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DJI Announces Battery Optimizing Update for Spark and Back-to-School Promotions on Drones

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DJI this week announced an incoming update for its newest drone, the DJI Spark, which will further enhance the drone's battery management system to "optimize power supply during flight." DJI was unclear by how much this might extend the Spark's flight time beyond its original ~16 minutes of in-air time.

Additionally, the firmware update offers better stability for the Spark's Palm Launch feature, improves the accuracy of controls in the QuickShot Dronie mode, and enhances the compatibility of DJI's additional remote control accessory. Users will now also be able to fully integrate the Spark with DJI Goggles.

content_DJI_Spark_Family_Bike_Ride.jpg

The company warned that if users don't update their Spark by September 1, their drone will not be able to fly until the firmware update is performed. Updates can be performed through the DJI GO 4 app on iOS or the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software.
DJI will be releasing a new firmware update this week to further enhance flight safety and performance of the DJI Spark.

If the firmware of either the aircraft or the battery is not updated by September 1, Spark will not be able to take off. DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities.
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DJI also announced a series of discounts on its drones and handheld products as part of a new back-to-school promotion for students, educators, and academic research staff with an approved educational email address. The DJI Spark Fly More Combo pack is marked down by 12 percent ($615) for those who apply between August 22 through August 24, and drops down to 10 percent off ($629) after that period of time.

There are also discounts for the Osmo Mobile, Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, DJI Goggles, and more. For the full list of the products on sale during DJI's back-to-school promotion, as well as how to apply for the discount, check out DJI's website.

Last week, DJI announced another update coming to its drones soon, which will allow users to fly a drone without needing an internet connection. Called "local data mode," the feature will stop a DJI drone from communicating with a connected smartphone, so maps, geofencing information, and newly-issued flight restrictions will no longer be updated during flights. DJI pointed out that the upside is an increase to user security and privacy when the mode is enabled.

Article Link: DJI Announces Battery Optimizing Update for Spark and Back-to-School Promotions on Drones
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/22/dji-update-spark-back-to-school/
kstotlani said:
Back to school drones? What is next? Back to school F35s?
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No, they already did that in 1996:

Kinda makes me not want to buy their products if they're going to force firmware updates on me. Is it a timed thing or what? Seems kinda ridiculous to give people a one week warning if they're out in the middle of nowhere backpacking and don't have an internet connection. Or that they have to put out firmware updates in the first place that force installation because they deem the current, shipping firmware to be far too dangerous. Yikes.
 
macduke said:
Kinda makes me not want to buy their products if they're going to force firmware updates on me. Is it a timed thing or what? Seems kinda ridiculous to give people a one week warning if they're out in the middle of nowhere backpacking and don't have an internet connection. Or that they have to put out firmware updates in the first place that force installation because they deem the current, shipping firmware to be far too dangerous. Yikes.
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The app checks with DJI to see if updates are available and/or required. It most likely wouldn't be able to force an update out of range of WiFi and cell networks, although if you used the app before you went backpacking and gave it a chance to learn about the update it might disable the drone after the warnings run out.

DJI has done forced updates a lot. I think it saves them compatibility testing between different versions of the app and the drone firmware. Forced updates are also done because it keeps them and drone users in compliance with new or updated laws.

I have found it inconvenient, but not enough to stop flying.
 
Sefstah said:
Since when does the military make our laws? My DJI Mavic is working just fine. And why are you making these assumptions without facts?
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You assume I think military makes laws? I merely note that military is concerned. you can choose to be concerned or not.

You note that your drone is mechanically holding up. That was not military’s main concern, but such a happy funny laugh I had reading this bit. Happy for your well maintained device.

Did I make assumptions about MacRumors? Nope, just properly identified it as a fluff because the article:

1. Leads by parrotting dji’s baseless claim of battery improvement yet article neither notes a journalistic follow-up nor has assigned significance to the lack of numbers, and

2. Omits any reference to the military concern that is pretty big news.

This is textbook ‘soft promotion’ however one does not want to assume. No proper journalist worth a salt will assume conspiracy, dear colleague. Rather, I asked the question ‘whether’ this article was promotional. MC can update article to clarify if financial incentive or none and to show due diligence on points 1 and 2 (above).

Good questions you have. What do they say: Discussion delves, dispells rumor (maybe, but sure there are exceptions, too).

Anyway, hope you are having a good week.
 
kingpushup said:
You assume I think military makes laws? I merely note that military is concerned. you can choose to be concerned or not.
...
...
...
2. Omits any reference to the military concern that is pretty big news.
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Unless you're using your DJI drones on missions where giving up your location may lead to the loss of lives or a third party hacking your drone and seeing what you and your base (back yard) look like, really why should Joe Bloggs have the same concerns that the military has?!
 
HacKage said:
Unless you're using your DJI drones on missions where giving up your location may lead to the loss of lives or a third party hacking your drone and seeing what you and your base (back yard) look like, really why should Joe Bloggs have the same concerns that the military has?!
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Haha ikr but remember google street-view cars? Drones may gather video schematics, key audio conversations, router information, and unhashed data that can be hashed later into information via certain keys.

But Joe Bloggs is 99% safe, right, because what does s/he have on his home router or cell phone that’s so valuable? So he drones, feels safe, and he sees a bit...

Meanwhile DJI can gather tons because, Why and where does JB fly? Because he gets excitement by flying downtown ... or to see a new Apple building ... or to see into buildings surrounded by a street-level fence. VIP-ish stuff.

So, what’s at risk is local government maybe, a neighborhood employer and infrastructure or utilities ... and in-roads here can gain access up the food chain.

However, JB should get to decide as an informed citizen because MC should have diligently provided context. This is why MC gets 4th-Branch protections as a journalist - to research, consolidate and deliver information to individual citizens.
 
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