The HOVERAir X1 Promax sets a new benchmark for portability and video quality in the drone market, rivaling industry leader DJI.

Since acquiring knowledge of ZeroZero Robotics, we’ve been closely monitoring their developments. Despite some notable flaws, such as monitoring issues and a stuck propeller, the foldable camera drone boasted an intriguing design and a passable camera that allowed it to hold its own against industry giant DJI’s offerings. In today’s business landscape, a prominent corporation recently unveiled two advanced drone models: the…

While neither of the two styles are exceptional, they’re still worth considering. While they offer distinct advantages over DJI drones, including their unique design and an impressive 8K camera on the Professional model, among other features. They settle for a remarkably affordable price point. As people seek innovative solutions to address emerging needs and counter monopolies, ZeroZero Robotics has stepped up with two remarkable drone offerings.

ZeroZero Robotics unveiled its cutting-edge HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX drones in August, revolutionizing the industry with unprecedented precision and agility. 26. The drones are not fully prepared yet? As an alternative, they’re .

I was thrilled when ZeroZero Robotics extended an invitation to meet with them for a pre-release preview, allowing me to take to the skies and test out both the HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PRO drones firsthand. While I didn’t formally label my experience an overview, I did participate in demos with ZeroZero experts who provided insightful guidance. I exclusively flew a limited number of indoor flights, precluding the opportunity to assess overall performance under various conditions such as windy weather or long-distance travel.

What I witnessed was nothing short of breathtaking.

The latest HoverAir X1 Pro and HoverAir X1 ProMax drones have caught our attention, and we’re excited to provide a comprehensive review and comparison with other ZeroZero models. We’ll also share our thoughts on whether or not these drones are worth pre-ordering.

The August 26 launch features two new drones, each building upon the successful HoverAir X1, introduced in May 2023, with refined enhancements.

The HoverAir X1’s three variants all feature a unified, instantly recognizable fully enclosed portable propeller design and a consistent bi-copter layout. The latest two drone introductions have made a significant impression with their upgraded specifications, including high-quality cameras and advanced obstacle detection capabilities.

The ZeroZero Robotics fleet of three drones shares a unified inspection protocol.

	On a regular basis recreation	Snow Sports activities & Biking	Skilled Creation
	2.7K@30fps 1080P@60fps	4K@60fps 1080P@120fps (Slo-mo)	8K@30fps 4K@120fps | 10-bit HLG
	–	Lively rear-side collision detection (Proximity sensor)	Imaginative and prescient-based rear-side collision detection
	125 grams	191.5 grams	192.5 grams
	127×86×31 mm	149×105×34 mm	149×105×34 mm
	25 km/h	42 km/h	42 km/h
	30 meters (telephone app)	The communication range between devices using our application is typically around 500 meters when using the telephone app, whereas with the beacon controller, the range increases to approximately 1 km.	Within a range of approximately 500 meters via telephone application or up to 1 kilometer through the beacon controller.
	11.5 minutes	16 minutes	16 minutes
	Degree 4 (7.9 m/s)	Degree 5 (10.7 m/s)	Degree 5 (10.7 m/s)

The features shared by the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX and HOVERAir X1 PRO drones include:

The drone boasts a revolutionary Hyper-Elastic Materials (HEM) body, offering both remarkable lightness and exceptional durability.

The drones offer a maximum flight duration of 16 minutes per unit. While comparable to some DJI models in terms of its relatively short hovering duration, averaging around 30 minutes or less, it falls somewhat short of their standards. The drone features a degree five wind resistance rating, implying that it can typically fly smoothly outdoors, but may struggle in stormy conditions; its maximum speed is approximately 26 miles per hour or 42 kilometers per hour, with a ceiling of 120 meters.

Operable in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C), the drones benefit from the innovative Thermo Good Battery, available at an additional cost.

HoverAir X1 PRO

While the HoverAir X1 PRO represents an upgraded iteration, it falls short of the PROMAX model’s level of sophistication. The drone captures stunning 4K/60fps video, boasting an expansive 104-degree field of view.

Weighing a mere 191.5 grams, this product falls comfortably below the threshold of 200 grams or more, which necessitates distinct regulations in the United States for planes that exceed this weight. across a wide range of international locations.

While it may not be entirely crash-proof, the autonomous vehicle’s advanced features do include rear-side proximity sensors designed to detect potential collisions from any direction.

Typically priced at $499, early birds can snag it for a discounted $399 upon pre-ordering.

HoverAir X1 PROMAX

The HoverAir X1 PROMAX stands out as the most impressive offering from ZeroZero’s portfolio thus far. Priced at $699, with a pre-order option of $599, this device boasts impressive specs that rival those found on DJI’s high-end drones. What stands out most about the HoverAir X1 PROMAX is its impressive 8K/30fps videography capabilities, courtesy of a high-quality 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. The customised seven-layer lens offers an impressive 14 stops of dynamic range and a wide-angle 107-degree field of view.

While ZeroZero Robotics focuses on skilled content creators with this drone, its sub-$1,000 price point makes it potentially accessible to newcomers as well.

The PRO Plus model is only slightly larger than its predecessor, weighing in at a mere 192.5 grams. If you’re flying domestically within the United States?

The Promax could potentially be the standout model in ZeroZero’s current lineup, deserving of consideration. Because the PRO model lacks an additional PC imaginative vision sensor. The Observe-me options elevate significantly when incorporating equipment such as the Seaside, to which we will elaborate further.

New HoverAir X1 equipment

As part of this inaugural launch, we are introducing a wide range of cutting-edge technology and innovative equipment. While extra costs are incurred for these perks. The newly introduced equipment for the HoverAir X1 drones encompasses:

This is perhaps the most crucial piece of gear to have onboard. Dubbed the Beacon, this cutting-edge technology features a high-definition 1.78-inch OLED display that provides real-time video feed from the drone’s camera, offering an unparalleled view of its surroundings.

Moreover, the feature prompts HoverLink for high-precision monitoring, allowing seamless integration when used as intended. The system enables a maximum transmission range of approximately 1 kilometre, allowing for extended and safe flight operations at greater distances. Additionally, this device allows for voice commands to control the camera’s flight path, and it can record audio. AI-driven noise-cancellation technology effectively minimizes distracting ambient sounds.

From that point forward, you can seamlessly integrate additional modules using the company’s innovative, patented tri-state modular design. The Beacon transforms seamlessly into a compact one-handed controller, effortlessly clipping onto its companion piece on the right hand side. This feature provides single-handed joystick control and intuitive movement management.

By utilizing the two-handed controller, an extra left-hand component is seamlessly integrated. Transforming your Beacon into an advanced, two-handed remote control unit. You can expand your viewing experience using your smartphone’s USB-C connection and a suitable larger monitor display.

This unique accent stands out to me as the most charming among the group. This innovative, portable charging case efficiently recharges your drone anywhere, anytime, including extreme temperatures down to -4°F. You can easily take this portable power bank snowboarding with you in most circumstances and recharge it from your ski jacket pocket when needed.

In addition, the expense doesn’t stop at just purchasing drones. As a powerful 12,000mAh energy storage device, it’s designed to efficiently power a variety of devices, including smartphones?

The HoverAir X1 PROMAX and PRO utilize helpful neutral density (ND) filters.

The corporation has also developed specialized gear tailored to specific sports. A handlebar mount caters specifically to cyclists, accompanied by a magnetic adapter designed for seamless compatibility. Additionally, there’s a charging hub that allows multiple batteries to charge simultaneously.

The HoverAir X1 Promax and Pro are high-end drones designed for professional use, boasting impressive features that rival those of market leader DJI. Key highlights include a maximum takeoff weight of 2.5kg, with the Pro model featuring a foldable design for enhanced portability. Both variants utilise advanced GPS and GLONASS technologies to ensure precise flight and obstacle avoidance.

Like many modern drones, this model features an array of built-in flight modes, including the popular “follow-me” function, as well as others that enable circular flights around the user or precision zoom and pan capabilities. With ten customizable flight modes to select from within the HOVER app, personalization is at your fingertips. Here are several essential key options to familiarize yourself with and explore:

That’s where the HoverAir X1 PROMAX truly stands out from the rest. Engaging in debates with someone who holds an entrenched opinion as strong as 8K can indeed be mentally draining. Can you really get an 8K-capable drone for under $1,000? Unimaginable. As evident from my personal Instagram stories, the video clarity is remarkably crisp. The significant upgrade offered by the PROMAX model over its PRO counterpart is precisely what justifies the extra $200 investment – a crucial consideration for anyone weighing their options.

While drones have made significant strides in various areas, their flight times remain a notable area of weakness. While the 16-minute flight time of the HoverAir X1 PROMAX and PRO marks a significant improvement over the original’s 11.5 minutes, it still leaves room for growth. What can stay aloft for 34 minutes and soar to even greater heights with the addition of?

This autonomous drone is engineered to effortlessly lift off from the palm of your hand, responding seamlessly to either physical contact or verbal voice commands. I’m drawn to the Force of this description, it resonates with me. To fully leverage the joystick capabilities often preferred by drone pilots, note that an additional controller purchase is required, potentially frustrating some users. At its price point, numerous drones, including those from DJI, have adopted an à la carte model where the controller is priced separately.

Inner storage is a highly desirable feature in modern drones, and it’s particularly useful in this instance. I’ve found this incredibly convenient for avoiding any hassle with memory-playing cards. It significantly simplifies the process of switching courses. The PRO model comes equipped with 32 GB of internal storage, in contrast the PROMAX variant boasts a significantly larger 64 GB capacity.

While follow-me mode can be useful, it’s not consistently outstanding. Upon completing the test, we unfortunately experienced an issue where the drone lost its target and instead crashed into a tree branch.

I documented various skills I acquired during my brief experience operating this drone. At a fundamental level, I established boundaries to ensure my needs were met. As I turned to follow its trajectory, it swiftly homed in on the man standing just behind me, its gaze fixed intently on him before rapidly shifting its attention to scan his every move. As I watched it soar mere inches from my scalp, I was taken aback by the proximity, prompting me to reassess the reliability of its obstacle-avoidance systems – a fortunate thing, considering the safety benefits of its fully enclosed rotor design.

While discussing the design aspect, I must confess that it has a certain allure to me. The fully enclosed propellers truly provide an added sense of security. It’s so tiny and transportable. The compact design of the charging hub allows it to comfortably fit into a large coat pocket, making it effortlessly portable. While brief flight interruptions can be frustrating, I acknowledge the eco-friendly benefits of charging.

While appearances suggest excellence, the norm falls short of exceptional standards. During my examination of the controller, I unfortunately damaged it irreparably while attempting to pry open the spinning components, much to ZeroZero’s dismay. They’re known for being quite particular, requiring a precise angle to stay in place. When capturing the animals at an incorrect angle, you may inadvertently compel them to exit in a hasty manner, ultimately leading to their demise as I unfortunately experienced. Watch out.

It appears that ZeroZero Robotics may have a questionable reputation.

What cutting-edge innovations are being pioneered by ZeroZero Robotics in the realm of artificial intelligence and robotics? If your intention is to purchase from this Chinese-language based drone company, then its products are unlikely to meet your needs. Despite having offices located throughout the United States. Founded in 2014, a corporation that bears the legacy of innovation was co-established by two brilliant minds, PhDs from Stanford University: MQ Wang and Tony Zhang.

Since then, the company has accumulated a substantial amount of capital through partnerships with traders, as well as IDG and ZhenFund. The company has built a team of employees who together possess more than 140 core patents.

The Hover Digicam Passport, the world’s first commercial drone, debuted in 2016, featuring a similar design to its successor, the HOVERAir X1 models. In a drastic departure from its conventional style, the company ventured into uncharted territory with its launch in 2021. Unlike the HOVERAir X1 drones, this device boasts an impressive 50-minute flight duration.

While the corporation initially explored the possibility of becoming a DJI rival, they ultimately launched the HoverAir X1 on Indiegogo in 2023. Unlike many other crowdfunding campaigns that falter, this one succeeded. After securing backing from over 5,000 supporters, the project efficiently fulfilled every single one of its orders – an unusually impressive achievement. As of 2023, the campaign proudly boasts the distinction of being the second-highest funded mission on Indiegogo that year?

Following a successful Indiegogo campaign, ZeroZero promptly began fulfilling retail orders via their official website, ZeroZero Robotics. Additionally, it is also sold through major retailers such as

It’s not nearly as massive as DJI. The emergence of a competitor in the shopper drone market is undoubtedly a positive development. Due to concerns over dependence on Chinese manufacturing, many individuals strongly object to using technology products, including drones, manufactured in China. While studying this on various devices, including MacBooks, iPhones, and Google Pixels, it’s likely that the underlying technology originated in China, given its significant manufacturing presence globally.

Should you pre-order the HoverAir X1 PRO or HoverAir X1 PROMAX?

The prototype drone is currently on hold for transportation purposes; however, I recently had the opportunity to fly a scaled-down model, which provides an insight into the final product that you can expect if you place a pre-order now. Despite being rooted in manufacturing, constant adaptability remains essential.

I still get a huge rush from piloting my drone. I relished its exceptional portability, making it an outstanding choice for frequent flyers on the go. Thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike will revel in the excitement offered by this innovative solution.

When you do that, you gain two benefits. As someone who dares to pioneer, you likely take pride in being an early adopter. You also enjoy an additional savings of $100 per drone, a significant benefit indeed. The PRO model offers a substantial 20% discount, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

Before considering a pre-order, carefully review these crucial factors.

Indiegogo’s new Delivery Assure program

Despite being just one thing you might think you need, there’s actually a reduction available. Zero Zero Robotics is an inaugural partner in the Delivery Assurance program. This innovative assurance from Indiegogo effectively addresses the pain points of drones introduced on crowdfunding platforms previously? Given the uncertainty surrounding the success and launch of crowdfunded products, I would recommend exercising extreme caution when considering purchasing a crowdfunded drone, as there is no guarantee that the product will actually materialize?

Represented the most flagrant example of this phenomenon. The corporation secured a significant upfront payment of approximately $34 million through pre-sales, effectively guaranteeing revenue before ultimately ceasing operations without completing the project. Despite vowing to offer refunds, the debacle was marred by a labyrinthine complexity.

Indiegogo has launched a new, invitation-only program called Delivery Assure. Companies with a proven track record of successful crowdfunding on Indiegogo, such as ZeroZero Robotics, provide investors with increased confidence. Backers, also known as early adopters who have pre-ordered products, are entitled to a full refund if the shipper fails to deliver their goods within the specified timeframe.

What about DJI?

Does this transport arrangement offer a sense of relief, knowing that you won’t be stranded without alternatives, and potentially saving thousands of dollars from falling into the wrong hands? Unfortunately, it won’t begin its journey immediately.

Rumors are already circulating that new details may emerge as early as this week. It appears that this drone may indeed emerge as a formidable rival not only to existing DJI products but also to those offered by ZeroZero Robotics.

While some may opt for a brand-new HOVERAir drone or a used one, not everyone will make such a choice. By offering a limited-time pre-order at a competitive price, ZeroZero Robotics is incentivizing customers to commit to purchasing their product over alternatives like DJI’s. Considering the importance of thorough research, you might need to forego the initial $100 discount to ensure you make an informed decision through a detailed comparison of features and prices before committing to a purchase.

Typically, DJI is able to expedite shipments of its products shortly after their debut. Those eager to invest in a new DJI drone may require the latest iteration sooner than those who pre-ordered a HOVERAir X1 PRO or PROMAX, potentially prioritizing cutting-edge technology over waiting for existing orders to materialize. While it’s true that everything is, ultimately, a matter of interpretation.