HOVERAir X1 Review

Drones, like smartphones, have come a long way since their inception, and the new  HOVERAir X1  is no exception. The HOVERAir X1 is a compact “pocket-sized” drone (dimensions: 127 x 86 x 31 mm) that is not only easy to use, but also perfect for selfies, 4K multi-shots (4:3 @ 12MP), and even tracking subjects to create your own Hollywood-style 2.7K movies thanks to its tilting camera’s AI capabilities. It also comes with 32GB of built-in storage for all your video (including audio) and photo shooting needs, which you can control directly on the drone with or without the free Hover X1 app.

The only minor downside to this drone, given its size, is that it doesn’t have GPS (not that it’s necessary), and the battery life is limited, which is rated at 11 minutes, but only lasts about 10 minutes, and there’s no collision detection, so be aware that some areas are not suitable for flying.

In Australia, you can buy the HoverAir X1 pocket self-flying camera drone in a kit from stores such as JB Hi-Fi for AUD$649 (July 2024) in black (reviewed) and white. The kit includes the HOVERAir X1, two batteries, a dual-slot battery charger, USB-C cable and a drawstring storage bag. While you can buy the drone without the kit, I highly recommend the kit as it provides two batteries for a total flight time of over 20 minutes.

HOVERAir X1 Specifications

• Video resolution (MP4): 2.7K 30fps / 1080P 60fps / 1080P HDR 30fps
• Photo resolution (JPEG): 4000 x 3000 pixels
• Memory: Built-in 32Gb storage space
• Props: 2 inches
• Battery: 1050 mAh (2S)
• Speed: 7 m/s (15.5 mph)
• Mode: Hover / Zoom Out / Follow / Orbit / Bird’s Eye View / Mobile Tracking / Snapshot / Manual
• – Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz)
• Dimensions: 127 x 86 x 31 mm (folded)

Initial thoughts?

The HOVERAir is well packaged, and the most striking thing about it is its size. The X1 is a very compact drone, and I love that the HOVERAir folds up for easy portability, and it can literally fit in a pocket. Even the propellers are already attached to the drone and protected by a cover, which makes it very durable. I broke a drone once during testing (my fault), but thankfully, the HOVERAir X1 is fine.

The X1 has a tiltable (gimbaled) camera on the front, and a physical controller on top of the drone. All in all, it’s a well-designed, compact drone that weighs just 125 grams, making it very light. As Muhammad Ali, one of the world’s greatest boxers, once said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The HOVERAir X1 is indeed like that: it floats like a butterfly, but it does sting like a bee, albeit in a great way, and its propellers are very quiet.

Charging the drone can be done by connecting the included USB-C into the unit or placing the batteries in the separate USB charger. To transfer your photos from the drone to your phone, you can download them directly via the app or use the USB-C cable to connect to your computer.

Unboxing Gallery

           

Gallery

   
#: HOVERAir strongly recommend that you don’t fly the X1 near water.

Setting up the Drone is an easy process that is done by downloading the Hover X1 app (Android, iOS) which then takes you through the pairing process, including a handy tutorial plus 7 steps to follow. Before you can fly the drone, you need to follow all 7 steps which only takes a few minutes to do. The app is set out well and easily allows you to access the settings of the drone (e.g. height), including tweaking it to your own needs and of course live view for manual control.

Once the HOVERAir X1 is fully charged (plus the latest firmware has been downloaded), you’re ready to get some flight time up by holding down the power button on the drone and like a superhero (by pushing the power button for a few seconds again), it takes off (and lands) in the palm of your hand. The reason for this is that the drone needs to see your face in order for it to follow you and your instructions. Very cool indeed.

HOVERAir X1 app Setup & Interface

  
  
  
  
  
  

HOVERAir X1 Features

• Your Personal Photographer That Takes Flight
  This revolutionary device combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek, lightweight design, making it the perfect companion to capture all special moments of you and your beloved.
• Multiple Intelligent Flight Paths
  By selecting a mode and pressing a button, X1 will take off and fly by itself. You can capture the moment while staying in the moment. Have fun playing the lead in your own video!
• Hover: Hover mode frames the user from a static position, prefer for hand free selfies or group photos.
• Follow: Harnessing advanced tracking algorithms and a following speed of up to 25km/h, with follow mode, the HOVERAir X1 becomes your intuitive cameraman, seamlessly tracking your every move.
• Orbit: Orbit mode orbits steadily around the user, ideal for showcasing a location or object like your new home, car, or even a new puppy!
• Zoom out: Zoom Out mode gradually includes more of the surrounding for dramatic effect, ideal for capturing the vibe of parties, camping, or backyard barbecues.
• Bird Eye: Bird’s Eye mode captures overhead views with just one click, giving you a unique overview.
• 3-second Palm Takeoff
• Operating the HOVERAir X1 self-flying camera is simple and user-friendly. lt takes off from your palm with one click, making it easy for everyone!
• Amazing Shooting
  The triple stabilization system ensures smooth video effects and excellent fast motion capturing capability, easily recording beautiful moments during hikes or journeys.
• Portability Redefined
  Weighing a mere 125g (4.41oz), lighter than an iPhone and exempt from the hassle of drone registration.
• Smart App Control
  With the HOVERAir App, you can easily customize a wide range of settings, from flight height and distance to vertical shooting, as well as resolution. You can also wirelessly download the videos you’ve shot — both simple and fast! Moreover, our global user community is available within the app, where you can post and celebrate the wonderful moments!

If you are not controlling the drone by the app, by pushing the mode button on the drone, it allows you to cycle through the different modes (Hover, Follow, Orbit, Zoom Out, Bird’s Eye) with the X1 even informing you with a voice of what mode has been selected.

The technology used by the drone is impressive and it does an excellent job of tracking you and of course taking photos/videos. My daughter loved being “chased” by the drone as it sped up and slowed down to match her speed. When you are finished, you simply hold out your palm and like something out of DC or Marvel Comics, the drone will land on your hand. Besides the different modes, there is a manual mode that is controlled via the phone app and you need to use the touch screen on your phone.

     
The HOVERAir X1 is a super stable drone

One impressive feature of the HOVERAir X1 is the use of gesture controls which makes video a much more fluid experience. To land, you cross your hands above your head; to zoom out, you wave both your hands twice; to orbit and depending on which way, you wave your hand right or left; for bird’s eye view, you raise both your hands. Very cool indeed and it’s like drone sign language.

The quality of the photos and videos is decent, particularly in good lighting and is probably on par with a midrange smartphone. When you are taking selfie photos, this is also where the AI magic comes into play because in snapshot mode, it waits until you are not moving for 3-seconds before it takes a photo. The LED on the drone also lets you know what it is doing such as red for filming or photos.

It also employs a 2-axis gimbal (tilt axis) and Electronic Image Stabilization to help with your photography but just be warned that very windy conditions will affect this feature. The drone has a wind resistance rating of 17.7mph or 28.4kpm with a maximum transmission range of 30 metres and an altitude of 15 metres which is no small feat for this little powerhouse. As mentioned, the drone doesn’t have collision detection, so you do need to be wary in some places.

HOVERAir X1 Video Sample

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Final Thoughts?

The HOVERAir X1 is a very smart drone that successfully incorporates artificial intelligence into its design. Best of all, thanks to its multiple operating modes and gesture control, this drone can be used without a smartphone. What’s more, it flies very well, and being able to follow your subject is a very fun feature, and paired with the high-quality camera, both photos and videos are excellent. Although it doesn’t have a memory card option, the 32GB storage space is more than enough, especially if flight time is limited, and you can easily transfer photos and videos to your phone or computer. All in all, the HOVERAir X1 is a fun and very smart drone, and it is a drone that truly flies autonomously, without the need for complicated manual navigation.

Excellent!