Best drones for under $300

You don’t need to break the bank to buy a fun, reliable drone.

If you’re looking to buy your first drone, whether for racing or just for the fun of it, searching for the top-rated drones might result in sticker shock. Sure, the DJI Inspire 1 looks AMAZING, but at nearly $3,000, it’s not worth the investment if you’re a novice hobbyist.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a drone that’s easy enough to fly to get a handle on everything but also tough enough to survive a crash caused by human error or technical malfunction. Fortunately, there are a number of great drone options out there for under $300. They often include cameras (of lesser-quality, of course) and first-person view (FPV) flying options, as well as bumpers to protect the blades and hardware while you’re still learning the basics. Then, once you’re confident in your skills as a drone pilot, you can decide whether to upgrade to a more expensive, professional drone.

Two of these drones fall below the FAA requirements for registration, which only costs $5 per aircraft and will save you from dealing with fines (or worse) if the authorities catch you flying an unregistered drone.

• DBPOWER Hawkeye III
• Microdrone 3.0
• Syma X8G
• Walkera Runner 250
• Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition
• LaTrax Alias Quadcopter

DBPOWER Hawkeye III

The Hawkeye II features all the bells and whistles you’d want from your first drone, in a slick package. It has a headless control feature, which just means that it’s easy to maintain control, regardless of where the “front” is facing.

Once you’ve got the basics down, this is just a downright fun drone to fly. It’s got stunt buttons built in to the controller, so you’re able to pull off awesome flips at the press of a button. Its bigger size means it handles well, even on windy days. You also have the option to use FPV through a smartphone app using a VR headset (not included), but, given the camera quality, you’re probably not going to feel comfortable flying it in first-person. Also, keep in mind that using the camera will cut into the overall flight time, since it drains the battery.

One thing to consider about this drone is the color. It sure looks sharp in all-white, but if you’re flying it high in the sky on a cloudy day, you might find yourself losing visual contact with it.

See at Amazon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 13.2″ x 13.2″ x 7.3″
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Camera: Yes (1MP, 720p)
• Average flight time: 10 minutes (without camera)
• FAA registration required?: Yes

Microdrone 3.0

This drone raised over $3 million on IndieGoGo and, like the name suggests, is the smallest drone on this list, but don’t let its small size fool you. This is a fully-capable drone with a ton of features jam-packed into a small, minimalist package.

Included in the full set combo, available on the Microdrone website, you get the drone, a 2.4 GHz handset, propeller guards, four replacement blades, four blades for inverted flying, the Wi-Fi Camera module, a smartphone holder that attaches to the handset, as well as a VR headset that holds most smartphones for FPV flying. Basically, it’s everything you need to get started.

It’s a capable flyer with three control modes (slow, fast, and insane), as well as a toggle switch for stunt mode, which lets you perform impressive flips and rolls. The camera literally snaps on in a second thanks to proprietary magnets that also deliver power to the camera. Connect your phone to the camera’s Wi-Fi and control and record video through the Microdrone app.

Note that the folks behind the Microdrone are still working to fulfill their crowdfunding backers first, so you’ll probably end up having to wait some time before it arrives.

See at Microdrone.co.uk

Specs:

• Dimensions: 5.7″ x 5.7″ x 1.9″
• Weight: .12 lbs (56 g) without camera, .16 lbs (71 g) with camera
• Camera: Yes — removable, shoots 720 x 1080 HD at 30 FPS
• Average flight time: 10 minutes (without camera)
• FAA registration required?: No

Syma X8G

This is another great option for beginners. It flies well right out of the box with a gradual learning curve and a build that’s reportedly strong enough to survive multiple crashes into trees. It’s also the biggest drone on the list and comes with the best camera with the ability to swap in a GoPro.

You’ll get up to eight minutes of flight time on a full battery charge, but you’ll want to invest in multiple batteries because it takes up to 3 hours to charge the 2000mAh battery, which is by far the biggest drawback for this drone. Otherwise, given the build, size, and price, this is a fantastic option for a novice drone pilot or someone looking to get sweet aerial shots on the cheap.

See at Amazon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 19.7″ x 19.7″ x 7.5″
• Weight: 3.4 lbs
• Camera: Yes — removable, 8 MP, 120p and 1080p video quality. Also compatible with GoPro cameras
• Average flight time: 5-8 minutes
• FAA registration required?: Yes

Walkera Runner 250

If you’re interested in the emerging world of drone racing, this would be the drone to start with — but it’s not recommended for beginners. Made from lightweight carbon fiber, it’s built to take a licking and keep on ticking. It doesn’t look as pretty as the other drones on this list, but again, this one is built for speed over style and sure delivers on that front.

The Runner 250 is capable of going extremely fast — up to 24 miles per hour — while still offering good control with up to 1000 meters of range. Flying at those speeds, you’ll want to make sure the battery is well secured, as it’s been reported to come loose and cut power to the camera after major crashes. Everything comes assembled in the box, along with a tool set for making repairs as needed. Happy racing!

See at Amazon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 18.5″ x 11.3″ x 5.2″
• Weight: 1.1 lbs
• Camera: Yes (800TVL built-in)
• Average flight time: 12-15 minutes
• FAA registration required?: Yes

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition

Parrot is a trusted name in drones, and the AR 2.0 is a fantastic entry point for someone interested in the hobby.

Unlike other drones on this list, this one is controlled strictly via a Wi-Fi connection with your smartphone; no handset is included. Simply download the Parrot control app to your phone and you’re able to control and record video in 720p. There’s also an optional Director Mode available for purchase within the app that allows you to set up cinematic shots if you fancy yourself an amateur filmmaker. There’s even a USB plug in the base of the drone so you can record video straight to a removable drive.

The built-in sensors and navigation system allow the AR 2.0 to maintain stability, even in winds gusting up to 15 miles per hour, so you shouldn’t lose control of your drone on a windy day. Even if you do, simply attach the foam blade protectors to help take the brunt of any crashes. Oh, and the Elite Edition means it comes styled in your choice of camo: jungle, desert, or snow.

See at Amazon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 23″ x 23″ x 5″
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Camera: Yes — 720p HD video
• Average flight time: 11 minutes
• FAA registration required?:

LaTrax Alias Quadcopter

This one is a fine option for beginners and experts alike. Built with a solid, molded composite frame, this thing is both rugged and extremely lightweight.

Including a 2.4 GHz handset for controls, this thing is built for speed and stunting. There’s no camera or options, so if that’s an important feature for you, you’ll have to look elsewhere. It does come with multiple flying modes, from easy mode that keeps the speed in check, to a full manual mode that puts you in full control of stabilization and everything.

While the LaTrax Alias lacks features found in other options on this list, the build design and price make this a great option for someone looking for something fast, cheap, and fun to fly.

See at Amazon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ x 1.6″
• Weight: .22 lbs (100g)
• Camera: No
• Average flight time: 10 minutes
• FAA registration required?: No

What did we miss?

Are you a drone enthusiast? Got any experience with the drones we’ve listed here? Got a suggestion for one that we missed? Leave a comment below and let us know!

This is why you need a 360-degree camera

Getting four generations of family together for Mother’s Day is the perfect time to break out the 360-degree camera.

I have a big family, with a good number of us all living in the same town. Four generations of us in Pensacola, in fact. My grandparents. My parents. My in-laws. Myself and one of my two brothers. My two kids. Three dogs. And while we see each other throughout the week, we generally get together for lunch most Sundays. (Yes, it’s also like herding cats. Every. Single. Week. But that’s part of the fun of it all.)

This past Sunday was a little different. It was Mother’s Day. And while I’m generally not all that sentimental for made-up holidays (and nothing will make you wish you were better to your mom than becoming a parent), there’s something especially great about having three generations of moms around one table.

So, out came the 360-degree camera.

For all of the crap that Facebook spews, one of its redeeming qualities is the ability to give families an easy way to keep up with each other. And 360-degree cameras make it easy to keep up with what everyone is doing at a given time, all at once. So my grandparents’ other kids can see their brother and their parents together, around the rest of us. My mom’s siblings and far-away friends get to see what her kids look like, all in the same place. My friends get to see that my father no longer has the lone sweet beard in the family. My in-laws’ friends get to see the crazy family they hang out with.

Prices will fall. Quality will improve. And sharing will get easier.

The 360-degree camera sees it all, and it sees it all at once.

We’re just getting started with this stuff, of course. The first personal 360-degree cameras are only now becoming available. (I’m using the LG 360 CAM, still.) Prices will fall. Quality will improve. And sharing 360-degree video and pictures will get even easier. (Facebook and YouTube are great for video; Flickr is best for photos.)

This is one of those areas in which the possibilities are endless. Meetings. Family-get-togethers. Security and accountability. (A 360-degree camera mounted on top of emergency vehicles, instead of forward-facing dashcams, could change a lot of things.) Vloggers who chronicle their days are going to be all over these things. Google’s basically going to turn everyone into a Street View car. (I’ve been uploading 360-degree shots all over town.)

Being able to see everything can be distracting. It is, perhaps, not as artistic.

These new “see everything” cameras can’t and shouldn’t take the place of traditional photography and videography, of course. Being able to see everything can be distracting. It is, perhaps, not as artistic. Not as mysterious. And perhaps the supper table isn’t the most elegant of places to see everything. (Especially while eating corn.)

But there certainly are times when you want to be able to capture all angles of what’s going on around you. When the family comes together, especially. And don’t just wait for Mother’s Day to make it happen.

Pick up a Vena case for your Galaxy S7, S7 edge or LG G5 for as little as $2 at Amazon with coupon

If you are looking for a new case for your Galaxy S7, S7 edge or LG G5, you won’t want to miss this deal from SFPlanet on Amazon. Whether you are looking for something slim and clear or protective and colorful, there are tons of choices available here. You don’t need to break the bank to keep your new phone safe from scratches and dings.

When making your selection, be sure to pick SFPlanet as the seller, and not SFPlanet fulfilled through Amazon. If you select the fulfillment through Amazon, the coupons may not work, and you won’t get the free shipping.

LG G5

• Retain (Clear case) – $1.99 with code VENOFF06
• vAllure in Navy Blue/Gold – $3.99 with code VENOFF09
• vAllure in Coral Pink/Gold – $3.99 with code VENOFF09

Samsung Galaxy S7:

• Retain (Clear case) – $1.99 with code VENOFF06
• iSlide in Coral Red/Champagne Gold – $2.99 with code VENOFF08
• iSlide in Lavender/Champagne Gold – $2.99 with code VENOFF08
• vAllure in Navy Blue/Gold – $3.99 with code VENOFF09
• vAllure in Coral Pink/Gold – $3.99 with code VENOFF09
• vArmor in Black/Black – $4.99 with code VENOFF10
• vCommute in Space Gray/Black – $5.99 with code VENOFF09
• vCommute in Rose Gold/Black – $5.99 with code VENOFF09

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge:

• Retain (Clear case) – $1.99 with code VENOFF06
• iSlide in Teal/Champagne Gold – $2.99 with code VENOFF08
• iSlide in Lavender/Champagne Gold – $2.99 with code VENOFF08
• vAllure in Navy Blue/Gold – $3.99 with code VENOFF09
• vAllure in Coral Pink/Gold: $3.99 with code VENOFF09
• vArmor in Black/Black – $4.99 with code VENOFF10
• vCommute in Space Gray/Black – $5.99 with code VENOFF09
• vCommute in Rose Gold/Black – $5.99 with code VENOFF09

If you are interested in any of these cases, you will want to act quickly. We don’t know how long this deal will last, but if previous sales are any indication, it won’t be long. Remember, select SFPlanet as the seller so you can use the coupons, and not SFPlanet with fulfillment through Amazon.

AppStretch allows developers to use crowd funding to add features to apps

AdDuplex has announced the launch of AppStretch, a new service for app developers to help them add features via crowd funding. The service supports the iOS and Mac App Store, the Google Play Store and the Windows Store.

AdDuplex says:

Developers direct their loyal fans to AppStretch to provide ideas for the features they’d like to see in the future versions and vote by pledging support with either money or promotion via their social networks accounts. Based on these feature requests, or their own ideas, developers can launch crowdfunding campaigns to collect support for the implementation and derisk their time investment.

Support for other app stores will be added to AppStretch in the future.

Sign up to use AppStretch

Facebook’s Moments arrives in the EU and Canada, but without facial recognition

Facebook has launched its Moments photo-sharing app in the EU and Canada, though with a notable change from the version available to the rest of the world. The Moments app for these countries lacks the facial recognition feature found in the app in the rest of the world, which Moments uses to suggest which friends you should share photos with.

However, while this does make the app less intuitive, Facebook has come up with a partial solution, according to TechCrunch:

Explains Facebook, this modified version of the app doesn’t use facial recognition technology, but rather groups together multiple photos that “appear to include the same face.” To make this determination, Facebook says it instead uses a form of object recognition, which is based on features like the distance between a person’s eyes and their ears.

Aside from facial recognition, Moments uses date, time, and location to figure out who you should send photos to, so the removal of facial recognition doesn’t hamstring the app. You should be able to find the latest version of Moments in the Google Play Store in your country now.

Best external battery packs for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

Give your GS7 and GS7 edge a second life with a battery pack.

I know, camping is supposed to be a way to get away from society for a while. But some of us just can’t fall asleep without crushing some candy before beddy-byes. If you’re going to be on the go for a day or two and simply don’t have any time to waste near a wall socket, then you should consider an external battery pack or power bank.

They’re entirely portable, relatively inexpensive, and could keep your phone going when you need it most.

We’ve rounded up the best battery packs for your Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge — and for your lifestyle.

• Aukey Portable Power Bank
• EasyAcc Monster
• KMASHI
• Samsung Fast Charge Battery Pack (5,200 mAh)
• Unifun 10,400 mAh Waterproof Power Bank

Aukey Portable Power Bank (10,400 mAh)

The Aukey Portable Power Bank will charge your Galaxy S7 twice over with a little bit of gas left in the tank, just in case. It offers over-current and short circuit protection, and it won’t overheat or become overcharged itself.

As a portable bank, it’s a little on the thick side, at nearly two inches, but it is relatively inexpensive, often starting around $20.

This one’s for those of you who just want a basic fast-charing battery pack and only need it for a day at a time. If you’re having to go days without seeing a wall socket, then you’ll want to consider one of the bigger battery packs below.

See at Amazon

EasyAcc Monster (20,000 mAh)

Charge your Galaxy S7 and up to three other devices at the same time with the EasyAcc Monster. They’re not kidding about the name. This baby has enough juice to charge your GS7 around six times over, which makes it great if you’re headed out of town for a few days and aren’t sure if you’ll see a wall socket any time soon.

It’s got a built-in flashlight and can auto-detect components and adjust the maximum output accordingly, which makes it great if you’ve got multiple devices on the go. Does the whole family have Galaxy S7s? Charge them all at the same time.

No need to worry about overcharging and shorting, since the EasyAcc has a built-in surge protector, which is ideal since you’ll have to wait 6 hours for this one to charge fully.

See at Amazon

KMASHI (20,000 mAh)

KMASHI’s external battery bank can charge two devices simultaneously, making this ideal for anyone who’s carrying around the Galaxy S7 and tablet (because if both die on you, that’s one long bus ride home from work or school). It’s got one regular USB charging port, and another Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 port.

At 20,000 mAh, this bank has enough juice to charge your Galaxy S7 around 6 times, so you could go for days without seeing a wall socket and be just fine.

This battery pack comes with a flashlight for emergency situations and offers a sleek, somewhat rugged design, which means you can take it more or less anywhere with you. Size-wise, it’s about average for an external battery pack of the capacity, at around 6 inches by 4 inches.

See at Amazon

Samsung Fast Charge Battery Pack (5,200 mAh)

If you’re brand-conscious when it comes to accessories and also want a reliable battery pack, then consider the Samsung Fast Charge Battery Pack. At 5,200 mAh, it’ll give you at least one full charge nice and quickly.

Samsung claims that their battery pack will take you from 0 percent to 50 in about half an hour, thanks to its Quick Charge 2.0 support. Best of all, it’s sleek enough to fit in a pocket, being around the same size as a Galaxy S7 edge.

You can also match your GS7 or GS7 edge with your battery pack, since it comes in gold and silver.

See at Amazon
See at ShopAndroid

Unifun 10,400 mAh Waterproof Power Bank

Calling all campers! Unifun’s power bank is rugged and waterproof, so you can charge your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge when you’re really on the go. It’s rated IP66 for water and dust resistance, while also having anti-shock and anti-skid protection.

This pack even has a strap hole, so you can attach to a belt loop or clip, which is great if you’re working outside all day or constantly on the go; just run a cord to your pocket and away you go.

It’s a little bulky, at 6 inches, by almost 3 inches, but you’d expect something so rugged to be a little on the bulky side.

See at Amazon

What’s your favorite?

Which battery packs are you using to charge your Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? Sound off in the comments below!

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

• Galaxy S7 review
• Galaxy S7 edge review
• Here are all four Galaxy S7 colors
• Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S7?
• Learn about the Galaxy S7’s SD card slot
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

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Verizon

These are the best 360-degree videos that have been uploaded to Facebook so far

Since Facebook added support for 360-degree videos in September 2015, various publishers have been uploading tons of content. From supporting different causes to showing off sporting events, the videos have given us a new view of so many different things. With 360-degree videos, you can check out the whole surrounding, like to see Times Square during a snow storm, or the opening credits of the popular Game of Thrones.

From Facebook:

The #1 most popular 360 video of 2016 to date is from ABC News and shows people around the world what it’s like to experience a blizzard from the middle of New York City’s Times Square.

The list also includes the opening credits of Game of Thrones in 360 (which was the most-viewed 360 video in the first 24 hours, hitting 5.3 million views in one day), 360 experiences from European football teams FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC, and three stunning videos from National Geographic.

You can check out the top list of 360-degree videos, based on time spent watching, at Facebook.

Pebble Time Updated With New Health Tracking Features

Pebble today updated its official Pebble app and Pebble firmware to bring new health-related features to its line of Pebble smart watches. With the 3.12 update, available now, all Pebble Time smart watches support new health charts for better sleep and activity tracking over time.

A new Health tab within the app features interactive charts that display the step and sleep activity captured with the Pebble Time, plus Pebble Time is now able to automatically detect and track walking and running, delivering summary information on an activity at the time of its completion.

The app will also deliver overall activity and sleep summaries at the end of the day, much like the Apple Watch’s fitness app. Pebble Time’s sleep-related features are improving too, with a new sleep tracking feature that’ll trigger an alarm up to 30 minutes early if a user is in a light stage of sleep.

In addition to the health features, it’s also now possible for Pebble Time owners to begin conversations from their wrists with the Send Text app, which enables voice messages or pre-set text messaging for recent or favorite contacts so long as text replies are enabled from a compatible carrier.

Along with these features specific to the Pebble Time, all Pebble smart watch owners are now able to respond to incoming or missed calls with a pre-set text message if text replies from a compatible carrier are available.

What’s New in Version 3.12
For Time-series watches running Firmware 3.12 or higher:
– View interactive charts of your step and sleep activity from the new Health tab.
– Health charts show stats for running activities and long walks during the day.
– Start convos from your wrist with the new Send Text app! Message recent or favorite contacts. Requires text replies enabled from a compatible carrier.

For all Pebble models running Firmware 3.12 or higher:
– Respond to incoming or missed calls with a text message. Requires text replies enabled from a compatible carrier.
– Bug fixes and performance improvements.

The 3.12 Pebble app update can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tag: Pebble
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Engadget giveaway: Win a pair of Muo speakers courtesy of Kef!

As the reality of spring takes hold, we get to enjoy longer, warmer days and a burst of colorful foliage. To celebrate this positive seasonal swing, we’ve got a duo of rose-colored Muo speakers for one lucky reader this week. These Bluetooth portables from high-end UK audio maker Kef feature 12-hour battery life, a compact version of the company’s Uni-Q driver array and styling by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. The design echoes the curves of Kef’s flagship $225,000 Muon loudspeakers. You’ll be able to send CD-quality audio over Bluetooth aptX to the Muo (with a compatible device) or connect directly to its 3.5mm jack. They can be used as standalone speakers or paired for wider coverage and stereo sound when it’s time to party. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this colorful speaker set from Kef.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
• Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
• Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive two (2) Kef Muo Bluetooth speakers (Brilliant Rose).
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
• This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Engadget and AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
• The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
• Entries can be submitted until May 11th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!