image 4 of 5 View Original Image 5 of 5 View Original
The lowdown on the Versa We learnt more about the Versa when HoverAir
launched the product on Indiegogo on August 18 , and it will make its public debut at IFA, which takes place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-8, 2026.

The self-flying camera shoots 4K video up to 60fps onto a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K HDR video up to 30fps with 10-bit color depth and up to 17.5EV dyanmic range, plus 12MP photos (there's no mention of RAW format). What to read next Insta360 Luna Ultra vs DJI Pocket 4: I've tested both, here are my first impressions The DJI Pocket 4P is getting a 'remarkably similar' US
alternative soon Today's best drones, based on in-depth testing

It features a host of flight modes that simplify aerial selfies, including palm take-off and landing, AI subject tracking, auto framing, bird's eye flight move, plus voice and gesture commands.

It can pair with your phone or HoverAir's Beacon device (debuted with the Aqua) for clear audio, and has a maximum 14 minute flight time (realistically it will be less than that), with flight speeds up to 36km/h and a solid Level 5 wind resistance.

The drone-cum-pocket camera weighs 230g, placing it in the restriction-free category of beginner drones, or just 163g with its propellor guards removed when in use as a pocket gimbal camera.

In the hand, the Versa features a DJI Pocket-like rotating OLED haptic
screen, which measures 1.64-inches on the diagonal and has an 800-bit brightness.

Overall, those look like a solid set of features for what could be a game-changing 2-in-1 camera. Where HoverAir struggles to compete with DJI, however, is on price.

According to the Versa's Indiegogo page, it will cost $499 for the Versa
only, $887 for the Fly More Combo which presumably will include additional batteries and a charging dock, or $1,270 for the Creator Combo. For the next 24 hours, those prices are slashed for early backers, who do so at their own risk (HoverAir is a reputable drone maker I must say, though if you're in the US it could still be worth approaching with caution).

HoverAir has shared a product promotional video on its YouTube , below. What are your first impressions of the HoverAir Versa? Let me know in the comments below. HOVERAir VERSA | This Pocket Camera Can Fly - YouTube Watch On Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best drone deals HoverAir
X1 273.61 View See all prices voucher gift DJI Neo 2 3 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/hoverairs-ingenious-self-flying-drone -can-transform-into-a-pocket-gimbal-camera-and-unlike-dji-it-just-got-fcc-appr oval


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