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DJI’s Mobile SDK (software development kit) for Android now works with their Air 2S, Mini 2, and Mini SE drones. An iOS update is expected shortly. This means that third-party developers such as Litchi, Dronelink, and DroneDeploy can update their apps to be compatible with these models. Each of these apps offer up features that can’t be found on DJI’s Fly app, which powers all three of these drones. Right now, the Mavic 3 is not supported.
The ability to designate waypoints for regular flights, create mapping missions, and track plus follow subjects is currently not offered through DJI’s Fly app. Now that the SDK has been updated to offer support for the Air 2S, Mini 2, and Mini SE, users will be able to access these advanced features using the third-party apps, mentioned above, plus any others that decide to take advantage of the SDK’s offerings.
A software development kit (SDK) is a set of tools provided by a hardware company (like DJI) or software vendors that allow third-party developers to create applications for a platform. Historically, DJI’s Mobile SDK has been available for their Inspire, Phantom, and Mavic series of drones. Litchi claims, on its site, that it helps power over 4,000 daily flights.
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| Litchi, a third-party app for DJI, claims that it powers over 4,000 flights per day. |
As DroneXL.co points out, while you can look forward to accessing features not available on the Fly app, including Follow and ActiveTrack, on the Air 2S, Mini 2 and SE, you won’t have any recourse if your drone crashes or flies away while using a third-party app. DJI’s warranties only cover accidents that happen while using their software. These apps also boast one-time or monthly fees.
Right now, one app, Rainbow, has received DJI’s Mobile SDK treatment. This gives the Air 2S, Mini 2 and SE the ability to use Waypoint, Orbit and Follow Me features. Mavic 3 support, along with iOS, while not yet announced, should follow shortly.