One of the first things you would have noticed had you walked into CES Unveiled tonight was the Parrot AR.Drone “quadricoptor”.

What the heck is a “quadricopter”

Put simply, it’s a helicopter surrounded by four propellers (powered each by a motor) featuring an embedded Linux platform and two built-in video cameras – all controlled wirelessly using an Apple iPhone or iPod touch. Simply move/tilt the iPod touch and watch the AR.Drone perform the corresponding action. (see video clips below).

Sounds cool and all but what’s the point?

“Augmented Reality video games”.

Yes repeat after me..

“Augmented Reality video games”

The AR.Drone allows users to fly about in a real-world environment while playing a full-fledged video game from the device’s screen. Real world objects and conditions instantly become part of a video game environment with virtual objects appearing against the real-world background. Virtual world meets the real world through the eyes of the AR.Drone.  Kinda nifty eh?

From a software perspective, the AR.Drone utilizes an open platform allowing third party software developers to create additional games and applications for the device. The platform is open as of today to approved developers.

From a hardware perspective, the AR.Drone has four propellers and two cameras.

“The first camera located underneath, connects to an Inertial Measurement Unit, which allows the AR.Drone to measure its speed and perform flawless stationary flight. Parrot Smart Piloting (PSP) technology compensates for wind and other environmental conditions during outside flights.

The second camera at the front, broadcasts and streams to the iPhone or iPod touch screen, what the AR.Drone sees, as if you were sitting in the cockpit. This allows for the augmented reality gaming experience.”

Communications between the AR.Drone and the iPod touch is accomplished thanks to a self-generated Wi-Fi network originating from the drone.

The drone can be used inside or outside. For inside usage, the drone comes with a hull which surrounds the propellers and protects the drone in case it hits objects. For the outside, a shaped hull reduces the area to the wind for increased maneuverability.

The AR.Drone is scheduled to be available to consumers later this year. No word on pricing as of yet.

[Check it out]

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