The Lily Drone Is Back?
Remember Lily? The cutesy, waterproof, tracking drone? It was a hugely popular crowd-funded project, but the company folded in January. Online, people voiced lament, concern whether they’d get refunds, anger that the video portraying the product included footage taken by a DJI, and sadness that this cool drone would never make it to the market.
People in the know suggested the Lily campaign founders were truly crushed at having to end the project, and committed to getting refunds back to as many customers as possible. The world moved along, and we all assumed we’d never see a Lily camera again. But now we DO – and it’s a new and improved model called the Lily-Next-Gen, according to the website. Here it is, with folding metal arms:
How is it possible that Lily is back? Well, a quick look through the FAQ provides an answer:
“The original Lily was a crowdfunding project that unfortunately it did not succeed. Mota Group acquired assets of Lily and created this drone based on the very same basis Lily was on: Simplicity, Function, and Making a Difference. We also improved the functions significantly. We are just getting started!”
What is Mota Group?
“Mota Group is a American company headquarter’ed (sic) in San Jose, California. We have been in business since 2003 (way before even big players such as DJI) and have solid foundation of drones and robotics industry. This allows us to fully integrate latest and safest technology into the product and provide a product that industry can count on.”
There are a few pictures of the drone, and one can’t help but be reminded of the Mavic Pro in the overhead shot.
As for “New and Improved” – the company has published a spec sheet that compares the old model with the Next-Gen. The biggest changes appear to be the geofence software, folding arms, and 4K camera – along with some ‘intelligent’ features:
And, just like before, you can order it again. The retail price will by $799, including two batteries (18 mins per flight), rapid charger, and a carrying case. The site also says that for the next few days only you can order the Lily for $499 USD and it will ship within 30 days world-wide.
The original Lily campaign featured a video of the craft auto-starting when being tossed, landing on and taking off from water, and tracking a subject. Much of the the video work that appeared to be Lily’s had actually been captured by a DJI.
The new campaign, as least as far as we can see, does not yet have a video.
