DJI boosts Neo drone's speed for better tracking

In a recent firmware update, DJI has significantly improved the capabilities of its $199 Neo drone, particularly in response to user demand. Originally, the Neo drone was limited in its functionalities, notably lacking the ability to shoot vertical video and having a slower tracking speed compared to competitors like the $350 Hover X1. As the drone market increasingly caters to social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, the ability to capture vertical footage became crucial for influencers, making the absence of this feature a significant drawback for the Neo. With the latest update, however, DJI has addressed this issue by enabling vertical video recording, albeit limited to a 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, which still meets the basic requirements for social media content. Further enhancing the drone's utility, the firmware update also increased the tracking speed, allowing the Neo to keep pace with cyclists up to approximately 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour). This marks a significant improvement from its previous limitations, where the drone struggled to follow cyclists at speeds even as low as 13 miles per hour (21 kilometers per hour). The increase in speed is noteworthy, as it allows the Neo to operate faster in tracking mode than when controlled manually, potentially changing how users engage with the drone for dynamic shooting scenarios. Despite these advancements, there are still some limitations to consider with the Neo. The vertical video feature is restricted to the drone’s relatively lower-quality 1080p setting. Users seeking higher quality footage have to compromise as the drone does not support 4K recording in vertical mode. Additionally, users must update the DJI Fly app to access the new vertical video option in various flight modes; this can be particularly challenging for Android users, as the app has not been distributed via the Google Play Store for an extended period. Overall, these updates showcase DJI’s responsiveness to consumer needs and its commitment to enhancing the Neo's performance. By introducing both vertical video capabilities and significant tracking speed improvements, DJI positions the Neo drone as a more competitive option in the budget drone market, appealing both to casual users and content creators who require reliability and versatility in capturing moving subjects.