Fresh details about DJI's unannounced Mavic 2 drone have been leaked inside an Argos catalogue, revealed as new UK drone laws today come into force.
The latest version of the store's product catalogue, which went into stores last Saturday, lists details and photos of the DJI Mavic 2, as well as the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom.
The Mavic 2 will have live high-definition video transmission at a distance of up to 8km, and a max speed of 20m per second. It will also have an "omni-directional obstacle" sensor to better prevent collisions.
The Zoom edition will come with an optical zoom lens, and all models will have 31 minutes of maximum flying time, making the Mavic 2 "one of DJI's most sophisticated flying cameras ever".
DJI said the mix-up occurred due to the catalogue being printed before the company had postponed its press event for the drone, which was scheduled for 18 July.
However the world's biggest consumer drone manufacturer added that this leak only "hints at the many exciting features and capabilities DJI will announce at the proper time".
Of all places to confirm the Mavic 2 its Argos UK – 2 additions being released Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro (1” CMOS sensor) – both 31 mins of flight time, 8km range and 1080P live video transmission @OsitaLV @DroneDJ #mavic2 #djimavic2 #dji #mavic #news #dronedj #ositaLV #drone pic.twitter.com/uDY4luqP6n
— Brett Thake (@Chromonian) July 28, 2018
A spokesperson for Argos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The news comes as new laws on drone-flying come into force in the UK today, making it a criminal offence to fly drones above 400ft or within a kilometre of airport boundaries without permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Christian Struwe, DJI's head of public policy for Europe, welcomed the laws earlier today and said they will "grant the appropriate authorities more power over a few bad actors".
A second round of laws will come into effect in November next year, which will require owners of drones weighing 250g or more to register with the CAA and for drone pilots to take an online safety test.
Those who flout the new restrictions could be charged with recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or any person in an aircraft, and result in an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
Read more: Drones could add £42bn to UK economy by 2030
Vodafone UK's enterprise director Anne Sheehan said today's governance will increase drone technology's credibility with businesses.
"The new law on drones highlights that the technology is moving away from being a consumer toy and towards a commercially viable product for businesses," she commented.
As the sector becomes more regulated, businesses will feel more secure to explore the use of drones, for example using them to enhance existing security at concerts or events, or secure remote assets."
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