Using an iPhone & iPad in Thailand Tips, App Reviews and News for the iPhone and iPad by Richard Barrow

AR Drone Quadricopter in Thailand

One of the coolest accessories for the iPhone and iPad this year is this remote controlled AR Drone helicopter. AR.Drone generates its own Wi-Fi network to which you connect your iPod touch or iPhone to control.

"The AR.Drone remote-control quadricopter is a groundbreaking device combining the best of many worlds, including modelling, video gaming, and augmented reality. The AR.Drone is remote-controlled by an iPhone and features a number of sensors, including a front camera, vertical camera, and an ultrasound altimeter. The AR.Drone can also be used in video games, such as AR.FlyingAce, a dogfight between two AR.Drones." [Product page on Amazon.com]

I first saw some reviews and videos of the AR Drone a few months back and I must say I was impressed. I was really tempted to buy one as the price wasn't too expensive. At Amazon.com they are selling at $299. Yesterday I was shopping at Paradise Park on Srinakarin road when I saw a large display for these drones. Surprisingly the Parrot AR Drone is now officially being sold in Thailand. This is the shop assistant giving me a demonstration. Unlike normal remote controlls you can tilt your iPhone to make the drone move to the left or right.  The kit comes with two sets of wings. These ones are for inside to protect the blades. The price in Thailand is 12,990 baht ($430). This is more expensive than America which is 9,014 baht but cheaper than the UK which is 14,004 baht. Of course you have to pay shipping and possibly customs on top of these prices.

You can use the AR Drone by yourself or you can team up with a friend to play augmented reality games. There are already half a dozen apps in iTunes specifically for the AR Drone. As well as games there is a flight recorder app which you can use to record a video of your flight from one of the onboard cameras. It does sound like a lot of fun but at the same time I keep thinking it might be a five minute wonder. It all depends on where it goes next. At the moment the quality of the video is not that great . The battery length of only 15 minutes is also a concern. It then takes 90 minutes to fully charge it. A spare batter costs 1,790 baht. At the moment they don't have any other accessories in Thailand which might be a problem if you crash it and one of the blades break.

The AR Drone is being sold in Thailand at .LIFE which is on the 2nd floor of Paradise Park on Srinakarin Road. It was launched a couple of weeks ago and they have already sold ten units.  I am told that they are also selling it at iStudio in Bangkok at Central World Plaza and Gaysorn Plaza. If you have bought one then please let us know all about it.