Marvel and Dji Want You to "Fly like a Hero" with the New Tello Iron Man Edition
Image Credit: SZ DJI Technology Co.
Almost everyone is talking about the epic climax of Marvel’s superhero cinematic universe: Avengers Endgame. In the leadup to this cinematic event, Marvel has released all kinds of promotional merchandise. Ordinarily, retailers sell Avengers-branded t-shirts, posters, accessories, and even makeup. One of the more unique items receiving the Avengers treatment is the Tello. Have you ever wanted to fly a boldly colored hi-tech UAS just like Iron Man? Well, you’re in luck because DJI has released a new Tello modeled after everyone’s favorite Avenger, Iron Man.
Originally, the Tello was lauded as a great drone for beginners. Launched last year, the Tello was a collaborative effort put forth by DJI, Shenzhen startup Ryze Tech, and Intel. It was created to be a low-budget drone that made learning to fly and program fun. It was priced at an affordable $99, hundreds of dollars less than DJI’s next inexpensive model. Ryze endearingly refers to the Tello as “a smaller brother of the Spark.” A key aspect of the Tello is its educational component. It was designed to educate through entertainment and interactivity. Junior pilots can fly this drone with their smartphones by using the Tello app and with the Tello Edu app, they can learn how to program their drone.
Video Credit: Tello Drone
Essentially, the new Avengers Tello Iron Man Edition comes with the same features that made the original Tello great wrapped up in a new iron man skin (and with a $30 surcharge). It has the same 13 minutes of flight time, 100-meter image transmission, and 720p HD transmission. An added feature for this version is the companion Tello Hero app. This app strives to immerse the pilot in Iron Man’s world and even uses his new artificial intelligence assistant F.R.I.D.A.Y., who Marvel introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Iron Man Tello also supports Tello Edu so the Tello maintains its educational benefits.
Nowadays, films are relying on drones to land the perfect aerial shot. It’s not often that a drone is redesigned to feature a film. Other than custom designs, there are only a few instances of drones be designed in honor of a major motion picture. In 2016, the Propel team launched a range of Disney licensed Star Wars battle drones. They also sell a DC endorsed Batwing and Batwing HD. This new Tello is a fun addition to the DJI store and an interesting way to celebrate the new Avengers film. Are there any other drones that should receive a superhero makeover? What film do you want to get the drone treatment? Feel free to share your dream movie drone combination in the comments.
I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron
